The University of South Carolina Alumni Association announced Wednesday (Sept. 25) the recipients of the 2024 Alumni Awards.
The University of South Carolina Alumni Association will celebrate and recognize all award recipients during Homecoming Weekend (Nov. 1-3). To read more about these outstanding Gamecocks, visit the alumni association’s website.
Clay Owen, ’82, is the recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which recognizes an alumnus who demonstrates noble character, acts as a humble servant and places service to others before self-interest. A former AT&T communications executive, Owen and his wife, Grainne, founded Curing Kids Cancer, a charity that has raised more than $25 million for pediatric cancer research.
Glenn Tilton, ’70, has been selected as Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Tilton’s illustrious career in industry included serving as chairman and CEO of Texaco; as chairman, president and CEO of United Airlines; and as chairman of the Midwest for JPMorgan Chase.
Leroy Chapman Jr., ’94, is the recipient of the Outstanding Black Alumni Award. Chapman began his career in journalism at The State newspaper in Columbia while he was still a student at the University of South Carolina. Chapman became the first person of color to lead the Atlanta Journal-Constitution when he was named editor-in-chief in March 2023.
Caroline Fermin, ’85, is the recipient of the Outstanding Veteran Alumni Award. Fermin served 25 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was just the second woman to graduate from the Marine Corps War College. Fermin continues to serve the veteran community across South Carolina.
Alyssa Lang, ’15, has been selected as the Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient. Lang joined the SEC Network in 2018 and serves as a host, anchor and reporter, including working as a sideline reporter, for SEC Network broadcasts of college football and basketball games.
James Solomon Jr., is the recipient of this year’s Honorary Life Member Award. This award recognizes a non-graduate who has made considerable contributions in support of the university. Solomon was one of three African American students whose enrollment in 1963 desegregated the university.
C. John Wentzell, ’74, is the recipient of the Bethea Volunteer Service Award, presented to an outstanding alumnus who is dedicated to enhancing the value of the university and making an impact on future generations of Gamecocks. Wentzell served 24 years with the alumni association’s board of governors, including 20 years as the board’s treasurer. He also served 20 years on the University Foundation’s investment committee.
The association aims to engage alumni through membership and programming while providing opportunities for future alumni through student scholarships. While one may be a student for a short time, they are a Gamecock for a lifetime.
The University of South Carolina Alumni Association fosters lifelong connections, growth and success for alumni, students and friends of the University of South Carolina.
