Making it to the Big Show
January 17, 2019, Allen Wallace
The National Retail Foundation (NRF) Big Show in New York City is the largest retail conference in the United States, and this year it included the biggest group of Gamecocks yet.
Recent Stories
A teacher's path home
January 14, 2019, Kathryn McPhail
When Michelle Taylor walked across the stage at December’s commencement ceremony to accept her master’s degree, she culminated a journey of more than 7,300 miles and three countries. And though she didn’t step foot on campus during her two years in the Master of Education in Teaching program, she felt strongly about attending graduation.
Justice for all
January 11, 2019, Chris Horn
A University of South Carolina faculty member, staff member and two students who exemplify Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to service, equality and social justice will be honored at the university’s annual MLK Commemorative Breakfast Jan. 18.
UofSC is Sam Wilson's home away from home
January 10, 2019, Amanda Hernandez
For electrical engineering senior and first-generation college student Sam Wilson, a solid support system has been integral to his college success. As he enters his final semester at UofSC, Wilson is "paying it forward" to help shape the future of students following in his footsteps.
Taylor Wright finds his home at UofSC
January 02, 2019, Amanda Hernandez
Taylor Wright went from a shy high school senior in his hometown of Goose Creek, South Carolina, to the voice for 30,000-plus as the university’s student body president.
Turtle tales
December 19, 2018, Annika Dahlgren
The South Carolina Honors College is known for offering an expansive array of courses. English professor Paula Feldman's nature writing class brought together students and turtles, which resulted in an appreciation for the environmental and interest in advocacy.
The fine scale of time
December 18, 2018, Megan Sexton
A site along the Broad River in Fairfield County offers USC archaeologists and students a glimpse into the lives of people who camped along the same riverbank thousands of years ago.
Fast track to success
December 14, 2018, Alyssa Yancey
The BARSC-MD program, a joint initiative between the University of South Carolina Honors College and the USC School of Medicine, allows a select group of students to complete an undergraduate degree and their medical degree in just seven years. The students receive conditional acceptance to medical school as freshmen, and then enter medical school after their third year of undergraduate coursework.
Finding her voice
December 13, 2018, Mia Grimm
International travel has changed the course of Kailey Flannelly’s life, both at the beginning of her college career and the end.
A major dustup
December 11, 2018, Chris Horn
Eddie, a 40-foot-tall statue in Columbia's EdVenture children's museum, has been hard to keep clean. But a team of mechanical engineering students at the University of South Carolina have designed, built and tested a robotic drone that can whisk away the dust bunnies from Eddie's massive body.
The right information
December 11, 2018, Chris Horn
Things have been falling neatly into place for Charles Rodriquez in the past 18 months — he started working on a bachelor’s degree in information studies at the University of South Carolina and completed an internship earlier this fall that has paved the way for a new job he’ll begin after graduation in December.
A decade of opportunity
December 07, 2018, Diane Parham
Year after year, the number of lives transformed by the University of South Carolina’s Gamecock Guarantee program keeps growing. But numbers alone don’t tell the full story.
Carolinians in cars getting coffee
December 06, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
During finals week, everybody needs a change of scenery to keep from going stir-crazy while studying. Columbia has a bunch of original coffeehouses that are only a quick drive away, perfect for a change of pace and some quality coffee.
An educator's legacy
December 05, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
This month, Wendy Harriford Platt — a veteran teacher, mother, and daughter of a Carolina icon — will walk across the commencement stage to accept her doctorate degree in education with no regrets. Well, maybe just one regret — that her father will not be there to celebrate with her.
Invested interest
December 04, 2018, Megan Sexton
From an expanded school calendar to keep students on track to a revamped advising process,USC does a lot to prepare students for the next chapter.
USC Creativity
December 03, 2018, Megan Sexton
The university has established several new degree programs that illustrate creative curricula by adding innovation, an entrepreneurial approach or other types of value to traditional degrees.
Aloha
December 03, 2018, Allen Wallace
Passion for her chosen field combined with hard work took Tayler Metivier to the place every student wants to be: approaching graduation with multiple job offers in hand. She leaves the University of South Carolina this month with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a job in Maui, Hawaii, as an operations corporate management trainee with Hyatt Hotels.
A contemporary classic
November 28, 2018, Megan Sexton
Gabriela Lena Frank, a Grammy Award-winning composer who made the Washington Post’s list of the 35 most significant women composers in history, will visit the School of Music next week for a series of events.
Holidays at Carolina
November 27, 2018, Annika Dahlgren
Take a look at the lineup of 2018 holiday events, including the Carolina Cares service drive, annual tree lighting and more.
A community of makers
November 26, 2018, Julie Turner
When it comes to academics, most University of South Carolina students tend to identify with their degree or major program. For the 280 first-year students known as the Rhodos Fellows, it isn’t quite so cut and dried.
Happy house hunting
November 22, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
Finding off-campus housing can be stressful for students, whether it's their first time doing it or their third. To help students feel confident in making that decision, we have some tips on how to narrow things down and settle the nerves before signing day.
Behind the burn
November 15, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
Tiger Burn is one of the university's most cherished traditions. During rivalry week, student and alumni alike gather to watch the event on Greene Street Intramural Fields. Hear from the engineering students behind-the-scenes that build the tiger everyone watches go up in flames.
A rare opportunity
November 13, 2018, Dan Cook
Composer Nico Muhly is on campus this week for the world premiere of a new concerto and a residency with the School of Music. Muhly rarely does residencies in the United States, but he’s excited about working directly with music students at USC.
Family dynamics
November 09, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
The College of Education was awarded its largest grant in nearly 20 years to fund a statewide program to better engage families in South Carolina’s public schools.
An early start
November 08, 2018, John Brunelli
More than 40 middle school students visited the College of Pharmacy to envision what their future could be. Most of the students were female and African-American, part of the college’s efforts to attract underrepresented minorities to the profession.
The sounds of history
November 06, 2018, Megan Sexton
Students in Andrea L’Hommedieu’s oral history class in the South Carolina Honors College are interviewing military veterans this semester, learning the art of asking questions and telling stories.
Making a big deal of things
November 02, 2018, Allen Wallace
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management senior Parker Coggins has worked hard from her first day on campus to stand out from the crowd and build a reputation. Her efforts paid off recently with a big win: a $20,000 Scholarship of Excellence from The Statler Foundation.
Carolina still cares
November 01, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
Giving back to the community is something that everyone should try to make a priority in life. Learn about how you can serve the community during your time at UofSC and how doing so can leave a legacy.
Feeling spooky
October 24, 2018, Mia Grimm
Need a quick and easy costume on a budget? Have a worry-free, happy Halloween with these ideas.
UofSC tops U.S. in sport science for third straight year
October 19, 2018, Allen Wallace
The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are making an impact around the world, and the success has earned global recognition. The programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the third consecutive year in the Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.
Hello Homecoming
October 18, 2018, Annika Dahlgren
It’s another wonderful year here at the University of South Carolina, and to celebrate our students and alumni, the university is hosting a series of events to kick school spirit up to an all time high. Whether you’re dancing on Greene Street or building a canned creation, there is something for everyone to get involved in. Here are a few of the many must-see events going on this year.
Rising to the top
October 17, 2018, Chris Horn
Scores of USC students have won highly competitive national scholarships and fellowships with the assistance of the Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs and faculty members who serve on its committees.
Support system
October 15, 2018, Alyssa Yancey
As a youth transition specialist for Able South Carolina, a disability nonprofit that provides an array of independent living services, University of South Carolina graduate student Michael Hanna draws from his own experiences growing up with ADHD.
Highly Caffeinated
October 11, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
Coffee is the saving grace of many a college student, and there are plenty of places on and near campus to pick up a cup of joe. To help sort through them all, here are some of fastest places to help you get a quick caffeine boost.
Talking TEDx
October 09, 2018, Page Ivey
Overcoming stereotypes and drug addiction, learning to listen in uncomfortable conversations about race, and finding new ways to diagnose and treat mental illnesses were just some of the wide range of topics presented by speakers at the inaugural TEDxUofSC event Tuesday.
Justice, justice you shall pursue
October 05, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
Education professor and rabbi, Meir Muller, is devoted to countering antisemitism and bias through education. His work is shaping school curriculum for children in Europe and ultimately, here in South Carolina.
The search is on
October 04, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
Today, finding a job for students is all about networking and using technology to help connect to the next employer. To figure out which platform is best for your job hunt we’ve highlighted the similarities and differences between two of the biggest job sites used by students, LinkedIn and Handshake.
Fun for the whole family
September 27, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
It’s that time of year again. Time for our families to descend upon Columbia and UofSC in droves, calling before you’ve even gotten out of class to say that they’re here and asking where to park. They’ve been waiting for this day since August, but what are you going to do with them? Don’t stress; impress them with these options.
Jeté to the top
September 26, 2018, Chris Horn
A diagnosis of scoliosis put the brakes on 12-year-old Abbie Digby’s aspirations as a ballet dancer, but her subsequent surgery and recovery sparked a desire to pursue a career in medicine. She's now a freshman pre-med student at Carolina.
The myth of multitasking
September 20, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
Most students believe that they are great multitaskers, but is that true?
Flying Higher
September 19, 2018, Chris Horn
In the past year, the university’s McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research has nearly doubled in size, taking under its wing new laboratories for drone design, combustion research and a data analytics program focused on Army helicopter maintenance.
Filling the void
September 18, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
South Carolina is in critical need of special educators, with special education vacancies making up the largest share – nearly 20 percent - of unfilled teaching positions last year. To tackle this growing issue, the College of Education is launching a new certificate program for both early childhood education undergraduate students as well as current teachers.
Be happy, be healthy
September 12, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
Vegan and vegetarian diets are no longer limited to celebrities, they're also for the every day college student. Learn more about the specialty dining options on and near campus.
Destination: Morocco
September 05, 2018
Emma Dear, a second-year public health major, tells of her adventures in Morocco with Preston Residential College for a Maymester course.
McCutchen House gets cooking
August 30, 2018, Allen Wallace
Beginning Sept. 6, McCutchen House will be open for lunch Tuesday-Friday and for dinner each Thursday night. The on-campus, student-run restaurant offers a variety of dining experiences while serving as a hands-on training ground for hospitality management majors in the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management.
Paint the town
August 29, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
Scattered across Columbia and near campus are beautiful murals that anyone can visit and admire. We tracked some of them down so the next time you're exploring the city you know just where to go.
Father and son
August 28, 2018, Chris Horn
David Lankes, Riley’s dad, is director of the university’s School of Library and Information Science, and this past fall was diagnosed with lymphoma, his third bout with the cancer of the immune system. Help is on the way in the form of a bone marrow transplant from his son, an incoming freshman at Carolina.
All heart
August 27, 2018, Annika Dahlgren
School of Medicine student Alison “Allie” Augsburger has wanted to be a doctor for as long as she can remember, but working with her mentor and completing a prestigious summer program has helped focus her sights on the rigorous field of cardiothoracic surgery.
Sharing the love for Carolina
August 24, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
A cellphone video of Mac Watson opening his acceptance letter from the CarolinaLIFE program spread quickly on social media and continues to gain him a lot of positive attention. Watson’s desire to attend Carolina began just last year, but his love for his future alma mater is bringing thousands to tears.
'Twas the week before game day
August 23, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
With the first football game right around the corner that Saturday in South Carolina spirit is starting to fill the air, so be prepared with our tips to have game day go as smoothly as ever.
Stepping up to the plate
August 23, 2018, Allen Wallace
The University of South Carolina’s Russell House has a new look and a lot of great new meal options this fall, and one of America’s most famous chefs will be on campus Aug. 28 to get things started at a restaurant she helped create.
Fired up
August 22, 2018, Chris Horn
For Carolina's emerging ceramic artists, the ceramics studio in the School of Visual Art and Design is where their vision comes alive and their futures come into focus.
UofSC applications skyrocket; system enrollment grows to new heights
August 22, 2018, Jeff Stensland
As the University of South Carolina welcomes students returning to campuses, it’s also greeting a new group of freshmen and transfer students that’s among the largest and most diverse in the university’s history.
Movin' on up
August 21, 2018, Chris Horn
The Class of 2022 is here — all 5,800-plus of them — and their hopes and dreams as Gamecock freshmen are as varied as you might imagine. @UofSC Today caught up with three of them on Move-in Day.
A positive reaction
August 17, 2018, Chris Horn
Richard Adams has been training future chemists at the University of South Carolina for 45 years. His efforts have been rewarded with the 2018 Mungo Graduate Teaching Award.
Carolina Welcome by the numbers
August 15, 2018, Koby Padgett
The incoming class of freshmen is expected to be one of the largest at the University of South Carolina. We break down Move-In 2018 by the numbers.
Tackling the talk
August 15, 2018, Mia Grimm
Lyric Swinton is the only undergraduate speaker for TEDxUofSC on Oct. 9. She will be discussing a topic that has affected her life and is becoming increasingly important in our current social climate, stereotypes.
Getting at the core of the issue
August 09, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
To increase diversity among South Carolina’s teachers while also tackling the growing teacher shortage, the College of Education is launching the Apple Core Initiative. Ten students, including Marisa Green, will take part in the pilot program which provides scholarships and support for underrepresented populations in South Carolina.
Sustainability and understanding
August 07, 2018, Megan Sexton
Professor Lara Ducate and a group of students traveled to Germany in May to learn about sustainability practices in Saxony-Anhalt.
A glimpse into the future
July 26, 2018, Ross Stevens
Each summer, middle and high school students from around the world have the opportunity to get a hands-on college experience through multiple summer camps operated by the University of South Carolina.
Dancing to the Top
July 24, 2018, Allen Wallace
USC Dance Marathon claimed three national awards at the 2018 Miracle Network Dance Marathon Leadership Conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The student organization raised more than $1,000,000 during the 2017-18 school year for the kids at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital.
New retention program earns A+ from teachers
July 19, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
A new College of Education program aimed at increasing teacher retention in South Carolina proves successful in its first year - with 100 percent of participating teachers returning to the classroom next school year. This fall, 50 additional teachers will enter the program, and a $600,000 grant will help the college research the effectiveness of teacher recruitment and retention efforts statewide.
Heating up cancer treatment research
July 12, 2018, Annika Dahlgren
Researchers with the College of Engineering and Computing have created a new way to destroy cancer cells in two days. The research team — made up of electrical engineering professor Seongtae Bae, postdoc fellow Jung-tak Jang and undergrad (Eric) Sang Hoon Ju — uses a nanomaterial and an alternating current (AC) magnetic field generator to super heat the cells.
Age-old compound, modern-day use
July 03, 2018, Chris Horn
Biomedical scientists at USC’s School of Medicine are studying the extent to which emodin, a natural compound found in rhubarb, could help relieve some side effects of a common chemotherapy drug.
Breakthrough Leader: Janice Probst
June 29, 2018, Craig Brandhorst
As director of the S.C. Rural Health Research Center since 2003 — and prior to that, as the center’s deputy director — Jan Probst has played an integral role in promoting the work of other investigators in public health, nursing, medicine and other disciplines.
Mayo on your Slide Rule?
June 27, 2018, Chris Horn
This fall, a new café opens on campus with a menu that includes the following sandwiches: the Slide Rule, the Fortran, the B There or T Square and the Force Ten. Not hard to guess which college at USC will be home to the new café.
Keeping it cool
June 26, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
To help you beat the heat during your summer classes we scouted out some of the coolest places to hangout while on campus. Get ready to sit back, relax and be blasted with some much needed AC.
No rest for the curious
June 22, 2018, Alyssa Yancey
Over the last few years the University of South Carolina's School of Medicine has doubled its summer research opportunities for rising second-year medical students. This year more than half of the Class of 2021 (M.D.) applied for the program, and 24 students are currently completing research experiences in clinical and translational research.
The road less taken
June 19, 2018, Page Ivey
Heather Coleman wins the inaugural scholarship for nontraditional students that is named in memory of adult student administrator Harriett Hurt.
Clearing the path
June 19, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
As the state faces a growing teacher shortage, the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College sign an agreement to create a more efficient path to teaching for transfer students such as YBeth Castro.
Breakthrough Star: Karen McDonnell
June 15, 2018, Julie Smith-Turner
Karen McDonnell didn’t want to be a nurse. In fact, she turned down a nursing scholarship after high school in favor of studying biology and chemistry. After graduation, she went to work in a research lab. Although she enjoyed her work, something about it didn’t quite fit. That’s when McDonnell discovered her true calling in a most unusual place.
Mentor. Feedback. Art.
June 13, 2018, Page Ivey
Storytelling is how we make sense of our world. Whether we’re scientists, mathematicians, poets or preachers, we tell ourselves stories to understand the world around us. The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program helps hone this natural talent into a craft — a craft that turns stories into art.
Transforming professionals through human interaction
June 08, 2018, John Brunelli
The University of South Carolina became one of the first nursing programs in the state to start a simulated participant — or SP program. More than a dozen actors feign ailments to better prepare Carolina nurses.
From custodian to teacher
June 07, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
In May, David Dutka earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education through Palmetto College, the University of South Carolina’s online degree completion program. In August, he will begin his first year as a teacher at Midway Elementary School – the same school where he repaired pipes and buffed floors as a custodian for several years.
Movement and meaning
June 06, 2018, Annika Dahlgren
The University of South Carolina Dance Company performs “Honor and Ash” — a bracing contemporary piece — at a three-day national festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Summertime adventures in Soda City
May 31, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe
Have no idea what to do while in Columbia taking that summer class or working at that internship? We've got you covered. From watching a Columbia Fireflies game to visiting the Healthy Carolina Farmers Market, get ready to grab some friends and make the most of this summer break.
Overcoming grief through music
May 25, 2018, John Brunelli
Sarah Louise Faulkner combined her love of music with her studies to become a nurse to study the healing power of music.
Reading, writing, arithmetic - and running
May 23, 2018, Megan Sexton
Education professor Collin Webster works with classroom teachers and others to integrate more physical activity by students throughout the school day.
Russell House renovations to yield exciting new spread
May 23, 2018, Koby Padgett
The University of South Carolina community has a full slate of exciting new options of food choices coming this fall to a renovated Russell House.
Breakthrough Leader: Yiming Ji
May 18, 2018, Karla Turner
Trained as an aerospace engineer, Yiming Ji worked in the aerospace industry for several years before returning to school to study computer science. Inspired by the idea to train others to integrate computer science and engineering as he had done, Ji founded the computational science program at USC Beaufort, the only one of its kind in South Carolina.
Sowing art and science
May 14, 2018, Mary-Kathryn Craft
School of Visual Art and Design professors Mary Robinson, Sara Schneckloth and David Voros exhibited work in Norway as part of an international initiative to raise awareness about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and the cultural importance of seeds in biodiversity.
No dream too big
May 09, 2018, Page Ivey
Scott Salters thought his dream of being a physician in his hometown of Greenville — helping folks and being a role model for other young black men — was too big a dream. Now after two years at Carolina, Salters graduates in May with leadership distinction, a long list of accomplishments and activities, and a plan to attend medical school.
A perfect ending
May 09, 2018, Marjorie Riddle Duffie
While he was an undergraduate, Brooks Herring worked tirelessly to improve the student veteran experience at the University of South Carolina, while also maintaining a perfect GPA, being a father to two sons, working part time as a bartender and personal trainer, regularly performing as a solo singer/guitarist and taking on multiple leadership roles on campus.
Graduate with Leadership Distinction: Janelys Villalta
May 09, 2018, USC Times
When Janelys Villalta entered UofSC, she was focused on entertainment news. But after taking an interest in sociology the journalism student found her passion in social advocacy.
Designing their futures
May 08, 2018, Chris Horn
The College of Engineering and Computing's senior capstone design program has students rubbing elbows with corporate partners and manufacturers that want to tap into student expertise — and get an extended look at their next potential hires.
Graduate with Leadership Distinction: Amy Zyck
May 08, 2018, USC Times
After spending a summer abroad studying sea barnacles in the United Kingdom Amy Zyck decided on a career in research.
Graduate with Leadership Distinction: Sarah Taylor
May 07, 2018, USC Times
At a very young age, Sarah Taylor knew that she would pursue a career in health care. Now interested in a career as a pharmacist, the global studies student will graduate with leadership distinction in global learning.
Keeping her eye on the ball
May 02, 2018, Megan Sexton
Allisha Gray, who played in the WNBA last year after helping the Carolina women’s basketball team win the 2017 national championship, has returned to earn her degree in broadcast journalism.
Leading the Way
April 27, 2018, Allen Wallace
Catherine Snyder did not come to the University of South Carolina with the intention of becoming a leader almost immediately. However, when the opportunity came, she was ready to make the most of it.
Student Choreography Showcase to feature dance students' work
April 26, 2018, Taylor Evans
The public is invited to enjoy the creations of five students at the Student Choreography Showcase at 7 p.m. Friday (April 27) and 2 p.m. Saturday (April 28) at the Drayton Hall Theatre. These showcases feature works that were chosen from 12 pieces presented at the Fall 2017 Student Choreography Showcase.
A college life well lived
April 24, 2018, Chris Horn
When Nick Santamaria says he got to do some incredible things in his four years at Carolina, he's not kidding. The Honors College student earned the university's second highest student award, was named a Truman Scholar finalist and graduated with a 3.975 GPA. And that's just for starters.
Building a healthier South Carolina
April 20, 2018, Alyssa Yancey
The staff of the SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare at the USC School of Medicine is working to improve access to care in rural South Carolina. Created with state funding in 2017, the center has a number of initiatives underway, including a loan program to encourage health profession students to practice in rural settings, research grant programs and partnerships helping put providers on the ground in critical need areas.
Ringing in spring
April 20, 2018, Lynn Schutte
On April 22, 500 students will receive their University of South Carolina ring at the Ring Ceremony on the historic Horseshoe.
UofSC honors top students at Awards Day
April 19, 2018, Megan Sexton
The university its top student honors, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Steven N. Swanger awards, to four graduating seniors during the university’s annual Awards Day ceremony Thursday on the historic Horseshoe.
Beyond addiction
April 18, 2018, Marjorie Riddle Duffie
For USC senior William Benitez, graduating with his bachelor’s means more than just completing a degree. The former addict once thought he’d never get out of a jail cell.
Turning children into leaders and learners
April 18, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
University of South Carolina College of Education alumna and Pelion High School assistant principal, Erica Page, was named the 2018 National Assistant Principal of the Year. Though not a South Carolina native, Page began her career in education a decade ago in Lexington County after an adventurous 650-mile move south.
Helping the dogs of Chernobyl
April 13, 2018, Mary-Kathryn Craft
This summer, biology professor Timothy Mousseau and his students will visit Ukraine to study the stray dogs living around Chernobyl, the site of one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters.
Casey Brayton named Truman Scholar
April 12, 2018, Peggy Binette
Casey Brayton, a junior S.C. Honors College and College of Arts and Sciences student, has been named a 2018 Truman Scholar and the ninth student at the university to win the prestigious national scholarship.
More than a diploma
April 09, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
CarolinaLIFE provides an inclusive college experience for students with diverse learning needs. Students, like Ronald Parker, are immersed on campus – living, learning and experiencing college life. But, the impact of the program goes far beyond the students.
Global Gamecocks
April 02, 2018, Allen Wallace
More than 6,600 athletes from 71 nations and territories will compete from April 4-15 in the XXI Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast, and nine University of South Carolina students are part of the production team behind the mega-event.