The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing welcomed alumni and supporters to the annual Gibbons Legacy Society Dinner on May 21 at the Pastides Alumni Center, an evening centered on the people whose generosity, leadership and service continue to shape the future of the college.
The dinner celebrated two accomplished alumni, Lindell “Lin” Bradley and Kelly Kopchak, while also recognizing the donors whose investment in students and programs helps strengthen engineering and computing education at the University of South Carolina.
Named in honor of longtime faculty member and administrator Dr. Joseph Gibbons, the Gibbons Legacy Society recognizes individuals lifetime giving to the college. Their support creates opportunities for students, advances research and helps prepare the next generation of leaders.
“These alumni represent the college well with their tremendous work ethic and commitment to improving lives and communities. They are also an inspiration to our current students, and we are extremely proud to call them alumni of the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing,” says Dean Hossein Haj-Hariri.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Lindell “Lin” Bradley
For Lindell “Lin” Bradley, the University of South Carolina was the beginning of a path defined by perseverance, leadership and service to others.
A native of Hartsville, South Carolina, Bradley arrived at USC in 1967 on a baseball scholarship and became the first Black varsity student-athlete in Gamecocks history. While competing for the Gamecocks baseball team from 1968 to 1970, he pursued a degree in civil engineering, graduating in 1972.
Bradley went on to build a distinguished 35-year career with Mobil Oil Corporation and later ExxonMobil. Starting as a project engineer, he steadily advanced into global leadership roles overseeing major engineering and construction operations across Asia and Africa. Following the merger of Mobil and Exxon in 1999, Bradley helped guide one of the company’s most significant organizational transitions.
Throughout his career, Bradley remained committed to developing future talent. He recruited, hired and mentored more than 150 engineers and managed more than $300 million in project capital investments before retiring in 2008.
Even decades after leaving campus, Bradley’s impact at USC continues to resonate. In 2024, the university recognized him during a Gamecocks baseball game as the first Black student-athlete to receive a scholarship at USC. In 2025, he received both the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary Doctorate in Public Service.
“It’s been some time since I graduated, so I’m glad that I’m able to enjoy and appreciate this recognition,” Bradley says. “It’s a tremendous award, and I want to thank the school very much.”
Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Kelly Kopchak
Kelly Kopchak’s journey with ExxonMobil began as a USC student with a summer internship and a willingness to take on new challenges.
After graduating in 2017 with a degree in chemical engineering, Kopchak joined the company full time. Today, she serves as ExxonMobil’s global midstream planning and stewardship manager, leading complex operations and strategic initiatives around the world.
Over the course of her career, Kopchak has worked across technical, operational and business leadership roles. Her experience has taken her from manufacturing facilities to ExxonMobil’s corporate headquarters in Houston and internationally to Tokyo, Japan. Along the way, she has helped launch supply chain operations, supported record-setting manufacturing performance and led teams in fast-paced environments.
Despite her professional success, Kopchak has remained deeply connected to USC and committed to helping young engineers find their footing. She regularly mentors students and early-career professionals, participates in career panels and supports McNair Scholars exploring careers in engineering and industry leadership.
“Winning this award means so much to me,” Kopchak says. “It just means a recognition of all the hard work that I’ve put in over the last 10 years and all the great community outreach that I’ve been able to do. I hope it inspires future students to achieve more than they think possible.”
As alumni and donors gathered throughout the evening, the message was clear: the college’s future is built through the lasting partnership of graduates, supporters and friends who continue to invest in its students.
From scholarships and mentorship to philanthropic giving, members of the Gibbons Legacy Society are helping ensure future generations of Gamecock engineers and computing professionals have the same opportunities to lead, innovate and make an impact around the world.