Triple the milestone: triplets set to graduate from USCA

For most students, graduating from college marks a personal milestone that’s years in the making.

However, for triplets Sydney, Alex and Zane Yongue, it’s a shared achievement, one they’ve been working toward side by side their entire lives.

On May 6, all three siblings will cross the stage together, each earning a degree from USCA. Sydney will receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, while Alex and Zane will graduate with degrees in applied computer science, with minors in business.

Originally from Gilbert, South Carolina, the trio didn’t always plan to attend the same college. Like many of their peers, they initially considered larger universities. But after visiting USCA, they quickly realized it offered exactly what they were looking for: a close-knit community, strong academic programs and the opportunity to get involved.

“It was the right fit for all of us,” Zane said. “Even if we had chosen differently at first, we’d still pick here again.”

Despite sharing the same campus, their college experiences have been shaped by different academic paths. Sydney says it’s been tough to get involved on campus due to the rigorous course load from the nursing program, but it will all be worth it as she prepares for a healthcare career. After graduation, she will begin a nurse residency at Prisma Health Richland in Columbia, where she plans to work as a cardiac nurse caring for post-surgical patients.

“It’s exciting to finally take that next step,” Sydney said. “There’s still a lot to learn, but I feel prepared.”

Alex and Zane, meanwhile, pursued careers in technology. Both studied Applied Computer Science, though each carved out a slightly different focus, one in software development and the other in cybersecurity. As they prepare to enter the workforce, they are navigating a competitive job market while remaining optimistic about their future.

“Getting your foot in the door is the biggest challenge right now,” Alex said. “But we’ve learned a lot, and we’re ready to apply it.”

Outside the classroom, Alex and Zane made the most of their college experience by getting involved across campus. From Greek life and Campus Outreach to working together as caddies at Old Barnwell, a private golf club in Aiken, they built connections and developed skills that extended beyond academics.

“The opportunities here really push you to get involved,” they said. “You start out unsure, but then you realize how much there is to do and how easy it is to make an impact.”

Even with busy schedules, the siblings found ways to stay connected. Whether it was catching up during the week, working out, a shared hobby they all enjoyed, or supporting one another through challenges, their bond remained constant.

“We didn’t see each other every day,” Sydney said. “But that made the time we did spend together more meaningful.”

One of the most defining influences on their journey, they say, has been their shared faith. Through the ups and downs of college life, it provided a foundation of support and resilience.

“That’s something that’s been important to all three of us. It’s helped us grow and get through difficult moments together,” Sydney said.

Their impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Faculty and staff describe the Yongue siblings as highly engaged students who have made meaningful contributions to campus life.

“It’s special to see all three of them graduating together,” said Eric Fulwider, campus director of Campus Outreach at USCA. “That’s not something you can take for granted. They’ve also been very active on campus, which makes it even more impressive.”

As graduation approaches, the triplets are embracing the moment, a rare and remarkable milestone that reflects years of shared experiences, individual growth and support for one another.

“I never thought I’d be ready to leave,” one of them admitted. “But now, I’m excited for what’s next.”

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