The City of Walterboro along with Allendale and Colleton counties have proclaimed Oct. 24 - 30 as Garnet & Gold Week to celebrate the significant educational and cultural contributions the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie provides the citizens of the region.

"USC Salkehatchie is a vital component of the region's educational system, providing one of the most cost-effective paths to a college education through programs offered at the University of South Carolina. We want everyone to join us during Garnet & Gold Week as we celebrate the many opportunities we provide," Jackson Alexander, Director of the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, said.

Some of the recent successes include:

• earning a 100% first-time pass rate for 6 straight years  on the NCLEX licensure exam by students in our Rural Nursing Initiative program;
• awarding over $3.655 million in scholarships and grants to our students in 2020 – 21;
• providing opportunities for qualified high school students to earn college credit through our early college program;
• providing innovative programs such as the Opportunity Scholars Program and University of Possibilities which help low-income and first-generation students succeed;
• winning Region 10 championships and advancing to national tournaments in women's basketball (2021), softball (2021) and men's basketball (2020);
• providing leadership training, summer enrichment programs, and community interest classes to the citizens of the region;
• generating a regional economic impact of $41.6 million and an employment impact of 437 jobs;

The week's events include a packed schedule of student activities as well as community gatherings:

Community Events

• Open House: October 26 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. in Allendale and October 28 in Walterboro from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
• Basketball Madness Expo:  October 28 at 6 p.m. at the Walterboro campus
• Salkehatchie at the Colleton County Farmers Markert:  October 30 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Student Activities:

• Monday, October 25: Pumpkin Decorating Contest
• Tuesday, October 26 - Allendale Campus: Office Decorating Contest and Costume Contest & Baseball/Softball Costume Wiffle Ball Game
• Wednesday, October 27 - Walterboro Campus: Office Decorating Contest & Costume Contest
• Thursday, October 28 - Walterboro Campus: Salkehatchie Spirit Day, Monster Mash, Basketball Madness Expo

USC Salkehatchie confers associate and bachelor’s degrees through Palmetto College and the greater University in fields such as nursing, elementary education, liberal arts, leadership, criminal justice, business, engineering, cybersecurity and other professional degree programs.