he Bicentennial celebration began officially on January 10 with an Opening Ceremony on the Horseshoe and a Celebration Picnic on Greene Street. More than 3,000 people came to campus for the festivities, which began at 10:45 a.m. with a processional down the Horseshoe. Included in the processional were members of the faculty and administration, the Bicentennial Commission, the Student Senate, visiting college and university presidents, former SC governors, members of the SC Legislature and judiciary, Mayor Bob Coble, Governor Jim Hodges and U.S. Secretary of Education Dick Riley.

University, and Governor Hodges. The USC Symphony Orchestra performed the debut of the 1801-2001 Overture, composed by Dick Goodwin. The ceremony culminated with a keynote address by Secretary Riley.

Following the ceremony, a barbecue picnic in front of the Russell House, complete with festive music by the USC Steel Drum Ensemble and a visit from Cocky, entertained the enthusiastic crowd and rounded out a beautiful opening day of Bicentennial celebration.