USCA to host 3rd Annual Homecoming 5K

The University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) will host the 3^rd Annual Homecoming 5K Run to benefit The Sandy Rogers and Scotty Richardson Memorial Scholarship on campus on Feb. 21. The 5K starts at 8 a.m.

Proceeds from this 3.1-mile run will benefit The Sandy Rogers and Scotty Richardson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honors two Aiken police officers who were tragically killed in the line of duty over a period of two months in 2011 and 2012. Awarded by USCA’s sociology program, preference is given to students who are pursuing a career in criminal justice with a demonstrated financial need.

"This scholarship represents the very best of what we strive for supporting students as they work toward meaningful careers in sociology and criminal justice," said Dr. DeAnna Gore, chair of the sociology department. "We are grateful for the opportunity to honor the legacy of Sandy Rogers and Scotty Richardson each year through this 5K and to invest in the future of our students." 

Family and friends of Rogers and Richardson made an initial gift in 2013 to establish this scholarship to honor these heroes of Aiken Department of Public Safety. The scholarship is meant to provide a lasting legacy.

To maximize the funds available and students impacted by this scholarship, sociology faculty proposed an on-campus 5K Run during Homecoming Weekend 2023. The event was a resounding success with 172 runners, 20 volunteers, and 8 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.

In 2024, the first recipient of the endowed scholarship, Peyton Theuerl, spoke to the runners and served as the race’s starter. Theuerl graduated degree in Sociology in May 2025 and now works for Aiken Public Safety.

This year, the second recipient of the scholarship, Kylie Burns, will start the race. Burns is a double-major in Sociology, with concentrations in criminology and criminal justice and communication. Additionally, she is completing a minor in African American Studies.

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, added that everyone in Aiken County and beyond are welcome to participate in the 5K race to honor Rogers and Richardson. “Homecoming is a community event. Please come out and make a lasting impact on students who will receive these scholarships at USCA,” she said.

The Homecoming 5K Run is open to all ages. Participants will receive a t-shirt and finalists will receive ribbons. This will be a chipped time race.

After the race, participates are welcome to stay for the Homecoming Tailgate at 11 a.m. Followed the women’s basketball, at 1:30 p.m., and men’s basketball, at 3:30 p.m., versus Lander.

Event Schedule:

• 7:50 a.m. - Opening Ceremony
• 8 a.m. - Race Start
• The race will begin and end in front of USCA’s Convocation Center

For more information and to register for the 5K Run, click the link here .

Those who would like to sponsor the event or learn more about sponsorship may contact Kayleigh Huggins at Kayleigh.Huggins@usca.edu or 803-641-3417.

For more information, contact us at news@usca.edu.