It's a Party at the Russell House 🎉
Celebrate 70 years of Russell House on Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Greene Street. Activities include birthday cookie decorating, squirrel photo booth, giveaways, a Chef Competition presented by Carolina Food Co. and more. Don't miss the “Here’s a Health Russell House” toast at 11:30 a.m. on Greene Street.
Stay for Bustle at the Russell starting at 7 p.m featuring karaoke, rollerskating, custom crafts, video game truck, dance party and more. Cut the birthday cake with President Amiridis and members of the Russell Family at 7:30 p.m on the second floor in front of the portraits.
The story of Russell House begins with Donald Russell, USC’s president from 1952 to
1957. He and his wife, Virginia, were adored by students. They deeply cared about
their students, aimed to improve the university and had a genuine love for Carolina.
During his presidency, Russell played a big part in getting legislation passed that allowed USC to finance permanent improvements, which ultimately led to the construction of a brand-new student union. Construction of the “Carolina Student House” was finished in 1954. A year later, students insisted that it be renamed in honor of Donald and Virginia Russell, hence the name we know now. Over 2,500 people came out for the dedication in 1955.
Since then, Russell House has grown. In 1958, just a few years after opening, a second floor was added above the dining area to accommodate the growing student body. In 1967, the West Wing was built, adding offices for Student Life. Then in 1976, another major expansion added space for the east area of the theater, which features ballrooms, meeting rooms and lounges.
These changes have transformed Russell House into the true gathering place for campus events, and its interior updates have kept this campus hub evolving to meet the needs of each new generation of Gamecocks.
So whether you’re meeting up with friends, attending a campus event, grabbing a meal or just passing through to get to class, Russell House continues to be the heartbeat of student life at USC.