USCA senior the first to receive Homecoming 5K Scholarship
Theuerl's journey into sociology started in high school, where his interest was ignited by his initial courses.
Peyton Theuerl, a senior sociology major, has much to be thankful for, particularly after being selected as the first recipient of the Sandy Rogers and Scotty Richardson Memorial Scholarship at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA).
“I feel like this scholarship is a way for the school to see all the hard work and excellence that I’ve put into my four years at USCA,” Theuerl said.
The scholarship honors Aiken police officers, Richardson and Rogers, who were tragically killed in the line of duty just two months apart in 2011 and 2012. Awarded by the sociology program at USCA, the scholarship is given to students pursuing a career in criminal justice.
To maximize student scholarship funds, the sociology faculty proposed an on-campus 5K Run during Homecoming Weekend in 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. Theuerl was given $500 to cover school expenses.
Theuerl's journey into sociology began in high school, where his curiosity was sparked by his first few courses. Scoring a perfect 100 on his midterms was the moment he knew—this was more than just a subject; it was a calling he was determined to pursue.
Dr. Timothy McClure, an associate professor of sociology at USCA, proudly elaborated on how impressed he was with Theuerl and his outstanding success as a student. “What stands out to me the most about Peyton is his organization and communication skills; and his service to the university outside the classroom,” McClure said.
McClure, whose been teaching sociology since the fall of 2013 at USCA, serves as Theuerl’s academic advisor and taught him in both Sociology of Law and Sociology of Crime courses. “One overarching theme in all of these characteristics is that Peyton always goes well beyond the bare minimum requirements, both as a student and as a campus citizen.”
McClure highlighted the importance of awards such as the Sandy Rogers and Scotty Richardson Memorial Scholarship for the Department of Sociology. These awards enable the university to honor the legacy and contributions of Rogers and Richardson, former USCA students who served their community as police officers. “It provides us with an opportunity to offer our students greater chances to pursue education and careers in the field that these officers dedicated their lives to,” Dr. McClure explained.
Just like Richardson and Rogers, Theuerl aspires to one day work in law enforcement in hopes of changing and assisting communities. “As a long-term goal, I want to work for the FBI or SLED one day.”
Dr. McClure advised that any students wanting to consider sociology as a major should review the courses that are offered along with the different career options.
"The key is putting in the hard work and staying dedicated— the results will follow," Theuerl added.
When he's not immersed in his coursework, Theuerl stays active as the philanthropy chair for Delta Sigma Phi, a fraternity at USCA, and as a member of the Student Government Association.
For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.