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.
Recent Stories
Fired up
August 14, 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.
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.
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.
Destination: Morocco
July 16, 2018
Emma Dear, a second-year public health major, tells of her adventures in Morocco with Preston Residential College for a Maymester course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sharing the love for Carolina
April 27, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Galen Fellows
March 19, 2018, Megan Sexton
The first class of Galen Health Fellows arrived on campus in August, a group of more than 450 first-year students with dreams of careers in the health sciences.
Solving the equation
March 09, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
Though the College of Education is graduating an increasing number of science and math educators, the state – and nation – is still in desperate need of these teachers. To encourage more students to considering teaching science and math, Carolina is offering top students scholarships which are funded by a National Science Foundation grant program.
Where no one has gone before
March 08, 2018, Chris Horn
Jana Liese had her sights set on an internship at the National Institutes of Health but no students in the Washington Semester Program had ever landed an internship in a research lab. "At first, I was a little dejected," Liese says. "But then I decided I'm going to make this happen."
Lay of the land
February 27, 2018, Chris Horn
Students in Ray Torres’ Earth Surface Processes course use their bare hands to build dams, scoop out river beds and mold mountain ridges — all in a sandbox the size of a small table. Called an augmented-reality sandbox, it's a hands-on tool to teach concepts such as topography and land surface processes.
Champion for diversity
February 21, 2018, Allen Wallace
Victor Kidd is the first African-American doctoral student in the University of South Carolina’s sport and entertainment management Ph.D. program. He is also the first student overall from his program to win a SPARC grant — a merit-based grant designed to ignite research and creative excellence.
Prepping for 'the toughest job'
February 20, 2018, Chris Horn
Getting into the Peace Corps wasn't so difficult years ago. Now the competition is stiff — only one in three applicants is selected. USC's Peace Corps Prep program is giving students a leg up on the competition while they gain valuable experiences and perspectives to prepare them for life in the field.
Rising Star
February 12, 2018, Sydney Bernhardt
Freshman retailing major Sydney Bernhardt visited New York City for the National Retail Federation Student Convention, thanks in part to winning a Rising Star Scholarship from the organization.
Stronger together
February 02, 2018, Laura Kammerer
Kristal Tribble and Tina Williamson enrolled in Carolina's online RN to BSN program thinking it would be a solitary endeavor. Instead, they found community and friendship, and the pair are now pursuing the College of Nursing's online master's of nursing program together.
One more shot
January 19, 2018, Thom Harman
Two-time All-American Josh Awotunde didn't reach all of his goals last year due to injury, but he has high hopes for his senior season.
The 'SEARCH' for purpose
January 12, 2018, Kathryn McPhail
A cherished, childhood friendship led Tori Vaeth to study special education at the University of South Carolina. Now, the College of Education double alumna is leading a program that’s training and placing young adults with intellectual disabilities in rewarding careers.
Immediate impact
January 03, 2018, Melinda Waldrop
Samantha Petrelli threw herself into campus life, getting involved in a number of organizations while amassing 63 academic credits and a 4.0 GPA. Such a resume made Petrelli more than deserving of the inaugural Chi Omega Centennial Scholarship, endowed by a $25,000 donation by the Eta Gamma Chapter in 2016.
Opportunity guaranteed
December 14, 2017, Taylor Evans
David Tran, a first-generation college student from Greenwood, South Carolina, dreamed of becoming a doctor. Thanks to the Gamecock Guarantee financial and academic support program, Tran has taken his first big step on that journey.
Comeback win
December 12, 2017, Chris Horn
It’s been 13 years since Billy Buckner played baseball for the University of South Carolina, memorably striking out 16 batters one afternoon against Clemson and winning seven games in the 2004 season. Now, after taking several online classes and on campus, he has a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.
A decorative timeline
December 11, 2017, Chris Horn
The Pastides are celebrating their 10th holiday season in the President’s House, and part of the house’s extensive decorations this year are 30 hand-painted ornaments that celebrate some of the university’s milestone accomplishments of the past decade.
Bridging the gap, supporting our teachers
November 21, 2017, Kathryn McPhail
The College of Education recently launched a new program aimed at increasing teacher retention and success in the classroom by providing three additional years of support to new teachers after graduation.
The sky is not the limit
November 21, 2017, Chris Horn
Michel van Vooren, director of the McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research, says the center is taking flight with new research grants and the collective energy of 50 undergraduate and graduate students.
Think Twice UofSC
November 17, 2017, Jalesa Cooley
On a campus with almost 1,800 international students from 95 different counties, the University of South Carolina has supreme rankings when it comes to accommodating those from various backgrounds. While the environment is welcoming to all, a few students are taking the initiative to stop subtle acts of discrimination that often go unnoticed.
Maybe you're not allergic
November 13, 2017, Craig Brandhorst
A team of undergraduates mentored by associate professor of pharmacy Brandon Bookstaver has developed a new protocol being used at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital to determine if hospitalized patients who report having a penicillin allergy, in fact, are allergic.
Crosstown Traffic
November 09, 2017, Craig Brandhorst
Life on an urban campus comes with lots of traffic. But it’s not just car traffic, especially these days, and it’s not all bad. With the surge in private and public-private student housing downtown, and improvements to bike lanes and shuttle service, the campus commute doesn’t have to be a headache. In fact, for many students, ditching the drive provides a welcome improvement to quality of life.
Undergraduate research opens door to opportunity
November 03, 2017, Jalesa Cooley
Pre-med sophomore Karlye Denner was working at a Columbia health clinic when she began to notice the high number of Latino patients who seemed at risk for diabetes. Intrigued, the Capstone Scholar from Closter, New Jersey, applied for a Magellan Apprentice Undergraduate Research Grant to conduct independent research on the issue.
Two Carolina students explore the growing world of information science
November 01, 2017, Taylor Evans
Despite their different backgrounds and intended career paths, LeAnne Davison and Tavashia Berry are among the growing number of undergraduate students drawn to the information science major offered by the School of Library and Information Science.
By the numbers
October 24, 2017, Megan Sexton
The University of South Carolina women’s soccer team is among the nation’s best on the pitch, and the players also take seriously their roles as student-athletes. That includes sophomore Rebecca Koch, a top student who is the only Carolina athlete pursuing a degree in statistics.
Setting a foundation
October 11, 2017, Jalesa Cooley
Ross Lordo knew he wanted to be a leader from the moment he completed high school. Now, after four years of serving in student government, the Fort Mill native is spending his senior year serving at the highest student government position — student body president.
A roost fit for Cocky
October 02, 2017, Megan Sexton
During the years he roamed the sidelines as Cocky, Garrett Humphries was never able to take part in a beloved Carolina tradition, tailgating at Williams-Brice. He’s making up for it now – in style. Humphries owns a train car on the Cockaboose Railroad, allowing him to celebrate pre- and post-game in the shadow of the stadium.
A Smart Start to a nursing career
September 25, 2017, Megan Sexton
Starting this fall, a cohort of nursing majors in the South Carolina Honors College will start on the path to a career that might include research and academia — along with clinical nursing practice. The Smart Start Nursing Program allows Honors College students to be automatically accepted into the upper division of the College of Nursing.
From refugee to global education advocate
September 22, 2017, Kathryn McPhail
At just 6 years old, Noella “Binda” Niati was forced to flee her home in the Democratic Republic of Congo, amid intense violence and political upheaval. More than two decades later, she is headed back to Africa to study ways to encourage children, especially girls, to stay in school longer.
Call it a calling
September 18, 2017, Megan Sexton
Many instructors in University 101, Carolina’s seminar for incoming freshmen, are using the First-Year Reading Experience book in their classrooms this semester. “Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work,” by StoryCorps founder Dave Isay, is filled with stories of people who have found their path to doing what they believe they were meant to do.
Creating a way
September 06, 2017, Jalesa Cooley
Nursing student Shannon Eichorst has been crafting ceramics since her freshman year of high school. Now, as a junior, she is reaping the benefits of her creations as a way to send local students to Young Life summer camp.
Expanding boundaries
August 28, 2017, Jalena James
Akilah Alwan first realized her passion for the environment and geosciences at the age of 6. While other girls found dolls fascinating, Alwan chose exploring the outdoors and getting dirty. It also put her on a path that would be realized in college.
UofSC community unites to welcome eclipse
July 27, 2017, Joshua Burrack
Columbia is one of the best places to experience America's first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse since 1918 — and the University of South Carolina is ready to welcome it.
From trooper to magistrate, with help from Palmetto College
July 25, 2017, Megan Sexton
With his newly earned degree from the University of South Carolina Upstate, D.J. Bron traded in his S.C. Highway Patrol uniform for a magistrate’s robe this summer. It's a position he couldn't have imagined without Palmetto College, part of the university system that offers online bachelor’s degree completion programs.
Senior wisdom
May 22, 2017, Megan Sexton
Freshmen arrive on campus each fall curious, excited and sometimes a little nervous about the road ahead. By graduation, they’re often completely different people. We asked four seniors at the end of their college careers about how the college experience had changed them and what it has meant to have that experience at Carolina
Collecting memories with a microphone
May 18, 2017, Kathy Henry Dowell, University Libraries
Rebecca Borovsky was a student in Evolution of American Higher Education assigned to do something she had never done before: interview, record, transcribe and make available the memories of a University High graduate, a high school previously held in the Wardlaw College as a laboratory school and training ground for teachers.
Room to breathe
May 05, 2017, Laura Kammerer
For Sarah Ostenfeld, the biggest challenge of pharmacy school came wrapped in a NICU blanket in September 2015 as she began her third year of the program.
Outdoor learning
April 24, 2017, Megan Sexton
Senior Andrew O’Flaherty used a Magellan grant to construct a temporary outdoor classroom and study the effect of outdoor learning on students.
Four years too fast
April 20, 2017, Lauren McCarthy
UofSC had the opportunity to talk to some seniors graduating in May. Here is what a few students have planned after graduation and what they’re going to miss most about Carolina.
A Masters class experience
April 13, 2017, Juliette LaFerlita
Hundreds of University of South Carolina students sign up each year to work the Masters Tournament. A public relations senior, Juilette LaFerlita, describes her second experience working the Masters.
The classroom is calling
April 13, 2017, Kathryn McPhail
Just months after graduating from college and starting her first job as a television producer, Amanda Bishop realized she had missed her calling.
Rx road trip
April 10, 2017, Laura Kammerer
For a trio of fourth-year USC pharmacy students, talking to low-income senior citizens and stepping inside all 70 of South Carolina’s hospitals gave them a first-hand look at the state’s health disparities and how they could improve the state’s health as pharmacists.
Out to lunch
March 29, 2017, Craig Brandhorst, Chris Horn, Megan Sexton and Melinda Waldrop
Out to Lunch, a longstanding program run by the Student Success Center in partnership with Carolina Dining Services, was started as a way to improve interaction outside the classroom by encouraging students to invite their instructors to a meal and then talk about — well, that’s up to them.
Fostering a passion for global health
March 28, 2017, Megan Sexton
University of South Carolina students travel to developing countries to understand and tackle global health issues
Center court
March 07, 2017, Melinda Waldrop
The University of South Carolina campus is a comfortable place for Alaina Coates. It’s one of the few places the 6-foot-4 senior center can walk around freely without being mobbed by the legion of fans she’s made in her record-setting basketball career.
Get to know the student body executive officers
March 03, 2017, Adena Rice
The student government will induct new members on March 15. Learn more about the 2017-2018 executive officers Ross Lordo, student body president, Dani Goodreau, student body vice president, and Merritt Francis, student body treasurer.
UofSC senior wins short fiction prize from SC Academy of Authors
March 03, 2017, Megan Sexton
Julia Hogan, a senior in the South Carolina Honors College, is the winner of this year’s Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Student Prize in Short Fiction from the South Carolina Academy of Authors.
South Carolina Law Review elects first black woman editor-in-chief
March 01, 2017, Peggy Binette
For the first time in its 69-year history the South Carolina Law Review has elected an African American to serve as its editor-in-chief. Chelsea Evans, a second-year law student from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was elected by peers to lead the esteemed University of South Carolina School of Law publication.
How sweet it is
February 27, 2017, Chris Horn
Jocelyn Linder has quite possibly the sweetest gig a college student could hope for — an internship with a startup company that specializes in handmade artisan chocolates.
Opera at USC make artist's famous paintings come alive
February 23, 2017, John Brunelli
Five paintings by Edward Hopper are the inspiration for Opera at USC's spring production "Later the Same Evening." The show runs Feb. 24-26 at Drayton Hall.
Student carves worldwide audience for designs
February 21, 2017, Melinda Waldrop
Kendall Hansen, a senior in the South Carolina Honors College, and his parents make hand-crafted jewelry that has been featured for the past four seasons on the popular History Channel show “Vikings.”
Meet Daisy
February 02, 2017, Page Ivey
Rhodes Scholarship winner Jory Fleming says he is probably best known on Carolina’s campus as the student with Daisy. Since he first set foot on campus, Fleming has been accompanied by the yellow lab, who helps him with social challenges associated with autism.
Free wheeling
January 24, 2017, Chris Horn
Most people see only bent sprockets and broken chains when they look at the pile of abandoned bikes collected from across the campus. But Lauren Earle, a marketing and management senior, envisions an opportunity for recycling and bicycle refurbishment, and she’s working to make that happen.
Living and experiencing the world leads to international award
January 11, 2017, Adena Rice
Living and experiencing different parts of the world gave Stefanie Feltwell, an international business and economics senior, a competitive edge to receive one of just 12 Women in Business scholarships from the Zonta International Foundation. Feltwell has used the global and leadership experience she gained at the University of South Carolina to develop her passion for helping others into a future career in international policy and global development.
No. 2 -- and proud of it
October 25, 2016, Chris Horn
Daniel Keenen has tackled the rigors of college and ROTC service with a 4.0 GPA. He was recently ranked the No. 2 ROTC cadet among more than 5,000 cadets in the country — not bad for a guy who wasn't even sure he wanted to be in ROTC when he started college.
Portnoy conducts a night of scores from movie blockbusters
October 13, 2016, John Brunelli
Maestro Donald Portnoy has spent 31 years creating dynamic symphonic concerts at the University of South Carolina. His farewell season includes a night of movie scores from "Jaws," "Harry Potter," "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," and other blockbusters.
Interning at New York Fashion Week
October 11, 2016, Adena Rice
Fashion lovers everywhere dream of being able to go to New York Fashion Week, but being a student intern working it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Courtney Sterns, senior public relations student, got to spend Sept. 6-14 working for PR Consulting’s fashion department during New York Fashion Week.
Living, learning, leading
October 11, 2016, Chris Horn
The University of South Carolina's faculty principal-led living-learning communities offer students multiple ways to learn beyond the classroom, develop a clearer vision for their professional goals and make vital connections for internships and other career opportunities.
Making voter registration easier
September 19, 2016, Lynn Schutte
Voter registration and turnout of University of South Carolina students is typical of college students nationally – but Carolina leaders are trying to improve the numbers by making it easier for students to register to vote.
Students perform world premiere in New York City
September 12, 2016, Dan Cook
Imagine the stakes when you enroll in an experimental music class and it turns out that you’ll not only be listening to challenging sounds, but actually performing such pieces yourself. Not only that, but performing them in New York City just one month into the semester as part of a world premiere.
Donating a part of yourself
September 09, 2016, Adena Rice
The University of South Carolina’s chapter of Be The Match recruited the most people for the bone marrow registry of any campus in the U.S. The UofSC organization registered 1,412 people in the 2015-16 school year, almost twice as many as second-place University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, which had 753 registrants. Clemson University was fifth with 535 registrants.
Freshman Council offers pathway to leadership
August 24, 2016, Dan Cook
When Julia Frazier first came to the University of South Carolina, she wasn’t sure how she would fit in. Four years later, she's a leader on campus, helping other students find their place in Student Government and the university community as co-adviser of the Freshman Council.
Freeman Sundays @ 3 proceeds help fund music scholarships
August 18, 2016, John Brunelli
Two popular music series merge to create the new Freeman Sundays @ 3 concerts featuring School of Music faculty. Proceeds from the concerts will still fund music student scholarships.
Sitting down with the student body president
July 28, 2016, Adena Rice
Student body president and Lexington, S.C., native, Michael Parks, has been busy this summer working to make this school year better than the last. We sat down with Parks and he discussed his perspective on issues affecting the school as well as his and student government’s progress and plans so far.
Lessons from Paris
June 13, 2016, Dan Cook
In the Maymester course Delicious France, students learned not only about the regional cuisines of France, but also about the cultural significance that food has in French life.
Sail away
April 28, 2016, Dan Cook
Five years ago, there was no Gamecock Sailing Club. Today, there’s an active club with up to 80-plus members during any given semester. Meanwhile, the club’s president, a senior finance major who graduates this week, hopes to turn her passion into a career in the sailing industry.
Discovery for all disciplines
April 19, 2016, Chris Horn
It's called Discovery Day for good reason: Undergraduates from across the university system present their research findings, creative accomplishments and leadership achievements to the university community.
From horseback to heavy lifting
April 18, 2016, Dan Cook
Exercise science junior Madeleine Giess didn’t always know the connection between horseback riding and heavy lifting. But today, the 5-foot-2 Giess holds four International Powerlifting Association records.
Senior marine science major earns four-year graduate fellowship from DOE
April 05, 2016, Steven Powell
Senior marine science major Riley Brady earned a DOE fellowship in computational studies that will cover all tuition and fees plus provide a $36,000 stipend for four years in graduate school. He says UofSC provided conditions for a perfect storm that is giving him a head start as an independent researcher in his field of climate science.
Air Force ROTC can take students to new heights
March 10, 2016, Patrick Ingraham
Air Force ROTC detachment 775 at UofSC is a way for students to earn an education, find a career and serve their country
Interns get real-world experience on national stage
February 28, 2016
Jill Goodtree, Olivia Currey and Richard Lipkin are interns for the university’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs. The three public relations majors in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications had the opportunity to work for CNN during the television network’s two “town hall” events at the UofSC law school, leading up to the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries held in South Carolina in February.
Anonymous donor is a familiar face to scholarship recipients
February 05, 2016, Steven Powell
Lamar Hunter's scholarship to attend USC’s School of Medicine in Greenville was provided by a generous benefactor who prefers to remain anonymous — to the larger public, anyway. He has been more than happy to get to know the scholarship winners whose lives he has impacted.
Reducing the runoff
January 13, 2016, Chris Horn
When heavy rain hits hard surfaces like highways or parking lots, the resulting runoff can cause trouble — as it did three months ago during South Carolina’s historic flooding. But what if those hard surfaces allowed some of the water to soak through to the ground underneath? That’s the concept behind civil engineering senior Fedora Nwachukwu’s independent project through the Sustainable Carolina initiative.
New scholarship provides opportunity for marine science students
December 09, 2015, Thom Harman
Pennsylvania native Victoria Garefino is the first recipient of the Richard C. Morris Marine Science Endowed Scholarship. She says the scholarship, which also reduces her out-of-state tuition, has made her dream of studying marine science at UofSC a reality.
Globetrotters
December 04, 2015, Chris Horn
About 1,500 international students from 100-plus countries are enrolled at Carolina. Their voices and perspectives add a broader dimension to classroom discussion and contribute to the university's efforts to broaden all students' global perspective.
A student look into an international experience
October 02, 2015, Vania Ibanez
Being able to experience the college life is one thing, but experiencing it from a whole other country is another. One student has gotten a small look into UofSC's ever-growing international community.