About
The premise of GLD is integrative learning – making connections between experiences to solve problems and lead. These awards recognize commitment to making a difference – using learning and resources to positively impact others in any capacity in any community.
The Distinguished GLD Alumni Award was awarded for the first time in Spring 2024, specifically to GLD alumni of the inaugural GLD class of 2014. In 2025, the award was expanded, and the Young GLD Alumni Award was introduced.
For 2026, we are excited to introduce a third award, the Palmetto College Distiguished GLd ALumni Award, an award specific to graduates of the USC Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union campuses.
The deadline for nominations is February 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Recipients will be notified in March. Recipients will be honored at the Spring 2026 GLD Cording Ceremony on April 27.
Award Criteria
For all awards:
- Recipients must have earned Graduation with Leadership Distinction.
- Recipients must demonstrate the following characteristics, which reflect the GLD learning
outcomes:
- Exemplary Engagement: Demonstrates active participation in one or more experiences outside of current academic/professional responsibilities (service, research, study abroad, leadership in community and/or professional organizations, etc.).
- Integration of Theory and Practice: Articulates clear connections between academic and additional experiences, providing insightful analysis of how real-world experiences reinforce or challenge previous learning.
- Solution-Oriented Problem-Solving: Proposes and implements innovative solutions to real-world problems demonstrating sound judgment and the capacity for effective decision-making.
- Community Impact and Personal Growth: Demonstrates a significant, positive impact on the community or personal development through participation in beyond-the-classroom experiences, with tangible outcomes or contributions.
For the Distinguished GLD Alumni Award:
- In addition to the criteria above for all awards, nominees must have graduated with their Bachelor's or Pharm.D. degree from USC-Columbia.
- Alumni who completed a degree at a Palmetto College Campus and subsequently earned a separate degree at USC Columbia may apply for either a Columbia award or a Palmetto College award in a given award cycle—not both.
For the Palmetto College Distinguished GLD Alumni Award:
- In addition to the criteria above for all awards, nominees must have graduated with their Associate’s degree from a Palmetto College Campus (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union.) OR their Bachelor’s degree from a Palmetto College program affiliated with their campus.
- Alumni who completed a degree at a Palmetto College Campus and subsequently earned a separate degree at USC Columbia may apply for either a Columbia award or a Palmetto College award in a given award cycle—not both.
For the Young GLD Alumni Award:
- In addition to the criteria above for all awards, nominees must have graduated with their Bachelor's or Pharm. D. degree from USC-Columbia.
- In addition to the criteria above, nominees must have graduated within the last one to five (5) academic years. For award year 2026, this means between December 2020 and December 2024. If an alum is eligible for the Young GLD Alumni Award, then they are not eligible for the Distinguished GLD Alumni Award.
- Alumni who completed a degree at a Palmetto College Campus and subsequently earned a separate degree at USC Columbia may apply for either a Columbia award or a Palmetto College award in a given award cycle—not both.
Additional terms:
- Self-nominations are welcome.
- Only materials submitted via this nomination form will be considered.
- Nominees may be continuing their academic career beyond their undergraduate degree.
- Nominee evaluation is based on merit, not on the number of nominations submitted.
- CIEL may name none, one, or multiple recipients for each award.
- Recipients may not receive the same award twice. See a list of past recipients below.
- Awards will not be awarded posthumously.
Award Recipients
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Coy Gibson ‘14, Political Science, GLD in Professional and Civic Engagement
- John Clegg ‘14, Biomedical Engineering, GLD in Research
Distinguished Alumni Award
- Caleb E. Morris ’17, History, GLD in Professional and Civic Engagement
Young Alumni Award
- Sreeja Varanasi ’22, Accelerated Undergraduate to M.D Program (BARSC-M.D.), GLD in Professional and Civic Engagement
- Sara Kailey Beaver ’20, Nursing, GLD in Professional and Civic Engagement
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Contact Us
Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning
University of South Carolina
Legare College, Room 120
902 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29208
Phone: 803-777-3272
Email: ciel@sc.edu