University of South Carolina Stamped Card Commemorates Bicentennial

n April 26, the University of South Carolina and the United States Postal Service hosted a First Day of Issue Ceremony to unveil and dedicate the new stamped card created in honor of USC's bicentennial. The card is part of the US Postal Service's Historic Preservation Series and is available in post offices throughout the country.

The card was designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD, and features a detail of a c. 1820 painting by T. Ulor that depicts the historic Horseshoe.

The First Day Ceremony, which took place on a picture-perfect spring morning on the Horseshoe in front of the Faculty Club, brought together local and federal representatives from the Postal Service, USC leaders and supporters, community dignitaries and stamp collectors.

The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling and dedication of the card, led by Joyce Carrier, USPS Manager of Public Affairs and Communications, and a USC graduate. This was Carrier's first visit to her alma mater in over 20 years.

The public ceremony marked the first time that South Carolina had hosted a postal dedication since 1988, when the state heritage stamp was issued.

Photo captions:

Columbia Postmaster Larry Jordan presides over the ceremony. Other platform guests were The Reverend Dr. Don Jones, USC Department of Religious Studies; Professor Walter B. Edgar, USC Department of History; Mayor Bob Coble; Joyce Carrier, USPS, Senator John Courson, and President Palms.

President Palms welcomes everyone to the Horseshoe and remarks on the significance of the day.

The USC Army ROTC Color Guard presents the colors as the ceremony participants and guests look on.

USC graduate Joyce Carrier, USPS Manager of Public Affairs and Communications, leads the unveiling of the stamped card artwork with the help of President Palms and The Honorable Othniel H. Wienges, Jr., Chairman of the Bicentennial Commission.