USCA Hosts 2nd Annual Homecoming 5K to Benefit Memorial Scholarship

The University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) is proud to announce its 2^nd Annual Homecoming 5K Spirit Run to benefit The Sandy Rogers and Scotty Richardson Memorial Scholarship on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8 a.m. at the Convocation Center.

The scholarship honors two Aiken police officers who were tragically killed in the line of duty just two months apart in 2011 and 2012. Awarded by the sociology program at USCA, preference is given to students pursuing a career in criminal justice with a demonstrated financial need.

Dr. Christine Wernet, chair of the sociology department at USCA, taught Scotty Richardson ‘05 when he was a student in the sociology program. “We are so excited to continue and honor Sandy and Scotty and grow this scholarship which offers students extra resources to help them complete their degree in sociology.”

Rogers and Richardson’s family and friends made an initial gift in 2013 to establish this legacy scholarship in honor of these heroes of the City of Aiken Public Safety Department.

To maximize student scholarship funds, the sociology faculty proposed an on-campus 5K Run during Homecoming Weekend 2024. The event was a resounding success with 172 runners, 20 volunteers, and eight corporate sponsors. The community support raised $10,258. This made it possible to endow the scholarship, which means funds will be available to sociology majors in perpetuity.

Dr. Philip Mason, an associate professor of sociology who is regularly seen running on campus during afternoons, described the inaugural race as exciting, particularly because it honored two fallen heroes and included many of their loved ones. “Nearly every stride was beside someone who knew these officers and was grateful for their service and the lives they lived.” Mason noted that participating in this annual race is a wonderful experience, highlighting it as “a vibrant celebration of the Aiken community and a hopeful look towards the future as race proceeds fund scholarships for students studying criminology and criminal justice who are in financial need.”

Carmen Williams, director of Alumni Relations, adds that all of Aiken County and beyond are welcome to participate in the 5K Run. “We are thrilled to host this 5K Run to honor Sandy Rogers and Scotty Richardson. Homecoming is a community event. Please come out and make a lasting impact on students who will receive these scholarships at USCA.”

The Homecoming 5K Spirit Run is family-friendly, and race participation open to all ages and abilities. Each 5K participant receives a t-shirt, and finalists receive ribbons. This will be a chipped-time race.

Event Schedule: 

• 15, 7:50 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
• 15, 8:00 a.m.– Race Start

The race starts at the Convocation Center located at 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, SC 29829.

After the race, participants are encouraged to remain on campus for a Homecoming Tailgate and a baseball double-header at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. versus Seton Hall and a softball double-header at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. versus Limestone. Women’s basketball plays Columbus State at 1:30 p.m. and men’s basketball starts at 3:30 p.m.

For more information and to register for the 5K Run, please click the link here--entry fees for the run increase after Jan. 15.

To sponsor the event or learn more about sponsorship, contact Wesley Brown at wesley.brown@usca.edu or 803-641-3417.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.