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.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

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

This award honors a University of South Carolina student who demonstrates exceptional leadership in fostering meaningful connections and cultivating a sense of community on campus. The recipient will have shown dedication to strengthening relationships, promoting collaboration among individuals and groups, and inspiring others to contribute to a supportive and engaged campus environment. Their efforts will have positively impacted both the university and the greater Columbia community by encouraging connection, respect, and cooperation. 

Criteria:

• minimum 3.0 GPA
• one letter of recommendation
• Active participation in campus activities that promote engagement, connection, and community-building 

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

To submit an application or nomination, click HERE.

• 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.

To submit an application or nomination, click HERE.

• 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.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

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

To submit an application, click HERE.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

• 2023 Recipients:
  • Alaba Ojo
  • Kaitlyn Lewis

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.

To submit an application or nomination, click HERE.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Padma Naga Saraswati Anusha Tadikamalla

The Student Life Legacy Award is the highest honor bestowed upon students who exemplify outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to enhancing the University of South Carolina throughout Student Life. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions through their involvement, advocacy, and commitment to creating a lasting impact on campus and beyond.

This award honors those who will leave a legacy at USC - individuals who go beyond expectations to inspire and uplift others and shape the future of our community. The award aims to celebrate students who embody the values of leadership, service, inclusion, and engagement. The recipient of the Student Life Legacy Award will have their name permanently memorialized on a plaque in the Hall of Leaders within the Russell House University Union.

Eligibility Criteria and Areas of Excellence:

Nominees for the Student Life Legacy Award often demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

• Leadership Development: Demonstrates exceptional leadership in student organizations, campus initiatives, or community projects.
• Community Service and Engagement: Actively contributes to service initiatives that benefit USC and the greater community.
• Belonging and Inclusion Advocacy: Champions efforts that foster an inclusive and welcoming campus environment.
• Campus Involvement and Impact: Plays a key role in enhancing student life through involvement in clubs, events, and programs.

Selection Process:

Students may be nominated by fellow students, faculty, or staff or apply themselves. To be considered, applicants applying themselves must submit an application that includes:

• A current resume detailing leadership, involvement, and achievements
• A short essay reflecting on your impact and leadership journey within Student Life

If you are nominating a student, you will share how this student has made an impact at USC through their time within Student Life and their leadership journey.

All applications will be evaluated by a review committee.

To submit an application, click HERE.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

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.

To submit an application or nomination, click HERE.

• 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.

To apply, click HERE.

• 2024 Recipients:
  • Jenah Muriel
  • Raegan Feldman

Named in honor of former University of South Carolina leaders Walter Jackson and Thomas Rivers, this award recognizes their lasting contributions to underrepresented populations and campus life. Recipients will receive a one-time $250.00 scholarship. One scholarship is available each year.

Criteria

• Full-time student with rising sophomore or junior status
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• One letter of recommendation
• Demonstrated leadership in creating opportunities for engagement and understanding within campus or community settings 
• Proven commitment to fostering positive connections and collaborative initiatives that enrich campus life (examples include organizing events that promote meaningful conversations, showing respect and inclusivity in interactions with others, or active participation in community-building initiatives)

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

To submit an application or nomination, click HERE.

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.

To submit an application, click HERE.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

• 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.

To submit an application, click HERE.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

• 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.

To submit an application, click HERE.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

• 2024 Recipient:
  
  • Emily Barros

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.

To submit a nomination, please click HERE.

• 2024 Recipients:
  • Anusha Ghosh, No Periods Left Behind
  • Caroline Salisbury, USC Homecoming Commission
  • Ciara 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.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

• 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.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

• 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 Jordon Harsey with any questions.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Breyonna Spires

To submit your application, click HERE.

The Global Perspectives Advancement Award is bestowed upon a faculty, staff, or student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership in advancing a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of belonging. 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 changes in policies or practices.

Criteria:

• One letter of recommendation
• The nominee has significantly contributed to fostering a deeper understanding of cultures and fostered a sense of belonging 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.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

• 2024 Recipient:
  • Padma Naga Saraswati Anusha Tadikamalla

The Outstanding Advocate Award recognizes a faculty member, staff member, or student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering connection, respect, and inclusive environments. This award celebrates individuals who actively advocate for collaboration, demonstrate empathy, and work to remove barriers that hinder community engagement.

Criteria:

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

• One letter of recommendation
• Demonstrated support for fostering connection, engagement, and respectful environments at USC 
• Positive impact on promoting belonging, support, and empathy within an organization or community 
• Active involvement in collaborative initiatives and understanding diverse perspectives 
• Commitment to ongoing learning and growth through programs, initiatives, or community engagement

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

To submit an application or nomination, click HERE.

• 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.

To submit a nomination, click HERE.

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 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.