Stories for Faculty and Staff

Law school's first full-time African American professor cements his legacy

October 07, 2025, Megan Sexton

James E. Bowers was an undergraduate student at USC in the early days of desegregation and the first full-time African American law school professor. He will cement his legacy with an endowed professorship in his name at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law, the first named for a Black law school professor, and an endowed lectureship series that will share knowledge about democracy and the rule of law.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Graduate Studies, Diversity, History, Recognition, Philanthropy, Leadership, Careers, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

Researchers and former students recall harsh lessons from historic 2015 Midlands flood

September 30, 2025, Chris Horn

It happened a decade ago, but lessons learned from the catastrophic flooding of Oct. 1-5, 2015, in the Midlands of South Carolina are still being reckoned by University of South Carolina researchers and former students who were involved in the flood’s aftermath.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Research, Initiatives, Philanthropy, Service, Careers, Student Voices, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, South Carolina Honors College

How to Throw a Festival: Hogs for the Cause

September 22, 2025, by Craig Brandhorst, photos by Kim Truett

Over the past 16 years, Hogs for the Cause has raised millions of dollars to help families facing pediatric brain cancer. Cofounder Becker Hall credits the University of South Carolina for showing him the way.

Topics: Alumni, Recognition, Economic Engagement, Philanthropy, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Students build for the future with Habitat for Humanity

September 12, 2025, Catherine Pruitt

USC's chapter of Habitat for Humanity is building homes and futures. Led by president Ria Kothari, the club works in the community almost every weekend to build homes to improve access to affordable housing.

Topics: Students, Philanthropy, Service, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

USC celebrates record-breaking fundraising year

August 22, 2025, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina secured almost $260 million in private donations, including the largest single gift in university history.

Topics: University Leadership, Philanthropy, Campus Construction

Law alumnus leads SC Bar Foundation to make more of an impact for South Carolinians

June 18, 2025, Page Ivey

Tom Gressette, '97 law, led an effort as president of the South Carolina Bar Foundation to increase the impact of grants given to legal resource organizations. Finding ways to help people was a lesson he learned growing up that was reinforced by his law school education.

Topics: Alumni, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

Alumnus credits honors program with building foundation for success

May 30, 2025, Megan Sexton

The roots of Adm. Jacob Shuford’s 35-year U.S. Navy career — which took him to top postings all over the world — were planted and nurtured in the honors program at the University of South Carolina.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Undergraduate Admissions, Philanthropy, Leadership, Careers, South Carolina Honors College

SC Impact: Building stronger communities

May 28, 2025, Communications and marketing

From creating social mobility by supporting first-generation students to providing resources for community members who need them most, the University of South Carolina is dedicated to strengthening our state and improving the lives of its residents. It’s work that goes beyond the college campus and extends into every corner of South Carolina.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Philanthropy, Partnerships, Service, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, The Graduate School, Medicine (Columbia), College of Social Work

Med students step up to fight childhood cancer

February 12, 2025, Megan Sexton

The Future Leaders in Medicine, a student organization at the USC School of Medicine Columbia, has teamed with Curing Kids Cancer to raise awareness – and funds— for the fight against childhood cancer.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, SC Impact, Service, Leadership, Student Voices, Medicine (Columbia)

Dave Bollinger: Providing opportunities

January 14, 2025, Rebekah Friedman

The University of South Carolina wasn’t on Dave Bollinger’s radar until his daughter, Ruth, enrolled in CarolinaLIFE. Now both Bollingers are giving back to support the next generation of USC students with intellectual disabilities.

Topics: Alumni, Philanthropy, Leadership, Student Voices, College of Education, Carolinian

Cathy Knox: Investing in teachers

January 06, 2025, Rebekah Friedman

When Cathy Knox, ’72, started her career as an elementary school teacher, her principal played a critical role as a mentor. Now retired, she is helping the next generation of educators get the coaching and support they need by supporting the Carolina Teacher Induction Program.

Topics: Alumni, Philanthropy, Leadership, College of Education, Carolinian

USC alumnus, Marine Corps veteran leads nonprofit for vets

November 08, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen

University of South Carolina alumnus Robert Chambers LeHeup is a Marine Corps infantry veteran with two combat tours under his belt when he left the service in 2004. In 2012, he founded Bullets and Bandaids to heal and support vets through storytelling and artwork.

Topics: Alumni, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Helping after Hurricane Helene: Aid for the USC community and beyond

October 02, 2024, USC Communications and Marketing

Gamecocks unite to help those affected by Hurricane Helene in the USC community and beyond.

Topics: Philanthropy

Civil engineering graduate Deepal Eliatamby left Sri Lanka to find opportunity, freedom

September 10, 2024, Craig Brandhorst

Civil engineering graduate Deepal Eliatamby left Sri Lanka to find opportunity and freedom. He found it at USC and is now paying it forward.

Topics: Alumni, Philanthropy, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Careers, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Carolinian

Law school namesake and legal trailblazer Joe Rice rides high in the saddle

September 04, 2024, Craig Brandhorst / photos by Kim Truett

Attorney Joe Rice capped an illustrious career last fall with a record gift to the law school that bears his name, but the self-styled cowboy is hardly ready to ride into the sunset.

Topics: Alumni, Recognition, Philanthropy, Leadership, Careers, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Carolinian

USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing isn't named after just one Gamecock.

September 04, 2024, Rebekah Friedman / photos by Kim Truett

The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing is named after a family, not a single person. Brothers Alex, Carl and Ray Molinaroli showed us why.

Topics: Alumni, Philanthropy, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Carolinian

Introducing USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

June 06, 2024, Gregory Hardy

The University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing has a new name that reflects the vision and generosity of generations of the Molinaroli family. The official name, the University of South Carolina Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, was announced on Thursday (June 6) during a signage unveiling ceremony at the college’s Swearingen Engineering Center on Main Street.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Research, Recognition, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

Adding the next piece: Scholarship provides financial aid to accounting majors

February 15, 2024, Victoria Nelson

After earning an undergraduate degree in business administration from the College of Charleston, Columbia native Jeff Kososki took advantage of his proximity to USC by enrolling in several accounting classes needed to earn his CPA designation. His love for the Gamecocks, and the community, never stopped. Now his family is honoring his legacy with the Jeff Kososki Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to accounting majors in the Darla Moore School of Business who are working toward their CPA certifications.

Topics: Alumni, Scholarships, Philanthropy, Darla Moore School of Business

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.

Topics: Alumni, Recognition, Philanthropy, Leadership, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Carolinian

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.

Topics: Alumni, Philanthropy, Signature Events, Service, Leadership, Careers, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Carolinian

Journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons helps caregivers through Leeza's Care Connection

January 11, 2024, Rebekah Friedman

After losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons devoted her second act to helping caregivers through Leeza’s Care Connection.

Topics: Alumni, Recognition, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, Service, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, College of Information and Communications, Carolinian

Honors College grad Roger Barnette is helping the SCHC recruit today's top students

November 13, 2023, Thom Harman

Following in his father's footsteps, Roger Barnette attended the University of South Carolina, loved his college experience and learned what he needed to have successful career. Now he's helping the Honors College recruit today's top talent from the Atlanta area and beyond.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Philanthropy, Signature Events, Entrepreneurship, South Carolina Honors College

Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation supports conversation about Jewish history

November 07, 2023, Rebekah Friedman

In the spring, audiences at USC had the chance to learn more about Jewish history from award-winning author and Holocaust expert Wendy Lower. Her weeklong fellowship with the university’s Jewish studies program was made possible by a generous gift from the Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation.

Topics: Faculty, speakers, Diversity, History, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Carolinian

Capping off the Gamecock experience

May 05, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

When Jenna Wilson became director of the Carolina Closet, she never imagined she’d be in the graduation business. She launched a joint collection project for students unable to buy their own cap and gown.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Studies, Philanthropy, Leadership, Student Voices, College of Education, College of Social Work

Philanthropist and alumnus Jim Barrow is given to giving

April 13, 2023, Craig Brandhorst

Alumnus Jim Barrow prefers to keep his philanthropy quiet, but when you’ve given as much support to your alma mater as he has, a thank-you is in order.

Topics: Alumni, Philanthropy, Carolinian, Leadership, Careers, Darla Moore School of Business

Dance Marathon raises $788K for children's hospital

March 26, 2023, Allen Wallace

A year of work by the the 2023 University of South Carolina Dance Marathon team culminated in a huge success: $788,645 raised to fund the Child Life program at Columbia's Prisma Health Children's Hospital, part of the Children's Miracle Network.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Philanthropy, Partnerships, Service, Leadership, Student Voices, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

USC students connect incarcerated mothers and their children

January 31, 2023, Alexis Watts, Brandie Perron

School of Music students are using music as a way to connect new mothers at Camille Graham Correctional Institution and their babies through a program called The Lullaby Project, which is a project of Carnegie Hall and their Weill Music Institute.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Initiatives, Diversity, Philanthropy, Service, Student Voices, School of Music

Engineering alumna uses beauty pageants, philanthropy to inspire STEM interest in young girls

January 26, 2023, Kyndel Lee

Miss USA Morgan Romano knows all too well that only 28% of the STEM workforce is made up of women, and she's using her platform to spark interests in young girls and help create a pipeline for more women to purse careers in the STEM fields.

Topics: Alumni, Experiential Learning, Initiatives, Diversity, Recognition, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, Service, Leadership, Careers, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

Honors alumna fights to save endangered species

October 19, 2022, Aïda Rogers

Honors college and Marine Sciences alumna Ana Bishop’s senior thesis and passion for protecting marine ecosystems grew into a two-year project and a mission to save endangered whales.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Initiatives, Recognition, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership, Student Voices, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, South Carolina Honors College

Royal Roots: Former Miss Gamecock competes for Miss USA Crown

July 29, 2022, Alexis Watts

School of Journalism and Mass Communications graduate and former Miss Gamecock, Meera Bhonslé will compete for the title of Miss USA on Oct. 3.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Admissions, Diversity, Recognition, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership, Careers, College of Information and Communications

Gamecock alumna helps spearhead South Carolina's attack on Alzheimer's

June 28, 2022, Kyndel Lee

UofSC alumna Taylor Wilson is playing a major role in advancing South Carolina's efforts in advocacy for support of the Alzheimer's cause at both the state and federal levels.

Topics: Alumni, Research, Initiatives, Diversity, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, Service, Leadership, Careers, Darla Moore School of Business

Ph.D. student strives to provide education for Pakistani women

May 06, 2022, Kyndel Lee

Khadija Kakar knows what it's like to grow up in poverty. But she beat the odds and is working to ensure other women in her home country get the same opportunities for education.

Topics: Students, Research, Scholarships, Graduate Studies, Diversity, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, Student Voices, Medicine (Columbia)

UofSC alumna guides employer's gift to Center for Civil Rights History and Research

April 12, 2022, Megan Sexton

Alumna Kelly Adams, managing director of state government and regulatory affairs for the energy infrastructure company Williams, was instrumental in her employer’s gift of $1.5 million to the university's Center for Civil Rights History and Research.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Research, Initiatives, Diversity, Collections, Philanthropy, Leadership, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University Libraries

Dance Marathon raises $931,016

April 12, 2022, Allen Wallace

On April 9, nearly 2,000 University of South Carolina students spent the day dancing together, closing more than a year of work with a huge success as they raised $931,016 to support the Child Life program at Prisma Health Children's Hospital.

Topics: Students, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

Having COVID-19 may make you more charitable

October 22, 2021, Nancy Buchan and Orgul Ozturk

A 2020 online study found that people in the United States who were more directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic were 9 percent more likely to donate to charity than others, and they donated 9.2% more money. The study replicated in Italy found similar results, Moore School professors Nancy Buchan and Orgul Ozturk write in The Conversation with co-author Gianluca Grimalda, Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Philanthropy, Darla Moore School of Business, The Conversation

UofSC endowment sees record growth in fiscal year 2020-2021

October 08, 2021

Thanks to generous donors and savvy investment, the University of South Carolina’s endowment reached unprecedented heights in fiscal year 2020-21. This year’s 26 percent increase of $207 million was largely driven by the U.S. economy’s resurgence, fueled by the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Topics: University Leadership, Philanthropy, University System

University Foundations president/CEO Jason Caskey talks about role in supporting UofSC

August 23, 2021, Chris Horn

Jason Caskey was named president and CEO of University Foundations in 2018 after a 28-year career in public accounting. The 1990 Darla Moore School of Business graduate oversees the university’s Educational Foundation and Development Foundation, which include the university’s investments from donors and real estate holdings, respectively.

Topics: University Leadership, Philanthropy, Darla Moore School of Business

Dance Marathon Day: Gov. McMaster honors student organization for fundraising efforts

March 23, 2021, Allen Wallace

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster recognized the continued success of University of South Carolina Dance Marathon in a ceremony Tuesday at the State House.

Topics: Students, University President, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership

6 questions for Monica Delisa

March 15, 2021, Chris Horn

The difference between a good university and a great one rests in the hands of its donors, says Monica Delisa, the University of South Carolina's new vice president for development.

Topics: University Leadership, Philanthropy

UofSC Dance Marathon rises to pandemic challenges

February 25, 2021, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina's largest student-run philanthropy, Dance Marathon, will host its annual Main Event despite challenges caused by the pandemic. The event supports the Child Life program at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital.

Topics: Students, Philanthropy, Service

VA program helps veterans transition to medical careers

November 09, 2020, Margaret Gregory

Two members of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia Class of 2024 are bringing unique perspectives as they train for their future careers in medicine. Before entering medical school, Ian MacLeod and Shane Weatherford served their country in the U.S. armed services. Both are able to pursue their education thanks to the Veterans Healing Veterans Scholarship.

Topics: Students, Scholarships, Philanthropy, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, Medicine (Columbia)

UN organization run by UofSC alum wins Nobel Peace Prize

October 09, 2020

An international food program run by University of South Carolina alumnus David Beasley won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for its efforts to combat hunger in regions facing conflict and hardship and at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has driven millions more people to the brink of starvation.

Topics: Alumni, Recognition, Philanthropy, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

Podcast-a-thon elevates Black voices, supports Black programs

August 20, 2020, Megan Sexton

A podcast-a-thon Aug. 28 will highlight Black excellence at UofSC through conversations with students, alumni and faculty. The live-streamed event will raise money for the One Creed, One Carolina campaign.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Initiatives, Diversity, Philanthropy, Leadership, Student Voices, Darla Moore School of Business, South Carolina Honors College

'This is my community'

July 29, 2020, Page Ivey

Lydia Carnesale knew just where to start to help members of her tight-knit Latino community in northeast Columbia when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The education Ph.D. candidate had worked five years earlier to help the same community during Columbia’s thousand-year flood event.

Topics: Students, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Philanthropy, COVID-19, Service, Leadership, College of Education

UofSC announces Nicole and David Tepper Scholarship to support sport and entertainment management education, diversity and COVID-19 relief

July 13, 2020, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina has announced the establishment of The Nicole and David Tepper Scholars Program in the university’s acclaimed Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. The program will provide four-year scholarships to a cohort of four incoming freshmen each year. Tepper Scholars will receive $10,000 per year toward their education and will gain access to additional enrichment opportunities.

Topics: Students, Scholarships, Philanthropy, Partnerships, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Emergency relief funds assist students, employees affected by pandemic

April 28, 2020, Diane Parham

UofSC senior Brandon Fryson is one of more than 300 students who have found a much-needed helping hand through the new COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

Topics: Students, Philanthropy, Student Voices, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

COVID-19 response: Faculty members mobilize network to obtain medical supplies

March 25, 2020, Craig Brandhorst

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to separate communities, families, co-workers and friends — but it is also bringing us together like never before. And it is inspiring University of South Carolina faculty and staff to step up their efforts in a time of need.

Topics: Faculty, Philanthropy, COVID-19, Service, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

UofSC Dance Marathon tops $1 million fundraising for 2020

March 01, 2020, Allen Wallace

University of South Carolina Dance Marathon completed its 2019-2020 fundraising year with a total of $1,016,822 raised for Prisma Health Children's Hospital.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Philanthropy, Service, Student Voices

Scholarship honors legacy of UofSC's first African American football coach

February 03, 2020, Allen Wallace

A year after Coach Harold White passed away, his memory lives on, thanks in part to a scholarship created in his name.

Topics: Students, Alumni, University Leadership, Scholarships, Diversity, History, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Alumni club endows scholarship for D.C.-area students

December 17, 2019, Page Ivey

The DC Gamecocks are serious about celebrating their alma mater. They watch football games and participate in special events related to their days at the University of South Carolina. But, more recently, the alumni club, one of the larger ones outside of South Carolina, took on the goal of endowing a scholarship for students from the D.C. area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Topics: Alumni, Scholarships, Philanthropy