COLUMBIA, S.C. — Benedict College and some schools at the University of South Carolina are holding graduation ceremonies this weekend, with families and friends traveling in from around the country.
It was graduation day for over 300 graduates at Benedict College on Friday, including Master's student Davante Pondexter, who celebrated getting his second degree.
"My sons are going to see me graduate across the stage right now. Then also the students I recruited here. I'm also an admissions recruiter so I'm also graduating with the students I recruited during that time, as well," Pondexter said.
Amir Roberts said his family came into town from New Jersey to watch the ceremony.
"Actually being with them this morning and actually touring the city, it felt really amazing to have them come down to what I now call home," Roberts said.
The influx in travel is seen by local bars and restaurants, too.
Autumn Lowry is a hostess at Market on Main and says they're fully staffed for the busy weekend.
"Looking at our busy weekends in comparison to this one, like Easter and national championship, all those types of days, it's been a lot of people, a lot of trying to figure out how we can best accommodate people with their preference on seating, as well as taking in walk-ins and people that are just walking, looking for a bite to eat and having a good time," Lowry said.
For the team over at The Hollow in the Vista, which opened just two months ago, having new faces in town is important as they head into the summer with less business.
"Laying the foundation of impressing people during a weekend like this, for those who are sticking around, is very important because we want to keep the regular shift and the consistency of business for the summer," said General Manager David Feeley,
Over at USC, graduates were seen coming in and out of Colonial Life Arena throughout Friday afternoon.
Ava Kuznicki, graduating and heading to start her career in Chicago, says her family came into town from Atlanta to see her walk across the stage. She says this weekend is all about celebrating accomplishments and seeing friends graduate.
"A lot of my favorite people graduated today, as well, and I'm just so grateful to have so many good friends," Kuznicki said. "It feels kinda sad. I love Columbia, but it's time to move on. I had a really, really good four years here."