Many of our student groups are actively looking for alumni to speak about their fields, specialties and experiences. This helps students learn more about their career options and provides the opportunity for our graduates to mentor future colleagues. 

In these specialty-specific conversations done once a month, 4-8 students have an opportunity to sit down in-person or virtually with an alumnus/alumna to get the ins and outs of the career. No question is off the table; hosts must agree to be honest in this intimate, judge-free, safe environment. 

Many of our students are looking to have an ongoing conversation with alumni in certain fields, specialties and geographical locations. Before we can connect the student to potential alumni contacts, we must receive permission to release contact information to the student. Help us bypass this step by updating contact preferences and allow students access to an email address ONLY for a quicker and seamless connection.

Please complete this form if you're open to our team sharing your contact information to students: Update Your Information

NOTE: We will never give out other contact information, like mailing addresses and phone numbers, without your consent.

Our Help Our Students Travel (HOST) program gives alumni the opportunity to host a student in their town or city while he or she is traveling to interviews, working on a rotation or conducting research away from Columbia.

We're always looking for alumni who can:

• give a tour of the area in which you live or practice
• speak about your own experiences
• provide an insider’s view of your profession, specialty or field
• share a cup of coffee
• provide transportation to/from airport or interview/work site
• treat a student to dinner
• host visiting students at your home 

 Launched in 2019, the MD White Coat & Stethoscope Campaign continues a longstanding tradition that connects students with generations of SOMC physicians. Each white coat and stethoscope serves as a powerful symbol of responsibility, possibility, and belonging, reminding students that they are supported by the alumni who walked this path before them.
Alumni are encouraged to sponsor a white coat and/or stethoscope and include a personal note of encouragement to welcome students as they begin their medical journey.

MD White Coat Ceremony -  takes place in September/October; appeal is sent out via email in August. The campaign runs for four weeks in mid-August through mid-September.

Launched in 2023, the PA White Coat Campaign celebrates a defining milestone for USC School of Medicine Columbia Physician Assistant students as they transition from the classroom to clinical practice. Each white coat symbolizes responsibility, compassion, and the beginning of their journey into patient care.

Alumni are encouraged to sponsor a white coat and include a brief note of welcome or encouragement to support PA students at this pivotal moment.

PA White Coat Ceremony - takes place in March/April; appeal is sent out via email in March. The campaign runs for three weeks in March.

Launching in 2026, the Nurse Anesthesia Scrub Cap Campaign celebrates the legacy and community of Gamecock CRNAs. Each embroidered scrub cap serves as a visible symbol of pride and belonging, reminding students that they are supported by the alumni who paved the way.

Alumni are encouraged to sponsor an embroidered scrub cap and include a brief note of encouragement to uplift the next generation of nurse anesthesia students.

The campaign runs for three weeks in January.