We are incredibly grateful for these generous gifts to the Carolina Band.

— Jay Jacobs, Director of The Carolina Band

Thanks to the generosity of nearly 1,500 alumni, parents, businesses, fans, students and organizations, The Carolina Band achieved its fundraising goal to pay for the Band’s appearance in the 2024 Thanksgiving Day Parade Parade in New York City.

University of South Carolina colleges and schools with $2,500 or more contributions to the Band’s NYC journey were recognized at Copenhaver Band Hall on Friday, November 15. Recognized were:

• The College of Education, represented by Dean Tommy Hodges, sponsored the Coquettes.
•  The College of Information and Communications, represented by Dean Tom Reichert, sponsored the Colorguard.
• The Arnold School of Public Health, represented by Toni Torres-McGehee, sponsored Feature Twirlers.
• The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, represented by Karen Edwards, sponsored the Trumpet section.
• The College of Arts and Sciences and Dean Joel Samuels, Drum Major Sponsor, was represented by Derek Shook.
• The Darla Moore School of Business and Dean Rohit Verma, Cornucopia Sponsors. Marc Van Essen represented the Moore School.
• The Nursing School and Dean Jeannette Andrews, supporters of nursing students in The Carolina Band, were represented by Associate Dean Robin Dawson.

Carolina Band director Dr. Jay Jacobs recognized these academic partners with an on-field presentation in front of the 375 band members and their parents, who watched the celebration from the Bridge overlooking the field.

During the ceremony, Jacobs announced USC Women’s Basketball head coach Dawn Staley, Gamecock Football head coach Shane Beamer and his wife Emily, and USC alumnus and Grammy-winning artist Darius Rucker each donated $25,000.

“We are incredibly grateful for these generous gifts to the Carolina Band,” said Jacobs. “This support will help make this a truly unforgettable experience for our students and an exceptional showcase for USC.”