For alumna Emma Jackson, every week is a shark week
June 28, 2024, Valerie Weingart
Emma Jackson, who earned her degree from USC in marine science, is pursuing her passion for elasmobranchs: the family that includes sharks, rays and sawfish.
2024 Archive
Introducing USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing
June 06, 2024, Gregory Hardy
The University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing has a new name that reflects the vision and generosity of generations of the Molinaroli family. The official name, the University of South Carolina Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, was announced on Thursday (June 6) during a signage unveiling ceremony at the college’s Swearingen Engineering Center on Main Street.
Camp for kids with chronic illnesses, disabilities and other life challenges offers hope in wake of tragedy
May 31, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
Co-founded by 2014 University of South Carolina graduate Kelsey Sawyer Carter, Camp Cole is named after her brother, Cole Sawyer, who died in 2004 at age 11. The fully accessible facilities offer fun and hope to campers facing challenges.
Honors College alumna finds success in higher education
May 29, 2024, Kathryn McPhail
Honors College alumna Kimberly Rogers recently completed her first year as a college president — an impressive achievement for anyone, especially a first-generation university graduate. She took the first steps on that path in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she discovered a passion that would lead her far.
Alumnus Joe Rice builds strong legal team by nurturing and empowering attorneys
May 28, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
Law school alumnus Joe Rice’s work ethic and tenacity sets an example for representing clients, while colleagues and staff say his commitment to inclusion and mentoring is a model for empowering employees.
Support and passion bring Honors College alumna into the 'ocean twilight zone'
May 22, 2024, Kathryn McPhail
Honors College alumna Kayla Gardner’s passion for protecting the ocean and teaching others to do the same led her to pursue a career in marine science. Unlike many young people who are drawn to dolphins, turtles or sharks, much smaller creatures sparked Gardner’s interest.
Former Under Secretary of the Navy now shapes lives in higher education
May 22, 2024, Page Ivey
Janine Davidson was impressive when she arrived at the University of South Carolina in 1998, having spent a decade in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft commander and senior pilot. After USC, she became even more impressive.
Public history alumna helps developers preserve historic buildings
May 21, 2024, Page Ivey
Historic preservation consultant Janie Campbell, 2016 public history, has made a career of going into opportunities with low expectations and coming out of them realizing they were exactly what she needed at the time.
Once an Olympian
May 17, 2024, Megan Sexton
Gamecock history is rich with standout student-athletes. A select few have taken it to the next level.
A Robot In Every Classroom
May 16, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
Van Robotics founder Laura Boccanfuso has a vision for improving education, one dancing, smiling, fist-bumping robot at a time.
Roll out the Barrel!
May 15, 2024, story by Craig Brandhorst | photos by Kim Truett
Study abroad can change a student’s life. For Bierkeller founder Scott Burgess, it led to a dream come true.
Education doctoral student brings her elementary class to USC for a day of fun with mathematics
May 15, 2024, Megan Sexton
Dawn Pilotti, a long-time mathematics teacher and online doctoral student in USC’s College of Education, brought her sixth-grade students with learning differences from Tennessee to Columbia this spring to demonstrate their improved math skills.
Experience Matters
May 15, 2024, Craig Brandhorst | photos by Kim Truett
The University of South Carolina is consistently recognized for having one of the top first-year experiences in the country. Carolinian asked nine random freshmen to share their perspectives on life at USC.
Let it Reign!
May 14, 2024, Thom Harman
Maybe you were shouting from the stands in Cleveland as Dawn Staley’s remarkable women’s basketball team brought home the third national championship in program history. Maybe you were among the 24 million viewers watching on TV as they turned a so-called rebuilding year into an undefeated season and rings all around. Maybe you were even out there in the Thomas Cooper reflecting pool with several hundred other ecstatic Gamecocks, making a splash all your own.
USC journalism alum wins second Pulitzer
May 09, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
Josh Dawsey, a 2012 University of South Carolina journalism graduate, added a second quill to his Pulitzer cap when he and his Washington Post colleagues received the 2024 national reporting prize for a series of articles exploring America’s gun history and culture.
Honors College alumna teaches about the beauty of wine
May 08, 2024, Téa Smith
Kellie Martin thought once she completed her international studies degree, she’d become a foreign service officer, but that never happened. During her studies, she developed an interest in wine and that changed the trajectory of her career. Now, she teaches people the ins and outs of wine as the owner and chief sommelier of the Colorado-based SommSchool.
Class of 2024
April 25, 2024, Megan Sexton
As the Class of 2024 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
Libraries adapt to enrich their communities by providing equitable access to information, resources and connection
April 25, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
In a nation fragmented by racial, ethnic, political and socioeconomic divides, libraries are among the few institutions Americans still have confidence in. Graduates of USC’s master’s of information and library science program are serving libraries across the nation.
Father's writing 'to survive' loss of young son turns into inspirational book
April 19, 2024, Page Ivey
USC alumnus Stephen Panus has written an inspirational book about surviving the loss of his teenage son Jake. Panus, who also established a scholarship for football walk-ons to honor the memory of his son, will be in town to talk about his book "Walk On."
USC unveils monument honoring desegregation trailblazers
April 19, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
The University of South Carolina unveiled a monument honoring the first Black students admitted since Reconstruction — Robert Anderson, Henrie Monteith Treadwell and James Solomon Jr. — whose enrollment six decades ago changed the course of university history.
USC String Project marks 50 years of hitting the right notes
April 05, 2024, Megan Sexton
The gold standard in string music education is marking its golden anniversary this year. For the past 50 years, the University of South Carolina String Project has been the national model in a program that combines music lessons with community service and teacher education.
Engineering alumnus Aaron LaBerge creates magic, connection at Disney
March 25, 2024, Communications and Marketing
The early technological and social connections Aaron LaBerge made at USC as an electrical and computer engineering student helped drive a tech career that ultimately led him to a sports Emmy and the C-suite at The Walt Disney Company.
Record-breaking Give 4 Garnet year
March 22, 2024, Alexis Watts and Michaela Taylor
Alumni, students and supporters united to make a difference during Give 4 Garnet for 1 day, 8 hours, and 01 minute. Thanks to the generosity of the USC community, Give 4 Garnet broke records reporting a preliminary $1.5 Million raised.
Gamecock Nation: Greenville
March 11, 2024, Communications and Marketing
If you studied at the University of South Carolina and are now living and working in the Upstate, you might sometimes feel like you’re alone as a Gamecock. But the truth is that the Greenville area is home to more than 28,000 USC alumni — making it the top destination for graduates after Columbia. We spoke with several alumni who are making an impact in Greenville.
Nursing alumna brings health care background to role of county coroner
March 06, 2024, Page Ivey
Growing up in the foster care system in Florida, Naida Rutherford found herself homeless with few prospects just two days after graduating from high school. But the faith of a classmate’s parents and her own determination to get a degree ultimately led her to a career in nursing. In 2020, Rutherford became the first woman, the first person of color and the first person with a medical background to be elected Richland County coroner.
Breastfeeding benefits mothers as much as babies, but public health messaging often only tells half of the story
March 01, 2024, Tisha Felder
Public health and nursing researchers Tisha Felder and Joynelle Jackson write for The Conversation about the benefits of breastfeeding.
Music alumna Nicole Neely finds her place on the stage
February 28, 2024, Téa Smith
Nicole Neely, music education ’05, turned her passion for music into a successful career in the music industry working with some of the biggest names in music — like Ms. Lauryn Hill, with whom she recently toured.
Student body president turned OB-GYN brings public health mindset to patient care
February 27, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
Since graduating from medical school, former student body president turned OB-GYN Ross Lordo has been making meaningful connections with patients in Greenville.
Alumni couple use 'complementary skillset' to create thriving taproom
February 26, 2024, Page Ivey
Brian and Nicole Cendrowski spent more than a decade dreaming of opening their own brewery before settling on a plan and a location. Their Fireforge Brewery & Taproom in downtown Greenville weathered the pandemic and is now a thriving member of the Upstate community they call home.
At United Way of Greenville County, USC Upstate grad connects with community
February 23, 2024, Megan Sexton
Working as the director of philanthropy with the United Way of Greenville County and founder of the nonprofit organization LatinosUnited, Elvia M. Pacheco has come full circle — giving back to the community that helped mold her.
Journalism alumna talks about leading student media organization
February 22, 2024, Emily Prillaman
After leaving her mark as a student reporter and editor at The Daily Gamecock, Jackie Alexander, 2009 journalism, has carved an impressive career, first at newspapers and now as director of University of Alabama at Birmingham Student Media. Alexander is currently serving as president of the College Media Association — the first woman of color elected to that role.
Gamecock great Michael Roth trades in his cleats for suit-and-tie world of real estate
February 21, 2024, Page Ivey
As a Gamecock, Michael Roth made some significant pitches from the mound and helped lead South Carolina to three World Series title games. Today, the 34-year-old graduate of the Darla Moore School of Business is making pitches of a different sort — finding and closing real estate deals for himself and his clients while at NAI Earle Furman in Greenville.
Scholarship established at USC Lancaster
February 21, 2024, Victoria Nelson
Having been first-generation college students themselves, Dr. Malcolm and Sandra Edwards understand the struggle firsthand. Now, they've established a full-ride student scholarship at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, the institution that helped them land the opportunities that have enabled them to give back.
Community historian encourages African American families to tell their own stories
February 21, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
Building and understanding community has motivated Jackie Whitmore since he was captivated by his grandmother’s family stories during his childhood in Columbia, South Carolina. It led him to a career in social work and fueled a passion for African American history in his home state.
Education alumnus has big impact in Greenville County schools
February 20, 2024, Téa Smith
Edward Anderson’s lifelong love for education lead him to working within the school system, but now he works to improve the school system from the outside as the executive director of OnTrack Greenville at United Way of Greenville County.
Adding the next piece: Scholarship provides financial aid to accounting majors
February 15, 2024, Victoria Nelson
After earning an undergraduate degree in business administration from the College of Charleston, Columbia native Jeff Kososki took advantage of his proximity to USC by enrolling in several accounting classes needed to earn his CPA designation. His love for the Gamecocks, and the community, never stopped. Now his family is honoring his legacy with the Jeff Kososki Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to accounting majors in the Darla Moore School of Business who are working toward their CPA certifications.
Advertising alumna uses her skills to run successful interior design business
February 09, 2024, Téa Smith
After earning her advertising degree in 2008, Amber Guyton never imagined she would be using it to help her run an interior design business, but she’s done just that. Now she owns and operates the Atlanta-based, Blessed Little Bungalow.
Gamecocks come together for Carolina Day
February 09, 2024, Communications and Marketing staff
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, alumni and advocates of the University of South Carolina will come together for Carolina Day. The annual event is a chance for Gamecocks near and far to show their love for the university as well as the importance of USC in improving the lives of every S.C. resident.
Super Bowl Sunday: Draft picks of things to know for the big game
February 02, 2024, Maddie Lee and Emily Prillaman
We’re counting down the minutes until the big game when the San Francisco 49ers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on Feb. 11. Football fan or not, here’s everything you need to know.
Former S.C. Gov. David Beasley to join faculty at USC law school
January 25, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
Former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley will join the faculty of the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law on March 1.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor-in-chief Leroy Chapman inspires next generation of journalists
January 22, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
In March 2023, University of South Carolina alumnus Leroy Chapman Jr. made headlines — as the first person of color to be named editor-in-chief of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It was a big deal for the 155-year-old paper, for the city of Atlanta and for journalism in general. It was also a big deal for Chapman’s alma mater, which recognized his professional achievements with the 2023 College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award.
USC's newly named Joseph F. Rice School of Law reflects powerhouse attorney's ambition, philanthropy and commitment to the profession
January 17, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
Attorney Joe Rice is one of the most respected plaintiff’s attorneys in the country. The cofounder of the Charleston-based Motley Rice law firm has secured hundreds of billions of dollars for clients, taking on Goliath-sized opponents like Big Tobacco and the financiers of 9/11.
MapQuest co-founder Chris Heivly is lending his expertise to a Columbia nonprofit aiming to boost the city's tech sector
January 17, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
MapQuest co-founder Chris Heivly has a history of helping early stage entrepreneurs. Now, he’s lending his expertise to a Columbia nonprofit aiming to boost the city’s tech sector.
Reigning Miss South Carolina mentors next generation of young women
January 12, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
Since being named Miss South Carolina last June, School of Journalism and Mass Communications alumna Jada Samuel has been on a mission to promote high self-esteem and positive body image for girls across the Palmetto State.
Journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons helps caregivers through Leeza's Care Connection
January 11, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
After losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons devoted her second act to helping caregivers through Leeza’s Care Connection.
Social justice awards recognize outstanding staff members
January 09, 2024, Page Ivey
Two staff members have been recognized for their social justice efforts on campus and in the larger community as 2024 Social Justice Award winners. The University of South Carolina created the Social Justice Awards to recognize individuals who have exemplified the philosophies of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through acts of community service, social justice or racial reconciliation.
Legendary NASCAR promoter Humpy Wheeler looks back at his career in racing and his days as a Gamecock in the 1950s
January 09, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
From 1975 to 2008, Humpy Wheeler, ’61, journalism, was president and general manager of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. And over those three high-octane, pedal-to-the-metal decades, he came to be regarded as one of the most colorful promoters in NASCAR history.
Alumni parents notice big changes for the newest Gamecocks at Campus Village
January 08, 2024, Megan Sexton
USC’s newest residential community opened last fall. Carolinian caught up with several new residents and their alumni parents at Move-In.
Strategies for Parents, Part I: Teaching problem solving to children
January 05, 2024, Gregory Hardy
It’s inevitable that children of all ages will struggle with the social and academic expectations of their years in school. Parents can easily feel overwhelmed with providing answers, especially as children continue to struggle with stress and anxiety from the disruptions of pandemic shutdowns. Cheri Shapiro, a research professor in the University of South Carolina’s College of Social Work and the director of USC’s Institute for Families in Society, focuses her research on prevention of social, emotional and behavioral problems in youth and implementation of evidence-based interventions in community settings.