A look at some of the members of the Class of 2007, where they've been, and where they're going.

Name: Kenton Oliver
Hometown: Anderson
High School: T.L. Hanna High School
Major: Computer engineering
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Having the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate has been an integral part of the education of Kenton Oliver. As a Magellan scholar, Oliver has worked with Dr. Song Wang on studies that will impact medical imaging and surveillance.

Oliver said he knew when he was 3 years old that he wanted to be an aeronautical engineer, and he set his sights on the U.S. Air Force Academy. Instead, his career took a turn into cyberspace in the 11th grade when a friend helped him build his first computer. Oliver, who had studied computer science in high school, decided that he would study computer engineering in college. He chose the University of South Carolina because of the school's reputation in engineering.

"I'm definitely glad that I've had the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate," said Oliver, who graduated magna cum laude in computer engineering. "It's helped me realize that research is something that I love and want to do, either in industry or academia."

He's also found that college provided him with friends and relationships that he will treasure throughout his life.

"The people I've met ... that's one of the greatest assets that I've found from my time here," he said.

After a cruise to the Bahamas, Oliver will be back at the university to pursue graduate studies in computer engineering.

"Carolina has opened so many doors for me," he said.