USCB graduates first freshman class

BLUFFTON -- The University of South Carolina Beaufort's graduation celebration wasn't just any ceremony Friday. It was historic.

Members of the class of 2008 were the first to enter as freshmen and know they could earn a four-year degree at USCB, according to Deborah Reynolds, a college spokeswoman.

"This is our first class," said chancellor Jane Upshaw before 113 participating students walked the stage in front of the Hargray building. There are 169 members of the class of 2008.

Graduates remember a time when the university's south campus was still a college in the making.

"It really didn't hit me until a few days ago," said graduate Tyler Blaisdell, who earned a B.A. in history. The Okatie native is considering going to graduate school to become a teacher.

"I remember (the Hargray) building being under construction," he said, "and walking through fields of dirt."

Jairus Bonner, of Bluffton, earned a B.S. in business administration and hopes to go on to earn a master's degree.

"It feels very rewarding," he said of his landmark class. "I watched it grow into a large student body."

But the class did more than live through some construction. It chose the Sand Shark as the university's mascot, saw the formation of varsity sports teams and observed the expansion of academic programs.

Students aren't the only ones who remember the creation of the south campus.

Andrew Sorensen, president of the University of South Carolina statewide, recalled visiting with Upshaw when the Bluffton campus was still a "pine forest" dream. The property was vacant then.

"I said to myself, 'This is not a pine forest, it's a pine swamp,'" he said.

Sorensen said the dream became a reality.

Commencement speaker Arthur Blank, owner of the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons and co-founder of The Home Depot, encouraged students to use their education to give back to the community.

It's a message Blaisdell will remember if he becomes an educator.

"I've enjoyed watching other ers," he said. "Maybe it's something I can give back to the community."