USCB Celebrates the Class of 2026 at Spring Commencement
The University of South Carolina Beaufort awarded degrees to 303 students at its spring commencement on May 1, 2026.
“You possess the right disposition and the resilient mindset to succeed,” USCB Chancellor Al M. Panu told the graduates. “Your USCB education has instilled in you fundamental attributes that empower you to overcome any obstacle that threatens your forward progress.”
The highest number of bachelor’s degrees awarded to the Class of 2026 were in Biology, Business Administration, Nursing, Psychology, and Interdisciplinary Studies. USCB also awarded five master’s degrees in Computational Science.
Michael Amiridis, president of the University of South Carolina, spoke to the graduates about artificial intelligence.
“Everywhere you look, in business, industry, education, government, medicine, the arts, in every field, people are encouraging us to learn how to embrace the opportunities presented by AI,” he said. “But your creativity, your expertise, your perspective, your passions, all of these things belong only to you. You should be ready to use AI to enhance your talents and ideas, not to replace them.”
Coleman and Shirley “Peaches” Peterson of Hilton Head Island, SC, were each awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service.
Coleman, who serves on the USCB Education Foundation, is the former Executive Vice President of People and Chief Human Resource Officer at Walmart. He is a devoted advocate for education, service leadership, and personal growth.
Peaches is a civic leader whose life’s work has strengthened communities. On Hilton Head Island, she played a central role in the creation of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the nation’s first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people, and she has supported numerous philanthropic and community initiatives in the region.
Coleman delivered the 2026 Commencement keynote address. He advised the graduating class to live life with integrity and compassion.
“Success is meaningful not only because of what you achieve, but because of how you achieve it and who you help along the way. Never forget the importance of giving back,” he said.
- USCB -
JJ 05/06/2026