The 2025 Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Awards celebrated excellence, leadership and service among the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management community. Held on March 21, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Columbia, S.C., the event honored outstanding alumni, industry partners and longtime supporters who have made significant contributions to their fields and to the college. Below are the stories of each honoree, highlighting their professional accomplishments and continued commitment to making a difference.
HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award
Todd A. Bedenbaugh, '88, '95
Todd Bedenbaugh earned his bachelor’s degree in 1988 and master’s in 1995 from what was then known as the Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Administration program at the University of South Carolina. He excelled for more than two decades in a career distinguished by exceptional leadership and dedication to operational excellence in South Carolina’s educational system.
In 2023, Bedenbaugh was appointed Chief Operations Officer of Lexington County School District Three, where he oversaw essential functions such as transportation, technology, facilities, maintenance, capital projects, and student nutrition until his retirement in 2024. In the ten years prior, he served as Executive Director of Operations for Lexington-Richland School District Five, where he managed significant construction projects and custodial services, ensuring the creation and maintenance of safe, healthy learning environments.
Bedenbaugh earned numerous accolades, including Southeast Child Nutrition Director of the Year (2018) and SC State Director of the Year (2018), and was inducted into the School Nutrition Hall of Fame (2021). He was also honored with the Superintendent’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2018) and received the United States Department of Agriculture’s Best Practice Award consecutively from 2015 to 2017.
Committed to educational excellence, Bedenbaugh actively supported the University of South Carolina’s College of HRSM, helping secure significant USDA grants and serving as an adjunct instructor.
“His remarkable achievements and steadfast commitment to his profession and alma mater bring distinction and honor to our program, our university and the field of hospitality and tourism,” says School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Professor of Strategic Leadership Charles Partlow.
Marquis Bias, '14
Marquis Bias is a New York City-based fashion stylist and set costumer with a diverse career spanning television, film, and live events. He is currently in his fourth season as the personal dresser for Ego Nwodim on NBC’s Saturday Night Live.
In addition to his on-going work with Nwodim, Bias played a key role in SNL’s 50th-season celebrations, working with Lady Gaga’s creative team to customize a performance look and assisting Bad Bunny’s band members with their stage wardrobe. During the accompanying comedy event, he served as a dresser for Kim Kardashian and Pedro Pascal.
Beyond SNL, he recently completed filming a CBS sitcom starring Tracy Morgan, serving as Morgan’s personal dresser. His past collaborations include working with Bobby Cannavale, Edgar Ramírez, Jennifer Coolidge, Margot Martindale, Janet Hubert, Jasmine Guy, Noma Dumezweni, and Meagan Good.
As a fashion stylist, Bias has worked with acclaimed clarinetist Anthony McGill, styling his red carpet look for the 67th Grammy Awards and designing a custom tuxedo for his performance of Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto” at BBC Proms. He also styled actor William Jackson Harper for the 77th Tony Awards, in which Harper was nominated for Best Actor in a Play for his role in Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya.
From 2014 to 2019, Bias served as an in-house wardrobe stylist for the Miss Universe Organization, overseeing the wardrobes of Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA for all public engagements.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in retailing with a concentration in fashion merchandising from the University of South Carolina. During his time at South Carolina, he served as an HRSM Ambassador and was president of the Fashion Board. In that role, he founded USC Fashion Week, an annual tradition that continues today.
Bias is a proud alumnus of the Carolina Band and in his spare time still enjoys playing the flute as much as possible.
“Marquis was one of the most creative and talented students I have ever taught in over 40 years. He was a dreamer and a doer,” says retired College of HRSM professor Sallie Hooks Boggs. “He loved coming up with big ideas, like Fashion Week at USC, and then he would make them happen. His excitement and energy spilled over to everyone. He inspired so many students, even after he had long since gone. He also inspired me. I was blessed to be in his orbit.”
Barry Bodiford, '98
Barry Bodiford, founder and CEO of 360clean, has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and leadership in building 360clean into a national franchise brand.
Bodiford graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1998 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies through the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. He worked as a recruiting assistant and graduate assistant football coach under Brad Scott and Lou Holtz.
In 2005, he and his wife, Allison (also a College of HRSM graduate), launched the first 360clean in Charleston, South Carolina, with a vision to provide health-focused commercial cleaning services. They expanded the business into a franchise in 2008. Today, there are more than 70 locations of 360clean businesses across the United States.
Under his leadership, 360clean has received 44 awards from Franchise Business Review since 2019, a testament to the company's commitment to franchise owner satisfaction. Bodiford’s dedication to high-quality, health-focused cleaning services — and his support for families achieving their dreams of business ownership through franchising — have been pivotal to 360clean's success.
Bodiford's entrepreneurial journey is marked by numerous accolades, including being named a Top 20 Small Business in South Carolina multiple times and earning top 500 spots on the “Inc. 5000” list, an annual list compiled by Inc. magazine that ranks the 5,000 fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. His continued efforts in expanding and developing the 360clean franchise system make him a distinguished and inspiring leader in the business community.
“His entrepreneurial success is truly inspiring,” says College of HRSM Director of Alumni and External Relations Tina Weaver. “We are proud to celebrate his achievements and grateful for his continued support.”
Bodiford is one of the newest members of the College of HRSM Dean’s Leadership Advisory Board and is committed to mentoring students in the areas of leadership, entrepreneurship and franchising.
Lance Grantham, '01
Lance Grantham, a 2001 graduate of the University of South Carolina in sport and entertainment management, has built a stellar career.
Grantham began his journey with the Tampa Bay Lightning, starting as an intern before earning a promotion to assistant guest services manager. He then moved to the National Football League, serving for three years as ticket manager for the New England Patriots before accepting a similar role with Gator Bowl Sports.
In 2008, he returned to his alma mater and is now in his 18th year as senior associate athletic director for tickets and parking with Gamecock Athletics.
In this role, he has significantly shaped the fan experience while mentoring numerous students from the College of HRSM’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. His current staff includes five HRSM alumni.
Grantham has overseen all USC athletics ticketing since 2008, including six women’s basketball Final Fours (and three national championships), three baseball College World Series trips (two national championships), one men's basketball Final Four, one football SEC Championship Game, 13 football bowl games, and countless other home and away events.
“He has been a vital asset to USC Athletics and a great supporter of the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management,” says Professor Tom Regan.
Jon Murray, '06
Jon Murray is a visionary hospitality leader and entrepreneur whose nearly 20-year career has been marked by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to transforming industry standards.
Based in Nashville, Murray is founder of Noko, a James Beard-nominated, Asian-inspired, wood-fired restaurant which was named one of OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants for 2024. He also recently opened an omakase restaurant, Kase x Noko.
Murray is redefining workplace culture in hospitality through a strong commitment to employee wellness, health, and sustainability. His innovative approach balances exceptional guest experiences with a focus on the personal and professional growth of his team.
Murray began his career in the music industry, managing artists and coordinating national tours for OMG/EMI Records and Golden Music. In 2011, seeking a new challenge, he transitioned into hospitality where his ambition quickly propelled him from server to general manager at several notable Charleston, South Carolina restaurants. In 2019, he was appointed Chief Restaurant Officer for the Indigo Road Hospitality Group, where he oversaw more than 20 restaurants, bars, and hotels, and successfully launched new concepts, including Maya in Charleston.
Murray credits his success in part to his education at the University of South Carolina’s College of HRSM and mentors like Frank Roach and Pat Moody.
"It was clear to me from the day I met him that Jon was destined for greatness because he saw the world differently. That made ‘the college experience’ different for him. He wasn't going to follow the established path, but there was an inner fire of creativity that needed channeling. No one that took the time to know him would be surprised by his success,” says Roach.
HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Taylor Glover, '18
Taylor Glover is an attorney and associate at Clifford Chance, a premier international law firm. Her practice focuses on government and internal investigations, white-collar criminal defense and parallel litigation, where she advises both domestic and international clients on complex legal and compliance matters.
Beyond her legal practice, Glover serves as an editor for the firm’s global retail, luxury and fashion newsletter and a sports and entertainment newsletter. She is deeply committed to pro bono work, dedicating her time to assisting underserved communities in Washington, D.C.
A Northern Virginia native, Glover earned her bachelor’s degree in retailing with a minor in sport and entertainment management from the University of South Carolina in 2018. She was an HRSM Ambassador and a member of the Dean's Executive Leadership Council. Glover went on to earn her juris doctor from Howard University School of Law in 2022. Before attending law school, she gained valuable industry experience as an executive intern at the NFL Players Association, where she spent a year. During her legal studies, she continued to refine her expertise through internships at Apple and the World Bank.
“There was never any doubt that Taylor Glover was going to be a superstar,” says College of HRSM Department of Retailing Instructor Mike Moody. “From the first days Taylor came to my class, she stood out as exceptional. She’s not only very bright, but also hard working, dependable and engaging. While Taylor’s ability and dedication were immediately obvious, I was equally impressed with how she reached out to her fellow students and was always willing to help others in need. She has continued her generosity by devoting time to underserved populations in the Washington area. I predict that Taylor is just getting started, and we will hear about many more remarkable accomplishments in the years ahead.”
Lauren Greenfield, '12
Lauren Greenfield is vice president of partnership solutions for the Washington Commanders, overseeing the team’s corporate partnership strategy.
In her role, Greenfield focuses on innovative ways to create value for both new and existing sponsors — developing go-to-market strategy, examining industry-wide best practices, building sponsorable platforms across the business and liaising with internal and external constituents across the NFL and broader industry.
Prior to joining the Commanders, Greenfield was vice president, global partnership strategy and development for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, where she oversaw partnership strategy across the full portfolio inclusive of the Washington Wizards, Capitals, Mystics, Capital City Go-Go (G-League) and Wizards District Gaming (NBA2K). She began her career at NHL headquarters in New York City.
Greenfield holds a bachelor’s degree in sport and entertainment management from the University of South Carolina College of HRSM as a proud Gamecock, and a master’s in sports industry management from Georgetown University.
“Lauren is always quick to support HRSM in any way asked of her. Ever since her undergraduate days, she has been a leader in all that she does. Her willingness to support our current students is so valuable,” says HRSM Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Professional Development Collin Crick.
Audrey Karas, '19
Audrey Karas embodies the spirit of alumni engagement through her exceptional commitment to mentoring and empowering students in the University of South Carolina’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Her dedication began immediately after graduation when she managed the internship program at Cherokee Town and Country Club in Atlanta. She successfully recruited and developed numerous USC students, many of whom have built lasting careers at the club.
Currently serving as food and beverage manager at the prestigious Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, Karas maintains strong connections with USC. She frequently returns to campus to conduct mock interviews and provide expert resume guidance. Her active recruitment of USC students underscores her confidence in the program and her passion for creating meaningful career pathways.
In addition to her professional contributions, Karas serves as a dedicated mentor through the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), investing deeply in the personal and professional growth of students as they transition from academics to industry careers. She was the 2024 recipient of CMAA Kendall Scholarship, recognizing her efforts as a mentor, and the CMAA Sally Burns Rambo Scholarship, which honors emerging female leaders in the club industry.
“Audrey has dedicated herself not only to growing and learning in the industry but also to working with current students to support their development and passion for hospitality,” says School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Senior Instructor Jessica Chavis.
HRSM Distinguished Service Award
Adonis "Sporty" Jeralds
Adonis “Sporty” Jeralds is one of the most beloved faces in the history of the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.
In 14 years as a senior instructor in the college’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management he mentored countless students, passing along valuable classroom — and life — lessons. Jeralds earned the Harry E. and Carmen S. Varney Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award in 2019 and served as the college’s assistant dean for diversity and inclusion before his retirement in 2023.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina, and master’s degrees from UNC Chapel Hill and the University of Massachusetts.
Jeralds began his career in public assembly venue management at the Hampton Coliseum in Virginia in 1983. He later joined the staff at Charlotte Coliseum, where he became a manager in 1990. Over his 15 years in Charlotte, Jeralds oversaw a $12 million budget and coordinated major events including the NCAA Final Four, NBA All-Star Game, and visits from Mother Teresa and the Rolling Stones.
Jeralds is also a published author of multiple books and has taught sports marketing internationally. He and his wife, Teresa, have two children, Jazmine and Jacob. He now serves as special advisor for community tickets with the Charlotte Hornets.
"He has been a mentor to so many and impacted countless careers and lives. Beyond teaching, Sporty worked with our students to provide access and support to those underrepresented in our industry. From group mentoring sessions to meetings in the hallways and his office, he always found a way to connect," says HRSM Department of Sport and Entertainment Management Chair Matt Brown.
Marianne Bickle
Marianne Bickle, professor emerita in the Department of Retailing at the University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, dedicated her career to service: advancing education, research, and student success.
With a Ph.D., M.A., and B.S. from Michigan State University, she served USC with distinction in numerous leadership roles, including department chair, director of online learning, and director of the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) program. Under her guidance, the Retailing Department was ranked second in North America for scholarly research.
A pioneer in online education, Bickle tirelessly championed innovative teaching methods, opening doors for countless students to earn their degrees remotely. Her research in online learning, consumer satisfaction, and retail sales secured over $8.5 million in federal, industry, and private funding.
Throughout her distinguished career, Bickle earned numerous awards including the Outstanding Service Learning Award from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the Jack Cermack Outstanding Advising Award from Colorado State University.
“Marianne Bickle served the college in an outstanding manner in several capacities, often when we needed her calm demeanor and thoughtful leadership most. There was never any doubt that Marianne cared deeply and was devoted to the college and her colleagues. Through her many accomplishments, she made lasting contributions that will impact the college for many years,” says College of HRSM Dean Emerita Pat Moody.
Dominique Gray, '12
With over a decade of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and hospitality sectors, Dominique Gray is a dynamic leader recognized for his ability to turn strategic visions into tangible achievements. His expertise spans business development, hospitality management, nonprofit leadership, and corporate partnerships, where he has consistently driven innovation, financial growth, and community impact.
A proud University of South Carolinaalumnus, he earned his bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management with a concentration in club management in 2012 and completed his MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business in 2024.
Gray’s career has led him into hospitality and golf management, where he has successfully overseen premier clubs, enhanced guest experiences, and implemented operational strategies that have driven revenue growth and increased member satisfaction. His expertise was further solidified through his tenure at Troon, the world’s largest golf and club management company.
Beyond his professional success, Gray has remained a steadfast advocate for education and mentorship. He has served as a guest lecturer and ambassador for USC’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, sharing his expertise with students and emerging professionals. His commitment to shaping the future of the industry is further demonstrated through his role as an advisory board member for the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Committed to community empowerment, Gray co-founded Race 4 Achievement Inc., creating pathways to academic excellence for students across South Carolina and in Charlotte. Established in memory of his childhood friend, TyWanza Sanders — the youngest victim of the 2015 Mother Emanuel Church Massacre in Charleston — the organization has awarded over $25,000 in scholarships and secured major corporate sponsorships to expand its mission.
“Since graduating, Dominique has demonstrated unwavering dedication to supporting students, alumni and the academic community,” says College of HRSM Director of Alumni and External Relations Tina Weaver.
Dominique’s nomination was supported by multiple faculty and staff who agree that, as a proud HRSM alumnus and servant leader, Dominique never passes up the opportunity to mentor and support our current students and young alumni.
HRSM Distinguished Friend of the College Award
Ray Tanner
Ray Tanner is a legendary figure in University of South Carolina athletics, known for exceptional leadership as both head baseball coach and athletics director. Over three decades, Tanner led USC to unprecedented success, capturing two national championships as baseball coach and elevating other programs to their highest achievements as athletics director.
Under Tanner’s guidance, USC athletics experienced nearly an 80% increase in revenue and surpassed $20 million in annual fundraising. His commitment extended beyond athletics, as Gamecock athletes consistently achieved academic excellence, leading the SEC Academic Honor Roll and maintaining cumulative GPAs above 3.0 for 35 consecutive semesters.
Now transitioning into a new role as athletics director emeritus and senior advisor to the university’s president, Tanner will continue his enduring legacy by focusing on fundraising and community engagement. His unwavering dedication, integrity, and passion for the university have left an indelible mark on USC, making him one of the most influential figures in Gamecock history.
“Coach Tanner has been a longtime friend of the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management and the College of HRSM. In his days as baseball coach and as athletics director, he has spent many days in the classroom as a guest lecturer, spoken to student organizations and supported department and college events and activities. He has also provided countless opportunities for our students to gain internship and volunteer experiences at athletic events and contests,” says Department of Sport and Entertainment Management Chair Matt Brown.
Elizabeth Koenig
Castello Banfi, under the exemplary leadership of Vice President and Hospitality Director Elizabeth Koenig, has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to hospitality education through its longstanding partnership with the University of South Carolina School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
The esteemed Tuscan winery consistently provides students and faculty with unparalleled, immersive learning experiences, including educational visits to its Italian estate. There, students participate in expert-led wine tastings, exclusive winery tours, and dining at Banfi’s Michelin-starred restaurant, often alongside the proprietors themselves.
Banfi further enriches USC’s hospitality curriculum by actively engaging in campus wine education courses and generously supplying premium wines and educational resources. Koenig’s leadership and Banfi’s steadfast support have significantly enhanced students' practical knowledge and professional development, profoundly influencing the next generation of hospitality and wine industry leaders.
“Elizabeth and Banfi’s sustained commitment to educational excellence and professional development exemplifies the type of industry partnership that transforms students’ academic experience into practical, real-world knowledge,” says School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Interim Director Sandy Strick.
HRSM Corporate Partner of the Year
Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament, is globally renowned not only for elite competition but also for unparalleled hospitality and service excellence. Known as one of the most coveted tickets in sports, the Masters Tournament flawlessly delivers both superior quality and exceptional efficiency, a rare combination in major event management.
For over two decades, Augusta National has provided invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students from the University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. It started in 2004, when Catherine Gustafson arranged for 21 students to work at the Masters. Gustafson, now retired but then an associate professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, had worked in golf club management prior to teaching at USC and knew there was no better training ground for students to gain real-world professional experience than Augusta National Golf Club.
“I really knew we had something when the next year, in 2005, 100 percent of those 21 chose to go back and work it again,” Gustafson says. “The fact that literally every single student wanted to go back affirmed to me that it was a good thing from a student’s perspective.”
What Gustafson started in 2004 with 21 students has grown into an annual tradition, now led by School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Senior Instructor Jessica Chavis. Hundreds of students work on site at the Masters each April, gaining firsthand experience in operational excellence, personal growth, and professional networking. This partnership has profoundly shaped countless careers, allowing students to work alongside world-class professionals and learn from international leaders in event operations.
Augusta National’s commitment to education and professional development has made the partnership a transformative catalyst for many students, solidifying USC's place as the largest collegiate presence at the Masters. Working at the Tournament is an immeasurable learning opportunity for HRSM students, exemplifying the highest standards in hospitality and experiential education.
Next month, once again, hundreds of HRSM Gamecocks will take part in helping make one of the world’s most storied sporting events come alive. Their experiences at the Masters Tournament may shape their future and will certainly be one of the most memorable parts of their college careers.
“The impact that Augusta National Golf Club has had on our students is priceless,” says Chavis. “There is no other experiential learning opportunity of this caliber offered to our students. This opportunity has not only shaped careers and developed our students personally/professionally — for many, having a chance to be a part of this experience is what made them choose our college.”