More than 650 students graduate from the Medical University of South Carolina

Many students take the expressway through higher education, finishing degrees in the shortest amount of time possible.

But others, like Timi Davie, 38, who graduated from the Medical University South Carolina Friday with a doctorate in pharmacy, take the scenic route and find a rich and fulfilling life in the detours.

Davie was one of about 650 students who graduated Friday earning bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees. The students came from the university's six colleges: medicine, nursing, dental medicine, pharmacy, health professions and graduate studies.

Many of them donned caps and gowns and participated in a sun-drenched morning commencement ceremony on the Horseshoe, in the center of the campus.