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Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning

Graduation with Leadership Distinction Alumni Awards

About 

The premise of GLD is integrative learning – making connections between experiences to solve problems and lead. These awards recognize commitment to making a difference – using learning and resources to positively impact others in any capacity in any community.  

The Distinguished GLD Alumni Award was awarded for the first time in Spring 2024, specifically to GLD alumni of the inaugural GLD class of 2014. 

For 2025, we are excited to open up the Distinguished GLD Alumni Award to more alumni and offer an additional award, the Young GLD Alumni Award. 

The deadline for nominations is February 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Recipients will be notified by March 1. Recipients will be honored at the Spring 2025 GLD Cording Ceremony on April 28.  

Award Criteria

For both awards:

  • Recipients must have earned Graduation with Leadership Distinction.
  • Nominees must have graduated with their Associate’s or Bachelor's degree from USC-Columbia and/or Palmetto College Campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union.) 
  • Recipients must demonstrate the following characteristics, which reflect the GLD learning outcomes: 
    • Exemplary Engagement: Demonstrates active participation in one or more experiences outside of current academic/professional responsibilities (service, research, study abroad, leadership in community and/or professional organizations, etc.).  
    • Integration of Theory and Practice: Articulates clear connections between academic and additional experiences, providing insightful analysis of how real-world experiences reinforce or challenge previous learning.  
    • Solution-Oriented Problem-Solving: Proposes and implements innovative solutions to real-world problems demonstrating sound judgment and the capacity for effective decision-making.  
    • Community Impact and Personal Growth: Demonstrates a significant, positive impact on the community or personal development through participation in beyond-the-classroom experiences, with tangible outcomes or contributions.  

For the Young GLD Alumni Award: 

  • In addition to the criteria above, nominees must have graduated within the last one to five (5) academic years. For award year 2025, this means between December 2019 and December 2023. If an alum is eligible for the Young GLD Alumni Award, then they are not eligible for the Distinguished GLD Alumni Award. 

Additional terms: 

  • Self-nominations are welcome.
  • Nominees may be continuing their academic career beyond their undergraduate degree. 
  • CIEL may name none, one, or multiple recipients for each award. 
  • Recipients may not receive the same award twice. See a list of past recipients below. 
  • Awards will not be awarded posthumously.

Nomination Form

Award Recipients

  • Coy Gibson ‘14, Political Science, GLD in Professional and Civic Engagement 
  • John Clegg ‘14, Biomedical Engineering, GLD in Research 

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Contact Us 

Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning  
University of South Carolina  
Legare College, Room 120  
902 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29208 
Phone: 803-777-3272  
Email: ciel@sc.edu 


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