FOREVER TO EMPOWER. FOREVER TO LEAD. FOREVER TO BE.

Forever.

Forever is powerful. It grounds purpose in longevity and inspires possibility. At the University of South Carolina, it’s a rich tradition and a living promise. It’s a standing invitation to show up as your true self, explore, and become who you’re meant to be. Forever is a catalyst for transformation—a landscape for pioneers of possibilities. It’s economic empowerment, advanced medical research, and the intentional focus on producing stronger communities. Forever is the hope of what can be. It’s turning corridors into pathways forward. It’s holding the door open to greater opportunity—first-generation students becoming the next generation to steward what’s possible in-state and beyond. Forever is the enduring charter between a state and its flagship university. An unwavering commitment to academic excellence, paired with real-world readiness that thrusts South Carolina towards greatness.

Forever to empower. Forever to lead. Forever to be.

The University of South Carolina

Forever to Be.

WE ARE CATALYZING A MOVEMENT— ONE THAT EMPOWERS INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES TO BECOME MORE, TO REACH FURTHER, AND TO SHAPE THEIR OWN FUTURES.

Rooted in South Carolina, we spark the journey of becoming. We amplify potential, surface possibility, and inspire bold re-imaginings of what higher education can do—and what a state can become. We are not the destination, but the launchpad. Through education, research, and service, we accelerate progress in health, innovation, opportunity, and equity— across cities and rural communities alike.

We are the enduring catalyst for transformation—ensuring the promise of “Forever to thee” is not just remembered but realized by those who rise to meet it.

WE ARE SECURING THE FLAGSHIP IN NAME AND OUTCOMES— PROPELLING STUDENTS AND THE STATE INTO A NEW ERA OF TRANSFORMATION.

We are not just the flagship in name—we are the spark that ignites progress across South Carolina. This campaign empowers students, faculty, alumni, and communities to lead their own transformation and shape a future that reflects their highest aspirations.

We are not simply for South Carolina—we are of South Carolina. Our identity is inseparable from the people and places we serve. This campaign amplifies what makes us distinct: a deep sense of belonging, a culture of care, and a shared belief in what’s possible.

We don’t produce leaders—we create the conditions where leadership can emerge, thrive, and multiply. We don’t drive the state forward alone—we equip others to do so with us, through knowledge, connection, and opportunity.

This is how we unlock greatness—not by delivering it, but by cultivating it.

Together, we are building a future where “Forever to thee” becomes a lived experience of purpose, potential, and progress.

WE’RE EMPOWERING DISCOVERY AND ENHANCING LIVES ACROSS SOUTH CAROLINA AND BEYOND.

At USC, greatness isn’t handed down—it’s uncovered, nurtured, and pursued. We create the conditions where individuals can access their potential and chart their own path forward. This is where curiosity is encouraged, ambition is supported, and transformation is self-driven.

We don’t build leaders—we help individuals recognize their own power to lead.

From the first steps on campus to the bold leaps into the world, USC is where people claim their agency and shape their future. USC’s potential is undeniable.

THIS IS POTENTIAL REALIZED— THE JOURNEY OF BECOMING AT USC AMPLIFYING WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR SOUTH CAROLINA TOMORROW.

USC is taking a bold step into the future—where every student’s journey, every research breakthrough, and every community partnership contributes to a South Carolinian legacy of impact. We are audaciously ambitious in our pursuit. In the journey of becoming, we are securing the bridge from exploration to actualization. Imagine a South Carolina with access to greater resources.

Communities will thrive, transformed by students who return to grow and be change agents. Corporate sectors will innovate through continued partnerships, making our state a go-to for future-proof opportunities. Through this campaign, every Gamecock and South Carolinian helps to champion a more prosperous state to be a leader forever.

WE’RE INVESTING IN PEOPLE, POSSIBILITIES, AND PROGRESS.

This campaign advances the bold vision outlined in the University of South Carolina’s strategic priorities. Our aim is to fuel the university’s momentum by investing in what matters most—student success, discovery and innovation, community impact, and the spaces and resources that make all of this possible. These priorities reflect our shared responsibility to serve the people of South Carolina while shaping a future that benefits the world.

EMPOWER EVERY STUDENT

From scholarships and emergency aid to mental health services and experiential learning, this campaign priority ensures that all students—regardless of background—have the support they need to succeed. By investing in student success, we are investing in equity, belonging, and the transformative power of education to change lives and communities.

FUEL DISCOVERY AND INNOVATION

From AI and emerging technologies to entrepreneurship, global learning, and groundbreaking scholarship, this prioritizes support for the people and programs that push boundaries, shape tomorrow, and future-proof the flagship institution as an innovative leader.

IMPACT SOUTH CAROLINA AND BEYOND

Our impact reaches every corner of the state—and far beyond. Whether we’re strengthening coastal resilience, advancing civil discourse, or expanding access to the arts, USC is a force for good in the lives of individuals and communities across the state. This priority builds on active partnerships to expand outreach programs in health, education, and economic development.

TRANSFORM OUR CAMPUS

This priority is a bold commitment to transform USC’s campus to create a modern, inclusive, and inspiring environment that reflects the excellence of our people and programs. Through strategic investments in new and renewed facilities, we will build the infrastructure that fuels discovery, supports student success, and welcomes the community into the heart of our mission.

DRIVE ATHLETICS EXCELLENCE

At USC, success is not a game. We empower student-athletes in both academic achievement and athletic triumph, as evidenced by having one of the highest graduation rates in the SEC. We’re building one of the most respected and holistic programs in existence, supported by coaches, mentors, and educators who cultivate a culture where excellence is the standard. Through our programs, student-athletes become the game changers they were meant to be in the moment and for tomorrow. We are investing in people, programs, and facilities, recording our wins in the form of more banners raised and more lives elevated across campuses, South Carolina, and beyond.

“BIG IDEAS” AT USC

At the University of South Carolina, our campaign themes reflect the enduring pillars of a flagship university—faculty excellence, student success, discovery and innovation, athletics, and the physical campus. These themes are designed for broad participation across colleges and units and align with traditional philanthropic pathways (scholarships, endowed chairs, programs, facilities, etc.).

Alongside these themes, USC is elevating a complementary concept: the Big Idea. A Big Idea is a pan-university initiative that transcends any single unit or traditional category. It is a brand-defining ambition—time-relevant, interdisciplinary, and intended to serve South Carolina and beyond in a particularly meaningful, visible, and distinctive way.

The USC Brain Promise is our inaugural Big Idea. It unites work across disciplinesneuroscience, cognitive and behavioral science, engineering, medicine, AI, ethics, and the arts—under a shared commitment to deepen society’s understanding of the brain and to improve quality of life. While anchored by the new Brain Health Center in Columbia, the Brain Promise extends well beyond clinical care, encompassing research, education, community engagement, and innovation.

USC BRAIN PROMISE

The brain is humanity’s most profound frontier. The USC Brain Promise unites experts across disciplines to unlock its mysteries and improve lives—from cognition and behavior to neurodiversity and Al. Anchored by the new Brain Health Center, this initiative positions USC as a national leader in brain-focused research, education, and innovation.

THIS IS A BOLD, MULTI-YEAR INVESTMENT IN THE UNIVERSITY FOR SOUTH CAROLINA.

This campaign is a multi-year effort to fuel lasting transformation at the University of South Carolina. It will provide focused investment to expand access, drive discovery, strengthen community impact, and build the spaces and resources needed to secure USC’s future. This concentrated commitment reflects both the urgency of our mission and the boldness of our vision for South Carolina and beyond.

MAJOR DONORS AND PRIVATE PHILANTHROPISTS

Individuals, families, and foundations with the capacity to make leadership or transformational gifts. These partners can help drive scholarships, endowed faculty positions, research initiatives, and capital projects that will shape USC’s impact on South Carolina and the world. Their investments can create lasting change in areas such as health, education, innovation, and social mobility.

CORPORATE, CIVIC, AND GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

Regional, national, and global businesses, along with civic leaders, government agencies, and policymakers who are committed to advancing economic growth, workforce development, and community well-being. Their support may focus on public-private research partnerships, innovation hubs, talent pipelines, healthcare and education initiatives, and infrastructure that benefits both USC and the broader South Carolina economy. These partners also influence policies and resources that enable USC’s long-term success and competitiveness.

ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS

Graduates, former students, and lifelong supporters who are passionate about giving back to the university that shaped their lives. This group may contribute to student scholarships, athletics, school- or college-specific funds, and programs that enrich the student experience and prepare future leaders. Their gifts and involvement help USC improve lives across South Carolina and expand its reputation worldwide.

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY AND GENERAL PUBLIC

Faculty, staff, students, parents, and citizens of South Carolina who are essential to USC’s daily mission and long-term relevance. Their giving and advocacy may support campus improvements, diversity and inclusion initiatives, sustainability projects, health and wellness programs, and other efforts that enhance quality of life on campus and beyond. This broad community helps USC remain deeply connected to the people and progress of South Carolina while contributing to global discovery and leadership.