Recent Stories

Two women in caps and gowns turning tassles on graduation caps

Class of 2024 December graduates

November 20, 2024, Megan Sexton

As the December Class of 2024 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.

Two femaie dancers

Fall Arts Preview

August 28, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen

Soon all of us will experience an arts immersion like no other — autumn. We will marvel at breathtaking color — yellows, russets, reds and browns — brilliantly lighting up the landscape. The University of South Carolina similarly offers a wide spectrum of arts experiences to ignite your imagination this fall. Here is a sampling.

Two people holding a box during move-in 2024

Move-in by the numbers

August 27, 2024, Koby Padgett

With total attendance at the University of South Carolina topping 38,000 for the first time, a new class of Gamecocks bring excitement and an energetic buzz back to the Columbia campus and metro area. Here are some numbers about our incoming students that help give a picture of the resources it takes to support them, the activities they take part in and how they’ll impact campus life.

head and shoulders photo of natalie trimble

Swanger Award winner leaves behind legacy of service, leadership

April 18, 2024, Communications and Marketing

While working on her degree in nursing, South Carolina Honors College student Natalie Trimble also served in various capacities in Student Government and worked in the larger Columbia community to improve the lives of students and residents. For her efforts, the Aberdeen, Maryland, resident is the recipient of the 2023 Steven N. Swanger Leadership Award.

head and shoulders image of a man

Sullivan Award winner plans to continue volunteerism as physician

April 18, 2024, Communications and Marketing

Edgar Lemus Rivera plans to continue his dedication to volunteerism and service as he works his way through medical school to become a physician. The biochemistry and molecular biology major from Toms River, New Jersey, is one of two winners of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award — the university’s highest student honor.

head and shoulders image of a woman

Sullivan Award winner has passion for serving others

April 18, 2024, Communications and Marketing

A passion for helping others has led Shannon DePratter to participate in several service organizations while also completing her degree in biomedical engineering in just three years. The Newberry, South Carolina, native is one of two winners of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award — the university’s highest student honor. She also is a member of the South Carolina Honors College.

two women talk while looking at posters

Exploring the world of research at Discover USC

April 11, 2024, Communications and Marketing

Each year, Discover USC showcases the wide-ranging research being done by University of South Carolina students and postdocs. From health science to humanities and AI to public health, USC scholars — including undergraduate and graduate students, medical scholars and postdocs — are working with faculty mentors and others to explore topics that interest them, learn more about research skills and work on how to present their findings to an audience.

A student makes the

Get ready for graduation

March 08, 2024, Maddie Lee and Emily Prillaman

Although it feels far away, the countdown to graduation is on. Spring commencement ceremonies will be held May 3-4 in Colonial Life Arena. For graduating seniors, we’ve compiled a roundup of what you need to do before then, along with some suggestions for enjoying the rest of your time at the University of South Carolina.

Joe Rice with his wife at the law school dedication ceremony.

USC's newly named Joseph F. Rice School of Law reflects powerhouse attorney's ambition, philanthropy and commitment to the profession

January 17, 2024, Craig Brandhorst

Attorney Joe Rice is one of the most respected plaintiff’s attorneys in the country. The cofounder of the Charleston-based Motley Rice law firm has secured hundreds of billions of dollars for clients, taking on Goliath-sized opponents like Big Tobacco and the financiers of 9/11.

man in graduation robe holds his mortar board above his head as he talks on his phone

USC celebrates December commencement

December 14, 2023, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina will host its annual fall semester commencement ceremony for thousands of graduates on Monday (Dec. 18) at the Colonial Life Arena. The main ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. and will include graduates from associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and professional degree programs across the USC system.

Cheerleaders run across a football field holding flags spelling out Carolina.

Carolina-Clemson: A rivalry for the ages

November 09, 2023, Maddie Lee

November is a very spirit-packed month this year with USC hosting four home football games to close out the 2023 season, including the annual Carolina vs. Clemson showdown. For over 100 years, the rivalry has been heated and every year a new piece gets added to the colorful history.

Cocky jumps as a team plays powderpuff.

Homecoming highlights

September 25, 2023, Maddie Lee

Every year, the University of South Carolina welcomes back alumni to celebrate Homecoming. The theme of this year’s Homecoming week is “Under a Carolina Sky,” in reference to the opening video played in Williams-Brice Stadium. Homecoming allows every Gamecock, past, present and future, to come together to celebrate. Here’s a list of highlights.

USC Cocky Statue

ICYMI: Ten big things happening at the university

August 30, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

The university never sleeps, but it does slow down a bit during the summer. With the start of the fall semester, here’s a reminder of some recent happenings that you might have missed, plus a heads up about some major upcoming events.

lines of people presenting and conversing at a convention

Discover USC

April 13, 2023, Reagin von Lehe

The Discover USC event showcases student research at the university, especially the work of seniors, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. These projects represent all disciplines in research, scholarship, leadership and creativity. Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research, the annual, systemwide showcase will be held 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 21 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

SC Statehouse dome with U.S., SC and USC flags flying atop it

Carolina Day brings USC community together

February 10, 2023, Communications and Marketing staff

On Tuesday (Feb. 14), University of South Carolina alumni and advocates will come together in support of the university’s efforts to build a stronger, healthier state. The Valentine’s Day event is a perfect opportunity for supporters to show their love for USC and thank state legislators who have helped the university fulfill its mission to provide an affordable, accessible education.

President Amiridis cheers on the Gamecocks as they play against SC State.

Year in review '22: In with the old, in with the new

December 14, 2022, Communications and Marketing

Did campus feel just a little bit livelier this year? A touch more spirited? A tad more optimistic? We thought so, too — and not only because we named a new president back in January. Yeah, that was one heck of a way to ring in the new year, and it set the tone for the months ahead, but in the end, 2022 was about all of us, from the President’s House to Russell House, from Colonial Life to Williams-Brice. It was about respecting tradition, rediscovering our identity, remembering our past and reimagining our future. In 2022, the University of South Carolina reminded us all what it means to be USC.

graduate wears cap and gown at a commencement ceremony

Dimitri Amiridis discusses family's many ties to UofSC

May 03, 2022, Craig Brandhorst

When computer engineering major Dimitri Amiridis crosses the stage at commencement this spring, the South Carolina Honors College graduate will become the third member of his family with a degree from the University of South Carolina. The only member of his immediate family not to hold a degree from his new alma mater? Dimitri’s father, university President-elect Michael Amiridis.

Michael Amiridis smiles for the camera with Chicago skyline in background

Michael Amiridis has many reasons to return to UofSC

May 02, 2022, Craig Brandhorst

Incoming University of South Carolina President Michael Amiridis is going to miss the University of Illinois Chicago, but he has zero misgivings about the new job. In fact, the former UofSC faculty member-turned-administrator is thrilled to return to the campus where he cut his academic teeth.

A person wearing a mortarboard during a commencement ceremony

UofSC celebrates newest crop of graduating students

April 26, 2022, Dana Woodward

The University of South Carolina will welcome thousands of new alumni from across the system in a series of commencement ceremonies, which conclude with three Columbia campus events at the Colonial Life Arena. The ceremonies will recognize bachelor’s, master’s and professional degree recipients.

Gabriel Nossar Carrilho

Top leadership award winner puts education to use serving others

April 21, 2022, Communications and Marketing

Mechanical engineering major Gabriel Nossar Carrilho is using what he’s learned at the University of South Carolina to serve the campus community, the Latinx community and even people in his native South America in need of clean water. For his efforts, Carrilho has been awarded the university’s top leadership award — the 2022 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

Claire Windsor poses with her framed Algernon Sydney Sullivan award

Sullivan Award winner focuses research, leadership efforts on sustainability

April 21, 2022, Communications and Marketing

Geography major Claire Windsor has turned a passion for creating a sustainable world into action throughout her four-year career at South Carolina. The Travelers Rest, South Carolina, native and Honors College student received the university's top leadership award, the 2022 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

The gates on the south side of the historic Horseshoe

UofSC celebrates fall graduates

December 06, 2021, Dana Woodward

Thousands of students will earn their degrees at the University of South Carolina’s annual fall commencement ceremony held Monday, Dec. 13 at the Colonial Life Arena. The ceremony, which begins at 2:30 p.m., will include graduates from associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and professional degree programs across the USC system.

Adarsh Shidhaye holding his framed Sullivan Award.

Sullivan award winner's college career exemplifies service

April 14, 2021, Office of Communications and Public Affairs

Adarsh Shidhaye says he “hit the ground running” thanks to a pre-medical summer camp offered by the Office of Pre-Professional Advising. The program was so valuable to him that he started working as an ambassador during his freshman year, providing that same help to incoming students. Shidhaye’s service to his fellow students while earning a degree in public health as well as minors in business administration and medical humanities and culture has also earned him the university's highest undergraduate honor, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

Payton Ramsey holding her framed Swanger Award.

Swanger award winner uses her drive for hard work to help others

April 14, 2021, Office of Communications and Public Affairs

Payton Ramsey of Hammond, Louisiana, has overcome a visual disability from childhood to become the first member of her family to attend college. The biological sciences major is also a member of the South Carolina Honors College who has spent her time at UofSC perfecting her leadership skills and expanding her mind through research. For her efforts over her four years at South Carolina, Ramsey received the 2021 Steven N. Swanger Award, the university’s second-highest undergraduate honor.

Issy Rushton holding her framed Sullivan award.

Sullivan Award winner helps lead student body through pandemic

April 14, 2021, Office of Communications and Public Affairs

Issy Rushton was installed as president of the student body at the University of South Carolina just as the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting down the world. The native of the Gold Coast in Australia was half a world away when she went to work helping her fellow students and the university navigate the pandemic and focus on returning to campus. For her leadership, Rushton was one of two members of the Class of 2021 to receive the university's highest undergraduate honor, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. The award, named for a 19th-century New York lawyer and philanthropist, is given each year for outstanding achievements, campus leadership, exemplary character and service to the community.

daniella cook, aisha haynes, kyanna Samuel, spencer platt

2020 social justice award winners

January 09, 2020, Page Ivey

A community organizer and equity scholar, a three-degree alumna, an education student leader and a professor with a strong record of mentoring younger colleagues are the recipients of the University of South Carolina’s 2020 Social Justice Awards and will be honored at the annual MLK Commemorative Breakfast Jan. 17 in the Russell House Ballroom.

Kassy Alia at the 2018 event standing in front of red TEDx sign.

TEDxUofSC 2020

January 06, 2020, Kohl Friery

The University of South Carolina will host its second TEDx event, TEDxUofSC, on Oct. 15. TEDxUofSC will feature eight speakers that each have an idea worth sharing to better the community.

3 students holding a frame that says

Become a Homecoming hero

October 24, 2019, Caleigh McDaniel

Homecoming Week is a campuswide celebration with nightly events, service projects and more for students, faculty, staff and alumni. This year’s theme is “The Power of Garnet,” so grab your cape and mask and get ready for this action-packed week.

Cocky and parents in Williams-Brice

Fun for the whole family

September 26, 2019, Caleigh McDaniel and Catherine Jobe

It’s that time of year again. Time for our families to descend upon Columbia and UofSC in droves, calling before you’ve even gotten out of class to say that they’re here and asking where to park. They’ve been waiting for this day since August, but what are you going to do with them? Don’t stress; impress them with these options.

A large Gamecock family smiles at the photographer while standing against the background of Williams-Brice Stadium in the distance

Family Weekend plays important role in student support

September 25, 2019, Annika Dahlgren

Family Weekend is part of the university’s wide-ranging commitment to delivering a superior student experience in a welcoming, inclusive environment. It helps to connect a student’s personal support network to the university experience, so that family members can feel engaged in a student’s journey — and a student can feel a deep level of support both on- and off-campus.

commencement

Here today, gown tomorrow

May 07, 2019, Megan Sexton

It happens every semester, but it never gets old. Seniors finish their final exams, turn in their last papers, pull on the cap and gown and walk across the stage as proud graduates of the University of South Carolina. TIMES spoke with eight May graduates about their decision to come to Carolina, the memories they have made here and their plans for the future. We also asked them to send us a picture to mark the occasion.

three award winners

UofSC honors top students at Awards Day

April 18, 2019, Page Ivey

The University of South Carolina presented its top student honors, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Steven N. Swanger awards, to three graduating seniors during the university’s annual Awards Day ceremony Thursday on the historic Horseshoe.

Carl Wilkens, 2019 Solomon-Tenenbaum lecturer

'The power of presence'

March 21, 2019, Helen Dennis

As violence in Rwanda escalated in the spring of 1994, the United States government ordered all of its citizens to return home, but Carl Wilkens chose to stay. Wilkens will tell his story, among other stories of rebuilding and reconciling, at this year’s Solomon-Tenenbaum lecture. He will present his talk, “Legacies of Genocide: From the Holocaust to Rwanda and Beyond,” at 7 p.m. Sunday (March 24) in the UofSC Alumni Center.

MLK Weekend at UofSC

The beloved community

January 17, 2019, Dana Woodward

The University of South Carolina’s MLK Weekend event series culminates Sunday, Jan. 20, with Freedom Rings, an artistic celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. The university partnered with the Columbia nonprofit Auntie Karen Foundation to bring together Midlands musicians, artists and spoken word performers to honor the civil rights leader in an event designed to bring the audience to its feet.

horseshoe in the fall

20 in '18

November 26, 2018

From Bernstein's "Mass" and new, innovative partnerships to a Truman Scholar and cutting-edge research discoveries, 2018 was an eventful year at the University of South Carolina. Here are 20 of the year’s many highlights.

Deirdre Cooper Owens

Finding common ground

November 13, 2018, Keisa Gunby

The Finding Common Ground series, presented by the UofSC’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, continues this fall with guest lecturer, Deirdre Cooper Owens, assistant professor of history at Queens College, CUNY, and author of Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology. Owens will lead the fifth forum in this series beginning at 6 p.m. on Nov. 19 in the Capstone Campus Room.

Homecoming parade 2017

Hello Homecoming

October 18, 2018, Annika Dahlgren

It’s another wonderful year here at the University of South Carolina, and to celebrate our students and alumni, the university is hosting a series of events to kick school spirit up to an all time high. Whether you’re dancing on Greene Street or building a canned creation, there is something for everyone to get involved in. Here are a few of the many must-see events going on this year.

tedx rehearsal

Talking TEDx

October 09, 2018, Page Ivey

Overcoming stereotypes and drug addiction, learning to listen in uncomfortable conversations about race, and finding new ways to diagnose and treat mental illnesses were just some of the wide range of topics presented by speakers at the inaugural TEDxUofSC event Tuesday.

pastides announces retirement

Forever to thee

October 03, 2018, Jeff Stensland

After a decade of service as president and leading the University of South Carolina through an unprecedented period of growth and success, President Harris Pastides announced Wednesday (Oct. 3) that he will retire as president effective the summer of 2019.

SOTU 2017

State of the University

September 28, 2018

University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides has seen tremendous change in his 10 years at the helm. For his annual State of the University address Wednesday (Oct. 3), he will look 10 years into the future to share his vision for the next decade.

Cocky and parents in Williams-Brice

Fun for the whole family

September 27, 2018, Mia Grimm and Catherine Jobe

It’s that time of year again. Time for our families to descend upon Columbia and UofSC in droves, calling before you’ve even gotten out of class to say that they’re here and asking where to park. They’ve been waiting for this day since August, but what are you going to do with them? Don’t stress; impress them with these options.

Headshot of Lyric Swinton

Tackling the talk

August 15, 2018, Mia Grimm

Lyric Swinton is the only undergraduate speaker for TEDxUofSC on Oct. 9. She will be discussing a topic that has affected her life and is becoming increasingly important in our current social climate, stereotypes.

Give It Up For Good yard sale

Give It Up For Good 2018

May 24, 2018, Dana Woodward

It’s a win for University of South Carolina students, for Midlands bargain hunters and for Habitat for Humanity: the annual Give It Up For Good Yard Sale sponsored by University Housing, which takes place this year on June 2 with a preview on June 1.

Caroline Potter

'A happy accident'

March 20, 2018, Megan Sexton

South Carolina Honors College graduate Caroline Parler Potter headed to England as a Rhodes Scholar in 2000. She's still at Oxford, where she earned her master’s and doctorate in anthropology and is now a medical anthropologist. She'll return to Carolina on April 20 to give the keynote address at Discover USC.

carolina day

Carolina Day: A stronger UofSC, A stronger South Carolina

January 25, 2018, Jeff Stensland

Carolina Day at the Statehouse is an annual one-day event designed to let legislators know that state support is vital for the University of South Carolina to ensure quality, access and affordability. This year, USC is taking a new approach that will allow more supporters than ever to participate — whether they're in Columbia or anywhere around the globe.