Edgar Lemus Rivera plans to continue his dedication to volunteerism and service as he works his way through medical school to become a physician.
The biochemistry and molecular biology major from Toms River, New Jersey, is one of two winners of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award — the university’s highest student honor.
Rivera plans to continue his education at the USC School of Medicine Greenville.
“Throughout my college journey, I've passionately engaged in activities that intertwine my dedication to health care, community service and academic excellence (and) cultivated a deep understanding of the importance of volunteerism,” Rivera says.
“As a first-generation student, I valued the platform I was given to demonstrate the ways in which USC had been able to uplift me.”
He has served as vice president of the Phi Delta Epsilon medical fraternity, focusing on providing experiential learning opportunities for students learning medical Spanish. He also helped restart workshops for students navigating the process of applying to medical school.
He has volunteered with the Good Samaritan Clinic in Columbia, which provides free health care to underserved and uninsured residents and most recently served as volunteer coordinator for the clinic.
“I served as a medical interpreter to facilitate interactions between our providers and their Spanish-speaking patients,” he says. “Given that our patient base is uninsured, I also was involved in aspects that involved continuation of care, ensuring that our patients knew what to do, whether it was picking up prescriptions, getting diagnostic testing or being referred to a specialist.”
As an undergraduate researcher, Rivera worked on sustainable drug synthesis and non-toxic flame-retardant textiles.
On the lighter side, Rivera helped restart the Gamecock Fencing Club, offering a space for novices and experts alike to learn about the sport and have fun. He also served as a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences, sharing his experiences with prospective students, donors and alumni.
“As a first-generation student, I valued the platform I was given to demonstrate the ways in which USC had been able to uplift me,” Rivera says.