Criteria

• minimum 3.0 GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• must have participated in campus activities that foster diversity and social justice

About the Award
This award is given to a University of South Carolina student who exemplifies the value of diversity and supports communities of multiple identities across campus. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs recognizes an outstanding student who inspires others to commit to creating a more inclusive campus community. The selected student is dedicated to promoting an awareness of cultural and diversity issues on campus as well as in the Columbia community. This student will have demonstrated an appreciation for a diverse climate and, moreover, worked to help others understand the importance of multicultural appreciation and social justice.

Criteria

• graduating senior status
• minimum 3.0 GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• exhibited exemplary leadership
• actively participated in university and community organizations/activities
• significantly contributed to the improvement of multiple identities within student life at USC

About the Award
I. DeQuincey Newman was a civil rights leader and clergymen who, in 1983, became the first African American man to serve in the state senate since Reconstruction. He served as the South Carolina NAACP state field director for nine years. The I. DeQuincey Newman Outstanding Student Award was established in his honor and is given annually to a graduating senior who has exhibited exemplary leadership skills, participates in community building, mentors fellow students and has good character.

Criteria

• minimum 2.75 GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• demonstrates outstanding leadership within the university community and subsequently improves the quality of life on campus
• demonstrated involvement in campus activities

About the Award
Dr. Ralph E. Johnson served as assistant director of Student Life. This award is given to recognize the outstanding leadership demonstrated by a student while attending the University of South Carolina. This will also serve to encourage students to actively participate in co-curricular activities and develop leadership skills that will serve the university and greater Columbia area.

Criteria

• minimum 2.75 GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• demonstrated an active involvement in community service  to the USC and Columbia communities

About the Award
Willie Harriford served as the Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and was the first director of African American Studies. In 1988, he became the coordinator of Minority Student Affairs. This award recognizes the community service efforts by students attending the University of South Carolina and is given to a student that actively seeks opportunities to address and serve the needs of the African American community as well as the Columbia community in its entirety like Willie L. Harriford did for the Richland County community.

Criteria

• full-time, rising sophomore or junior status
• minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• demonstrated advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion of an underrepresented group(s) and/or social justice issues
• demonstrated commitment to the advancement of cultural diversity education at USC or in the larger Columbia community (examples include implementing or sponsoring an event to cultivate diversity and inclusion; showing respect and inclusive treatment when interacting with others in a residence hall, student organization, etc.; participating in programs and events that foster diversity

About the Award
The Jackson-Rivers Scholarship Award is named after the former Director and Coordinator of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Walter Jackson and Thomas Rivers, for their long-term service to all underrepresented student populations and commitment to diversity education. Recipients will receive a one-time $250.00 scholarship award. Only one scholarship is available and may not be given out annually.