AIKEN, Sc. ()- USC Aiken students are heading back to school today.

Yesterday more than 300 freshmen were on campus for a traditional ceremony and for an official welcome to USC Aiken.

Staff, administration and student leaders were all there to welcome the freshman

Newschannel 6 spoke with a senior student who’s excited to lead the way for freshman on campus and in her sport of cross country.

She’s also excited for the re-brand, part of it is by changing the name from USC Aiken to simply USCA.

“As a college athlete, it’s super thrilling for us in athletics. It’s also thrilling for us here on campus; everyone should join us on August 23rd for what promises to be an amazing time downtown. I’m genuinely enthusiastic about the new rebranding,” expressed Bailey Kirkland.

One professor is also excited about the rebrand.

“I’m eager about our rebranding. We have these awesome new T-shirts. Additionally, on Saturday, we have a fantastic event in downtown Aiken, where we will present the brand to the community. I’m really excited about this because it’s completely new. It’s been years since we’ve refreshed our brand,” shared Melencia Johnson.

This weekend there’s a big event to celebrate that change.

It’ll be on Newberry Street in Downtown Aiken this Saturday from 5pm to 9pm.

Photojournalist: Dania Alawir