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Leadership and Service Center

  • Winners of Leadership and Service awards stand together after the ceremony.

Leadership and Service Awards

This ceremony is designed to recognize outstanding students, student organizations, faculty, staff, and local professionals that exemplify leadership or community service. The Leadership and Service Awards will be held on Thursday, April 13th,  in the Russell House Theater at 4:00P.

Recognize the leadership of a student, organization, faculty, staff or community member.

Below is the listing of all awards and their corresponding application/nomination forms. The nomination and application process will open for the 2023-2024 year in spring, 2024. Please review each award for requirements and submission deadlines.

For questions regarding the Leadership and Service Awards or application/nomination process, please contact Joshua Cauble.

Student Awards

The Caroliniana Award recognizes senior undergraduate students who have been the tireless, behind the scenes workers that every successful activity or organization needs. They are leaders through their actions and contributions to the Carolina community. Recipients of the Caroliniana Award will have their name memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

  • 2023 Recipients:
    • Amanda Harper
    • Elisabeth Hingher
    • Isabelle Borduas
    • Jaheem McLaurin
    • Julia Blay
    • Kaleb Phelps
    • Kate Gharib
    • Ryan May
    • Seth Hajzus

The David and Nicole Tepper Scholarship Award is intended to provide a full scholarship (up to a maximum amount of $20,000.00 for out-of-state students or $10,000.00 for in-state students annually) to cover tuition, housing, and additional expenses for recipients’ sophomore, junior, and senior year at USC. This scholarship is renewable for all three years provided all academic and University requirements are met. 

Scholarships will be awarded to admitted students who are in their first year of school and have accumulated a minimum of 30 credit hours by the end of the spring semester. Students who demonstrate a financial need and showcase great effort to excel and be involved at USC through leadership, community service, and academic involvement are asked to apply during the application window. Students applying for this opportunity will need to have completed the FAFSA for the upcoming year and submit a written statement describing their engagement on campus through leadership and community service and any academic achievements.

The two students selected to receive the David and Nicole Tepper Scholarship are expected to maintain full-time enrollment, a minimum of 3.0 GPA, and documented participation in leadership development, community service, and academic activities. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of professional staff from the Department of Student Life and the David and Nicole Tepper Charitable Foundation.

  • 2023 Recipients:
    • Delaney Flanagan
    • Jaelyn Souza

*monetary scholarship award

This Graduate Student Association award was established to recognize graduate and professional students who have made outstanding contributions to the community and university through service.

Eligibility:

  1. Be an emerging scholar, currently pursuing a graduate/professional degree at USC.
  2. Must have been a current graduate/professional student at USC for at least a semester.
  3. Must show evidence of clear volunteer work and high-level commitment to community development.
  4. The candidate must have sustained excellent volunteer performance.
  5. Should have been involved in some service directly or indirectly to the University and/or the community.
  6. Significantly contributed to a project or operation, resulting in, for example, more efficient or better service to the community.
  7. Has long-term and sustainable civic engagement with a critical impact on people’s lives.

Applicant should submit a resume (not more than 2 pages) and briefly describe their service experience and engagement (500- 1,000 words).

For more information or questions, Contact: the GSA Secretary of Awards, Gaurav Harshe or sogsa@mailbox.sc.edu.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Gazi Sakir Mohammad Pritom

This Graduate Student Association award was established to recognize graduate and professional students who have contributed significantly to the Carolina community through active involvement in beyond the classroom activities.

Eligibility:

  1. Be an emerging scholar, currently pursuing a graduate or professional degree at USC.
  2. Must have been a current graduate or professional student at USC for at least a semester.
  3. Demonstrate initiative, such as being an excellent role model.
  4. Been a part of leadership or actively participate in Student organizations around campus.
  5. Should have fostered a work environment that is collegial, respective, and supportive.
  6. Must have led a team to achieve tangible results.
  7. Actively involved in mentorship and developmental activities for the broader Carolina Community.

Applicant should submit a resume (not more than 2 pages) and briefly describe their leadership experience and involvement (500- 1,000 words).

For more information or questions, Contact: the GSA Secretary of Awards, Gaurav Harshe or sogsa@mailbox.sc.edu.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Tanya Parikh

The Jessica Horton Outstanding New Student Leader Award recognizes a first-year student who has contributed significantly to the USC community through active involvement in co-curricular activities. The recipient of the Jessica Horton Outstanding New Student Leader Award will have their name memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Izzy Yoos

This Graduate Student Association award was established to recognize graduate and professional students who have significantly improved systems or processes or increased the efficiency of systems within the university and beyond. This include students who have created innovative programs, practices or policies or have applied their entrepreneurial skills serve students and the greater community.

Eligibility:

  1. Be an emerging scholar, currently pursuing a graduate/professional degree at USC.
  2. Application must describe an enthusiastic, risk taker committed to building a sustainable endeavor.
  3. Application demonstrates innovative or creative ideas aimed at making a positive impact on society.
  4. Should offer evidence of a completed or in-progress creative/entrepreneurial project.
  5. Must not have received the award in past years.

Optional:

  1. Evidence of skills in grant writing, fundraising, or otherwise gaining public support for projects.
  2. Extracurricular projects are ideal, however entrepreneurship/innovation as part of a class project is acceptable.

Applicant should submit a resume (not more than 2 pages) and briefly describe their innovative, creative or entrepreneurial ideas (500- 1,000 words).

For more information or questions, Contact: the GSA Secretary of Awards, Gaurav Harshe or sogsa@mailbox.sc.edu.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Sowmya Raghu

Outstanding Student Volunteer Award recognizes students who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and university through service.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Audrey Galimba

Honor a remarkable woman for campus or community work. Juniors and seniors may be nominated for the award by fellow students, faculty and staff. To be considered, students complete an application, which includes a resume and two short essays. Submitted applications are evaluated by the review committee, which then names a group of finalists. Finalists participate in interview to determine the eventual award winner. The recipient of the Outstanding Woman of the Year Award will have their name memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

To be eligible for the award, a candidate must:

  • be an undergraduate student with 60 credit hours or more
  • have attended USC for at least one semester
  • have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better

Students often show excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • Academic achievements and awards
  • Campus involvement
  • Community involvement or service
  • Athletic activities
  • Performing arts
  • Campus media
  • Work experience or internships
  • Contributions and impact to the university and to other women

 

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Katherine Kuisel

Rosemary Broadway Award recognizes a full-time student, undergraduate or graduate, who is actively involved in community service. Rosemary Broadway was an advocate of off-campus students and the award was established in her name to recognize service contributions by off-campus students.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Chandler Murria

*monetary scholarship award

Strom Thurmond/Steve Cannon Carolina Cares Award recognizes a worthy undergraduate who has made significant contributions to USC and the surrounding area through community service. The recipient of the Stom Thurmond / Steve Cannon Carolina Cares Award will have their name memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Jack Otterson

*monetary scholarship award

Wilson‐Kibler Bicentennial Award recognizes a student whose demonstrated leadership abilities and experience have contributed to student life. The recipient of the Wilson-Kibler Bicentennial Award will have their name memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Caley Bright

*monetary scholarship award


Organization Awards

Advisor of the Year recognizes faculty and staff members in the USC community who are committed to supporting their student organization and fostering leadership abilities in students. The advisement of the student organization must not be a part of their official job description.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Haley Fern, Residence Hall Association

The Hall of Leaders Award was established to recognize leaders of student organizations that provide leadership and assistance in the development of activities and programming for the USC community. The recipients of this award will have their names engraved on a nameplate and added to the Legacy Lobby in the Russell House University Union.

The recipient of the Hall of Leaders Award must be nominated by your organization. When selecting an individual to nominate for this award, your organization should adhere to the four main criteria listed below:

  1. Junior-level hours; GPA required for graduation; good judicial standing.
  2. Outstanding leadership in the organization.
  3. Significant contribution to the entire University of South Carolina community.
  4. The ability to encourage and motivate others.   

Your nominee may not be a past recipient of this award. The nomination process should be rigorous so that the nominee exemplifies the ideals of your organization and is truly deserving of this honor. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee of peer organizational leaders.

  • 2023 Recipients:
    • Anna Michelitch, Gamecock Consulting Club
    • Claire Hains, Residence Hall Association
    • Emily Barros, Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc.
    • Erial Cooper, SAVVY
    • Erin Finnegan, College Panhellenic Association
    • Ethena Lighty, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
    • Hannah Proce, Chi Omega
    • Jackson Goldsmith, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
    • Jada Hudson, Association of African American Students
    • Julianna Tyndall, USC Homecoming Commission
    • Karrah "Maddy" Lawson, Carolina Productions
    • Leiara Rivera, Alpha Alpha Alpha
    • Lily You, Alpha Xi Delta
    • Reedy Newton, Student Government
    • Savanah Belt, On Your Time Initiatives Student Advisory Board
    • Will Kronsberg, The Daily Gamecock

Outstanding Student Service Organization Award recognizes student organizations that are role models for other organizations based on their quality of service, amount of time and effort devoted to service projects.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Alpha Epsilon Delta

Student Organization of the Year recognizes a student organization that has made a lasting impact upon the USC community, fostered leadership opportunities for its members, and upheld the organization’s mission and values.

  • 2023 Recipients:
    • Association of American American Students
    • College Panhellenic Association

Partner Awards

The Outstanding Community Partner Award is presented to a community partner that has worked to support the University of South Carolina's community engagement efforts and has enhanced the quality of life in the community in meaningful and measurable ways.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Jordan Thomas, Share One Love, Juvenile Justice Department

The Outstanding Gamecock Pantry Partner Award recognizes an on-campus or off-campus partner who has helped the Gamecock Pantry take substantial strides to alleviating food insecurity on the University of South Carolina campus.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • First Lady, Dr. Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis

Additional Campus Partner Awards

The Carolinian Creed Champion Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and extraordinary contributions to the Carolina community while embodying the values espoused in the Carolinian Creed. University of South Carolina-Columbia faculty, staff and students may be nominated for the award.  Contact Kat Yoffie with any questions.

  • 2023 Recipients:
    • Student: Haidy Diaz
    • Faculty/Staff: Dr. Suzanne Hardie

The Lauren E. Brubaker Carolinian Award recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student who best exemplifies one or more qualities of the Carolinian Creed. It is given in memory of Dr. Lauren E. Brubaker, former Chair of the Department of Religious Studies and University Chaplain from 1949-1994, who embodied these qualities in his work on campus for many years.

Eligibility
Candidates must:

  1. Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in good standing
  2. Exemplify one or more qualities of the Carolinian Creed:
    Practice personal and academic integrity;
    Respect the dignity of all persons;
    Respect the rights and property of others;
    Discourage bigotry while striving to learn differences in people, ideas, and opinions;
    Demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need for conditions that support their work and development.

Questions? Contact the Registered Religious Affiliates liaison, Megan Colascione.

The Lauren E. Brubaker Carolinian Award will be presented at the USC Awards Day Ceremony on April 20th, 2023.

The Dr. Mary Baskin Waters Service-Learning Award recognizes USC faculty who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to excellence in service-learning and are recognized for their leadership in academic service-learning coursework and their commitment to the local community. 

The Women's and Gender Studies Awards Committee will evaluate nominations, select finalists, and recommend one winner to receive the $1,000 award.

The Paul Fidler Volunteer Service Award recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student for outstanding volunteer service to those in need. It is given in memory of Dr. Paul Fidler, the former Director of Research, Grants and Planning, and Student Affairs Liaison to the Carolina Chaplains, whose career at USC and his teaching at the College of Education provided service to others for 34 years.

Eligibility
Candidates must:

  1. Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in good standing
  2. Actively participate in volunteer service both on the campus and in the community

Questions? Contact the Registered Religious Affiliates liaison, Megan Colascione.

The Paul Fidler Volunteer Service Award will be presented at the USC Awards Day Ceremony on April 20th, 2023.

The Rev. O. Woody Hammett Scholarship was established in honor of Rev. O. Woody Hammett, who served the University of South Carolina as Baptist Campus Minister from 1962-1995. This scholarship is awarded to a rising sophomore, junior or senior who has demonstrated proven leadership experience within the university community and has affiliation and involvement with campus Christian organizations and/or a local community of faith. 

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: $750.00

Eligibility
Candidates must:

  1. Must be a rising sophomore, junior or senior
  2. Must have proven leadership experience within the University community
  3. Must have affiliation and involvement with a campus Christian organization and/or local community of faith
  4. The scholarship must be used for school related expenses only
  5. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
  6. Must include a resume and complete the questionnaire for the scholarship

Applicant should submit a resume and briefly answer (500- 1,000 words) the following questions:

  1. Describe how your leadership ability and experience is related to your faith.
  2. So far, what has been your most valuable experience at USC?
  3. Describe a strength that helps define who you are as a person.
  4. What goals do you have for your future beyond USC?
  5. What is one thing the selection committee should absolutely know about you?

For more information, contact: Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director, Adam Venters at 803-799-3854 or adamventers@scbaptist.org.

  • 2023 Recipient:
    • Dylan McNaughton

*monetary scholarship award

 


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