The Caroliniana Award recognizes senior undergraduate students who have been the tireless, behind the scenes workers that every successful activity or organization needs. They are leaders through their actions and contributions to the Carolina community. Recipients of the Caroliniana Award will have their name memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

• 2024 Recipients:
  • Anusha Ghosh
  • Blakely Hardin
  • Cameron Eubanks
  • Caroline Porter
  • Claire Hains
  • D'Asia White
  • Emmie Thompson
  • Polina Tappan
  • Savannah Belt

This award is given to a University of South Carolina student who exemplifies the value of diversity and supports communities of multiple identities across campus. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs recognizes an outstanding student who inspires others to commit to creating a more inclusive campus community. The selected student is dedicated to promoting an awareness of cultural and diversity issues on campus as well as in the Columbia community. This student will have demonstrated an appreciation for a diverse climate and, moreover, worked to help others understand the importance of multicultural appreciation and social justice.

Criteria:

• minimum 3.0 GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• must have participated in campus activities that foster diversity and social justice

For more information or questions, contact the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Dr. Will Sheppard.

• 2024 Recipients:
  • Ciara Izquierdo
  • Kenny Coronel

I. DeQuincey Newman was a civil rights leader and clergymen who, in 1983, became the first African American man to serve in the state senate since Reconstruction. He served as the South Carolina NAACP state field director for nine years. The I. DeQuincey Newman Outstanding Student Award was established in his honor and is given annually to a graduating senior who has exhibited exemplary leadership skills, participates in community building, mentors fellow students and has good character.

Criteria:

• graduating senior status
• minimum 3.0 GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• exhibited exemplary leadership
• actively participated in university and community organizations/activities
• significantly contributed to the improvement of multiple identities within student life at USC

For more information or questions, contact the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Dr. Will Sheppard.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Varshitha Reddy Karveti

The Jessica Horton Outstanding New Student Leader Award recognizes a first-year student who has contributed significantly to the USC community through active involvement in co-curricular activities. The recipient of the Jessica Horton Outstanding New Student Leader Award will have their name memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

Outstanding Student Volunteer Award recognizes students who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and university through service.

• 2023 Recipients:
  • Alaba Ojo
  • Kaitlyn Lewis

Honor a remarkable woman for campus or community work. Juniors and seniors may be nominated for the award by fellow students, faculty and staff. To be considered, students complete an application, which includes a resume and two short essays. Submitted applications are evaluated by the review committee, which then names a group of finalists. Finalists participate in interview to determine the eventual award winner. The recipient of the Outstanding Woman of the Year Award will have their name memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

To be eligible for the award, a candidate must:

• be an undergraduate student with 60 credit hours or more
• have attended USC for at least one semester
• have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better

Students often show excellence in one or more of the following areas:

• Academic achievements and awards
• Campus involvement
• Community involvement or service
• Athletic activities
• Performing arts
• Campus media
• Work experience or internships
• Contributions and impact to the university and to other women

• 2024 Recipient:
  
  • Keren Karmiel

Dr. Ralph E. Johnson served as assistant director of Student Life. This award is given to recognize the outstanding leadership demonstrated by a student while attending the University of South Carolina. This will also serve to encourage students to actively participate in co-curricular activities and develop leadership skills that will serve the university and greater Columbia area.

Criteria

• minimum 2.75 GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• demonstrates outstanding leadership within the university community and subsequently improves the quality of life on campus
• demonstrated involvement in campus activities

For more information or questions, contact the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Dr. Will Sheppard.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Padma Naga Saraswati Anusha Tadikamalla

Willie Harriford served as the Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and was the first director of African American Studies. In 1988, he became the coordinator of Minority Student Affairs. This award recognizes the community service efforts by students attending the University of South Carolina and is given to a student that actively seeks opportunities to address and serve the needs of the African American community as well as the Columbia community in its entirety like Willie L. Harriford did for the Richland County community.

Criteria

• minimum 2.75 GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• demonstrated an active involvement in community service  to the USC and Columbia communities

For more information or questions, contact the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Dr. Will Sheppard.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Paige Bervine-Burke

The David and Nicole Tepper Scholarship Award is intended to provide a full scholarship (up to a maximum amount of $20,000.00 for out-of-state students or $10,000.00 for in-state students annually) to cover tuition, housing, and additional expenses for recipients’ sophomore, junior, and senior year at USC. This scholarship is renewable for all three years provided all academic and University requirements are met. 

Scholarships will be awarded to admitted students who are in their first year of school and have accumulated a minimum of 30 credit hours by the end of the spring semester. Students who demonstrate a financial need and showcase great effort to excel and be involved at USC through leadership, community service, and academic involvement are asked to apply during the application window. Students applying for this opportunity will need to have completed the FAFSA for the upcoming year and submit a written statement describing their engagement on campus through leadership and community service and any academic achievements.

The two students selected to receive the David and Nicole Tepper Scholarship are expected to maintain full-time enrollment, a minimum of 3.0 GPA, and documented participation in leadership development, community service, and academic activities. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of professional staff from the Department of Student Life and the David and Nicole Tepper Charitable Foundation.

• 2024 Recipients:
  • Jenah Muriel
  • Raegan Feldman

The Jackson-Rivers Scholarship Award is named after the former Director and Coordinator of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Walter Jackson and Thomas Rivers, for their long-term service to all underrepresented student populations and commitment to diversity education. Recipients will receive a one-time $250.00 scholarship award. Only one scholarship is available and may not be given out annually.

Criteria

• full-time, rising sophomore or junior status
• minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• demonstrated advocacy for diversity of an underrepresented group(s) and/or social justice issues
• demonstrated commitment to the advancement of cultural diversity education at USC or in the larger Columbia community (examples include implementing or sponsoring an event to cultivate diversity and inclusion; showing respect and inclusive treatment when interacting with others in a residence hall, student organization, etc.; participating in programs and events that foster diversity

For more information or questions, contact the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Dr. Will Sheppard.

Rosemary Broadway Award recognizes a full-time student, undergraduate or graduate, who is actively involved in community service. Rosemary Broadway was an advocate of off-campus students and the award was established in her name to recognize service contributions by off-campus students.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Erin Looney

Strom Thurmond/Steve Cannon Carolina Cares Award recognizes a worthy undergraduate who has made significant contributions to USC and the surrounding area through community service. The recipient of the Stom Thurmond / Steve Cannon Carolina Cares Award will have their name memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Karthik Rangavajhula

Wilson‐Kibler Bicentennial Award recognizes a student whose demonstrated leadership abilities and experience have contributed to student life. The recipient of the Wilson-Kibler Bicentennial Award will have their name memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

• 2024 Recipient:
  
  • Emily Barros

Advisor of the Year recognizes faculty and staff members in the USC community who are committed to supporting their student organization and fostering leadership abilities in students. The advisement of the student organization must not be a part of their official job description.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Eboni Harris, Student Nurses Association

The Hall of Leaders Award was established to recognize leaders of student organizations that provide leadership and assistance in the development of activities and programming for the USC community. The recipients of this award will have their names engraved on a nameplate and added to the Legacy Lobby in the Russell House University Union.

The recipient of the Hall of Leaders Award must be nominated by your organization. When selecting an individual to nominate for this award, your organization should adhere to the four main criteria listed below:

1. Junior-level hours; GPA required for graduation; good judicial standing.
2. Outstanding leadership in the organization.
3. Significant contribution to the entire University of South Carolina community.
4. The ability to encourage and motivate others.   

Your nominee may not be a past recipient of this award. The nomination process should be rigorous so that the nominee exemplifies the ideals of your organization and is truly deserving of this honor. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee of peer organizational leaders.

• 2024 Recipients:
  • Anusha Ghosh, No Periods Left Behind
  • Caroline Salisbury, USC Homecoming Commission
  • Caroline Izquierdo, Caribbean Appreciation Student Alliance
  • Davon Beaton, Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Inc.
  • Julio Domingo, Latin American Student Organization
  • Mary Claire Carney, Carolina Ballroom Dance Club
  • Shyam Ganesh Babu, MedElem
  • Witt Coleman, Alpha Epsilon Delta

Outstanding Student Service Organization Award recognizes student organizations that are role models for other organizations based on their quality of service, amount of time and effort devoted to service projects.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha

Student Organization of the Year recognizes a student organization that has made a lasting impact upon the USC community, fostered leadership opportunities for its members, and upheld the organization’s mission and values.

• 2024 Recipients:
  • MedElem
  • National Pan-Hellenic Council

The Carolinian Creed Champion Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and extraordinary contributions to the Carolina community while embodying the values espoused in the Carolinian Creed. University of South Carolina-Columbia faculty, staff and students may be nominated for the award.  Contact Caroline Elliott with any questions.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Breyonna Spires

To submit your application, click HERE.

The Intercultural Excellence Award is bestowed upon a faculty, staff, or student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership in promoting intercultural understanding, access/support, and collaboration. This award recognizes those who actively work towards bridging identity gaps, foster belonging, and advocate for a harmonious coexistence of diverse perspectives.  The nominee has engaged with the community to build bridges between different identities and has actively participated in activities that promote cross-cultural collaboration.  The nominee has shown leadership in advocating for belonging and influencing positive change in policies or practices. 

Criteria:

• One letter of recommendation.
• The nominee has significantly contributed to fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultures within the organization or community. 
• The nominee has led or been actively involved in initiatives and programs that promote respect for all cultural backgrounds. 

For more information or questions, contact the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Dr. Will Sheppard.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Padma Naga Saraswati Anusha Tadikamalla

The Dr. Mary Baskin Waters Service-Learning Award recognizes USC faculty who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to excellence in service-learning and are recognized for their leadership in academic service-learning coursework and their commitment to the local community. 

The Women's and Gender Studies Awards Committee will evaluate nominations, select finalists, and recommend one winner to receive the $1,000 award.

The Outstanding Allyship Award recognizes a faculty staff, or student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and support towards fostering belonging and respectful environments. This award celebrates those who actively advocate for marginalized communities, demonstrate empathy, and work towards dismantling barriers for LGBTQ identities. 

Criteria:

To be eligible for the Outstanding Allyship Award, nominees must meet the following criteria: 

• One letter of recommendation.
• Demonstrated Allyship shown support for the USC LGBTQ community through actions, advocacy, and fostering respectful environments. 
• Positive impact on promoting belonging, access/support, and empathy within an organization or community. 
• Actively engaged in collaborative initiatives and understanding diverse perspectives. 
• Commitment to ongoing education and growth in understanding issues related to belonging, access/support, and empathy through programs, initiatives, and social engagements. 

For more information or questions, contact the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Dr. Will Sheppard.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Anne-Laure Sabathier

The Outstanding Community Partner Award is presented to a community partner that has worked to support the University of South Carolina's community engagement efforts and has enhanced the quality of life in the community in meaningful and measurable ways.

The Rev. O. Woody Hammett Scholarship was established in honor of Rev. O. Woody Hammett, who served the University of South Carolina as Baptist Campus Minister from 1962-1995. This scholarship is awarded to a rising sophomore, junior or senior who has demonstrated proven leadership experience within the university community and has affiliation and involvement with campus Christian organizations and/or a local community of faith. 

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: $750.00

Eligibility
Candidates must:

1. Must be a rising sophomore, junior or senior
2. Must have proven leadership experience within the University community
3. Must have affiliation and involvement with a campus Christian organization and/or local community of faith
4. The scholarship must be used for school related expenses only
5. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
6. Must include a resume and complete the questionnaire for the scholarship

Applicant should submit a resume and briefly answer (500- 1,000 words) the following questions:

1. Describe how your leadership ability and experience is related to your faith.
2. So far, what has been your most valuable experience at USC?
3. Describe a strength that helps define who you are as a person.
4. What goals do you have for your future beyond USC?
5. What is one thing the selection committee should absolutely know about you?

For more information, contact: Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director, Adam Venters at 803-799-3854 or adamventers@scbaptist.org.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Sierra Batson

*monetary scholarship award

The Thomas Moore Craig Leadership Award is given annually to a junior in Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society member who has demonstrated the greatest potential for continued leadership development.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Kyra Fowler

The Freshman Council Marie-Louise Ramsdale Scholarship is awarded to a first-year student who has benefited the Student Body through a leadership position at USC.

• Each applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the University.
• Scholarship funds must be used at the University of South Carolina and will be applied to University tuition and fees only.
• Applicants may submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty/staff member addressing the applicant’s leadership abilities and accomplishments.

To submit your application, click HERE.

The Student Body President’s Scholarship is awarded to a student who has benefited the Student Body through a leadership position at USC.

• Each applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the University.
• Scholarship funds must be used at the University of South Carolina and will be applied to University tuition and fees only.
• Applicants may submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty/staff member addressing the applicant’s leadership abilities and accomplishments.

To submit your application, click HERE.

The Brian Comer Student Government Scholarship is awarded to a senior planning to attend graduate/professional school at the University of South Carolina who has made a significant contribution to the Student Body while at USC.

• Applicants must be graduating by December 31, 2024 and enrolled in a graduate program by January 2025.
• Each applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the University.
• Applicants may submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty/staff member addressing the applicant’s leadership abilities and accomplishments.

To submit your application, click HERE.