Victoria Sands ’24 had a special homecoming April 4 when she returned to USC Upstate for her commissioning.
Sands, an interdisciplinary studies major, has been living in Tennessee with her boyfriend and children since graduating. She joined the ranks of second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in a ceremony where retired Maj. Gen. Glenn Davis of USC Upstate’s National Security and Government Institute (NSGI) administered the oath of office.
Sands’ mother, Krystal Harrison, attended the ceremony, and pinned the second lieutenant bars to her daughter’s uniform. Also present were Sands’ sister; Hannah Terpack, director of Career Management; several military personnel; and NSGI staff.
Returning to Upstate for the ceremony was especially meaningful for Sands, who said her college experience “transformed the way I look at life.”
“I met incredible faculty and staff, who opened my eyes to a larger perspective of the world with each and every organization I joined,” Sands said. “Helping others through inspiration was always my goal. Now, I am able to keep an open mind for new ways I can uplift and positively grow my community and beyond.”
Sands, who served as a chancellor’s ambassador while a student, said getting involved and forming relationships with people were a critical part of her college experience.
“To anyone considering attending USC Upstate: You will get so much more out of college when you take the time to get to know the driving forces here, staff and faculty,” she said. “They want to help, and they have done very unique and cool things in their lives. I am a new person and would not be where I am today without the experiences had at USC Upstate.”
Find more photos from the commissioning on Flickr.