Stories for Alumni

Gail V. Barnes stands in the doorway with students playing string instruments behind her

USC String Project marks 50 years of hitting the right notes

April 05, 2024, Megan Sexton

The gold standard in string music education is marking its golden anniversary this year. For the past 50 years, the University of South Carolina String Project has been the national model in a program that combines music lessons with community service and teacher education.

A photo of Aaron Gaga standing outside and looking away from the camera.

Rwandan native makes sacrifices to build his career -- and his country

April 02, 2024, Allen Wallace

Aaron Gaga was born in 1987 as an unwelcome refugee in Uganda, his parents having fled his native Rwanda because of conflict. Thirty years after the Rwandan genocide, he is now a graduate student in the University of South Carolina’s highly ranked Master of Sport and Entertainment Management program, pursuing his master's degree in an effort to advance his career and help his country continue to rebuild.

Exterior image of USC's Darla Moore School of Business in Columbia, S.C.

New pathway to MBA for engineering and computing students

March 18, 2024, Laura Morris

USC’s College of Engineering and Computing and the Darla Moore School of Business established a new 4+1 pathway partnership in 2024. This unique collaboration offers students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree from engineering and computing and a master’s degree from the Moore School in five years.

woman stands in hospital scrubs with stethoscope around her neck.

Nursing alumna brings health care background to role of county coroner

March 06, 2024, Page Ivey

Growing up in the foster care system in Florida, Naida Rutherford found herself homeless with few prospects just two days after graduating from high school. But the faith of a classmate’s parents and her own determination to get a degree ultimately led her to a career in nursing. In 2020, Rutherford became the first woman, the first person of color and the first person with a medical background to be elected Richland County coroner.

A photo of a group of colorful rubberbands isolated on a white background.

Ring polymer research points way to new industrial and biomedical applications

March 06, 2024, Chris Horn

Imagine smartphones that bend, twist and stretch like rubber. Or 3D-printed material that mimics the pliable characteristics of human cartilage found in knees, noses and ears. It’s not much of a stretch for Ting Ge, an assistant professor in chemistry and biochemistry who has just begun a five-year CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation to delve deeper into the field of ring polymers.

An illustration of a brain with a red targeted spot on it.

School of Medicine researchers pursue new treatment options for glioblastoma

March 05, 2024, Page Ivey

Assistant professor of medicine Deepak Bhere was drawn to the study of stem cell therapy because he wanted to do research that has real impact on patients’ lives. His team at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia has the potential to do just that as they pursue new treatment options for patients with glioblastoma.

An illustration of a robot arm handing a Rubiks cube to a human hand.

From agribusiness to health care to flood management, artificial intelligence research clicks into place

March 01, 2024, Rebekah Friedman

Artificial intelligence is making plenty of headlines these days — and, in some cases, even writing them. Some concerns are valid, some are overblown, but as the global economy embraces the emerging technology, there’s no avoiding the larger conversation. There’s also no denying AI’s real-world potential. For every Sports Illustrated byline scandal or news story about the danger of self-driving cars, there’s an untold story of how AI research promises to change our world for the better, and a lot of that research is happening right here at the University of South Carolina.

A person in protective gear with clipboard observing waste in a landfill.

Engineering team experiments with new method for processing problematic landfill compound

February 29, 2024, Chris Horn

An experimental project led by a team of USC engineering researchers could lead to a more efficient process for converting landfill gases into cleaner fuel — and simultaneously deal with a silicone-based compound called siloxane that has become problematic for landfills.

two people stand in front of beer vats

Alumni couple use 'complementary skillset' to create thriving taproom

February 26, 2024, Page Ivey

Brian and Nicole Cendrowski spent more than a decade dreaming of opening their own brewery before settling on a plan and a location. Their Fireforge Brewery & Taproom in downtown Greenville weathered the pandemic and is now a thriving member of the Upstate community they call home.

portrait of jackie alexander

Journalism alumna talks about leading student media organization

February 22, 2024, Emily Prillaman

After leaving her mark as a student reporter and editor at The Daily Gamecock, Jackie Alexander, 2009 journalism, has carved an impressive career, first at newspapers and now as director of University of Alabama at Birmingham Student Media. Alexander is currently serving as president of the College Media Association — the first woman of color elected to that role.

A portrait of Leroy Chapman.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor-in-chief Leroy Chapman inspires next generation of journalists

January 22, 2024, Craig Brandhorst

In March 2023, University of South Carolina alumnus Leroy Chapman Jr. made headlines — as the first person of color to be named editor-in-chief of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It was a big deal for the 155-year-old paper, for the city of Atlanta and for journalism in general. It was also a big deal for Chapman’s alma mater, which recognized his professional achievements with the 2023 College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award.

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.

Humpy Wheeler poses at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Legendary NASCAR promoter Humpy Wheeler looks back at his career in racing and his days as a Gamecock in the 1950s

January 09, 2024, Craig Brandhorst

From 1975 to 2008, Humpy Wheeler, ’61, journalism, was president and general manager of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. And over those three high-octane, pedal-to-the-metal decades, he came to be regarded as one of the most colorful promoters in NASCAR history.

USC Alumna, Carson Light on being a social media coordinator

From USC to full-time Instagram, TikTok content creator

November 29, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

When taking a look at Carson Light’s Instagram profile, you’ll come across an array of fashion, beauty and lifestyle content. Her social media is a reflection of her personal interests and what she does for a living. The 2020 College of Information and Communications graduate has built her own personal brand through social media, accumulating over 31,000 followers on Instagram and over 4 million views on TikTok.

Seth Rose and his family photographed on the Horseshoe.

Alumnus and tennis standout Seth Rose gives back -- and not just for racket sports.

November 08, 2023, Craig Brandhorst

Seth Rose, ’03, was a first team All-American in men’s tennis, and he paid his alma mater back by helping finance two courts on campus But Rose’s love for the Gamecocks extends beyond tennis. The 2014 Gamecock Athletics Hall of Fame inductee is also a huge Gamecock football fan, and his philanthropy reflects it.

Physician and medical student look at computer screen

Pediatric subspecialists move beyond urban hubs to visit rural patients

November 03, 2023, Megan Sexton

The South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare at the USC School of Medicine Columbia. works to improve health care delivery for rural communities by operating and facilitating a range of programs. Through one, the Department of Pediatrics sends subspecialists into areas outside the state’s urban hubs.

Photo of student walking on the Horseshoe

First-generation college students bring resilience, perspectives to USC campus

November 03, 2023, Megan Sexton

First-generation college students come from all sorts of backgrounds and bring a variety of perspectives to campus. At USC, about one-fifth of the student population identifies as first-generation college students, meaning their parents did not earn a four-year college degree.

A portrait of Sara Barber with SC Statehouse in the background.

Sara Barber pushes long-term change in handling domestic violence cases

August 14, 2023, Rebekah Friedman

In South Carolina, 42 percent of women have experienced intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence or stalking. Sara Barber knows the statistics. Since 2014, the University of South Carolina alumna has served as executive director of the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, a coalition of 22 organizations that connect survivors with emergency shelter, counseling and other services.

A portrait of Audrey Ware.

Curiosity drives consulting career

August 10, 2023, Dan Cook

Curiosity has always been a driving force for Audrey Ware — and it has paid off. She earned three undergraduate degrees at USC: international business, marketing and French. Now, armed with a master’s degree in market research and consumer behavior, Ware continues to explore as a senior business analyst for the global firm McKinsey & Company in Charlotte.

head and shoulders shot of Alysja Carlisle

USC Law alumna keeps learning, giving back

August 10, 2023, Megan Sexton

As vice president and legal counsel at Belk in Charlotte, School of Law alumna Alysja Carlisle reviews and drafts commercial contracts, manages projects and addresses a wide range of general corporate, privacy and intellectual property issues. She also gives her time and talents to organizations around the region and her alma mater.