2025: Year in review
December 10, 2025, Dan Cook
Heading into 2025, the field of higher education faced significant challenges. But at the University of South Carolina, all signs point to dynamic growth and institutional strength.
Stories for Parents
USC students and alumni win South Carolina InnoVision Awards
November 14, 2025, Laura Erskine
Six finalists with ties to USC were recognized by the 2025 InnoVision Awards, with three winning top honors. The winning businesses are led by students in the South Carolina Honors College, alumni and graduate students from the Molinaroli College of Engineering, and alumni from the Darla Moore School of Business and the Honors College.
First-generation students bring perspective, energy to USC campus
October 31, 2025, Megan Sexton
As the university marks the celebration of First-Gen College Celebration Week, we caught up with first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff who are thriving in the classroom and beyond.
Evans Scholars program launches at USC
October 21, 2025, Thom Harman
A golf-themed program open to high-achieving caddies with limited financial means, the Evans Scholars program covers full tuition and housing costs. USC’s Evans Scholars will live together in the McCausland Scholarship House.
Celebrating 70 years of the Russell House
October 06, 2025, USC Social Media Team
The Russell House University Union has been at the center of student life for the last 70 years. Celebrate the platinum jubilee on October 16 and share your favorite Russell House memories.
Curing Kids Cancer pledge fuels USC, Prisma Health pediatric cancer research partnership
September 24, 2025, Laura Morris
The University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital announced a research collaboration on Sept. 24 aimed at redefining pediatric oncology care in South Carolina. The $5 million pledge from Curing Kids Cancer will fund research aimed at developing and providing access to innovative therapeutics for children with cancer.
Beyond '63: Henrie Monteith Treadwell
September 19, 2025, Rebekah Friedman, photos by Kim Truett
Alumna Henrie Monteith Treadwell filed the lawsuit that desegregated USC. That moment was merely the prologue to a long and meaningful career.
English, Honors College alumnus follows his filmmaking passion
September 15, 2025, Page Ivey
Luke Hodges says he found the arts community he was looking for when he transferred into USC's English and Honors programs more than 10 years ago. Looking back, the writer and documentary filmmaker says there was an "insane smorgasbord of opportunities" at USC.
Health Watch: 6 Dangerous Heat Stroke Myths That Could Put Your Health at Risk
August 20, 2025, Gregory Hardy
Rising temperatures are making heat stroke a serious risk in South Carolina and beyond, especially during outdoor activities such as youth sports, yardwork, recreation and even work. At USC’s Arnold School of Public Health, associate professor of athletic training Susan Yeargin debunks dangerous myths about treating this life-threatening condition.
Class of 2025
April 28, 2025, Megan Sexton
As the Class of 2025 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.
USC's College of Arts and Sciences renamed following transformational gift
April 22, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
The University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences has a new name honoring the vision and generosity of a prominent alumnus and his family. The official name, the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, was announced on Wednesday (April 23) during a ceremony on USC's Horseshoe.
Student government experience leads two USC seniors to Harvard Law
April 17, 2025, Laura Erskine
USC’s student government has two graduating seniors who have been accepted to Harvard Law School, one of the nation’s top programs. The students credit their time in student government, along with the excellent training they received both in the classroom and beyond, with helping them reach their goals.
USC celebrates 2025 Governor's Award for the Arts winners
April 01, 2025, Brandon Pugh
The Koger Center, USC School of Music professor Gail Barnes and USC School of Visual Arts and Design alumnus Wade Sellers have been named winners of the 2025 Governor’s Awards for the Arts by the South Carolina Arts Commission, recognizing exceptional practice or support of contemporary and traditional art forms.
Give 4 Garnet reports nearly $1.5 million raised
March 27, 2025, Alexis Watts and Michaela Taylor
Thanks to the generosity of the USC community, Give 4 Garnet reports a preliminary total of nearly $1.5 million and counting raised from 7,942 donors, showcasing the collective power of giving back.
USC alumna, Marine champions veterans
March 18, 2025, Megan Sexton
For USC alumna Caroline Fermin, the decision to join the Marines at a time when only 2 percent of the officer corps were women led to a successful 25 years in the military with high-level global postings and numerous medals for meritorious service. She followed her military service with a thriving second career in public service, now as the director of Veterans Affairs for Beaufort County.
USC Press internship program creating new chapters for student success
March 11, 2025, Alexis Watts
First-generation, low-income students frequently face the difficult choice between earning a paycheck and advancing their careers. The University of South Carolina Press Internship Program is changing this narrative through a paid stipend initiative so that no student misses out on a valuable internship experience because of financial constraints.
Journey from homelessness to social worker gives alumna insight and empathy
February 26, 2025, Carol J.G. Ward
Renee Shaw’s journey is a testament to courage and perseverance. Now a social worker, she draws from her own experiences with homelessness and hardship to uplift others and to make a meaningful impact in her community.
School of Medicine Columbia breaks ground on new facility at USC Health Sciences Campus
February 21, 2025, Gregory Hardy
The University of South Carolina broke ground on a facility that will redefine the future of health care education and research during a ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the site of its new School of Medicine Columbia. This cutting-edge, 300,000-square-foot-plus medical education and research facility will be part of USC’s transformative $300 million Health Sciences Campus, amid 16 acres in Columbia’s reimagined BullStreet District.
US News rankings: USC's online nursing master's remains No. 1 in the nation
January 21, 2025, Megan Sexton
For the fifth straight year, USC's College of Nursing is ranked No. 1 in the country for its online master’s in nursing program, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual online program rankings released Tuesday (Jan. 21).
USC alum, Medal of Honor recipient recognized at national championship
January 16, 2025, Megan Sexton
University of South Carolina alumnus and Medal of Honor recipient Marine Corporal (retired) Kyle Carpenter will be recognized during Monday’s national championship college football game.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist's second act connects athletes' minds and bodies
January 15, 2025, Anna Francis
Natasha Hastings came to the University of South Carolina with dreams of excelling as an athlete. Although her talent eventually would propel her to an NCAA championship, multiple world championships and two Olympic gold medals, her initial start on the Gamecock track and field team was less than stellar. Her body was sound, but she had psychological demons to slay.
Alumna finds her niche as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence and trafficking
December 19, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
University of South Carolina graduate Monique Garvin, '19 knows how critically important her work is in combatting various forms of abuse in South Carolina’s communities and acutely recognizes the impact violence has on individuals.
The Herbal Pharmacist's gratitude fuels his generosity
December 10, 2024, Alexis Watts
David Foreman, a 1987 College of Pharmacy graduate, has built a career as The Herbal Pharmacist®, educating others on blending natural remedies with traditional medicine. His gratitude for the education that shaped him inspires him to give back and create new pathways for students.
Video: Clinic offers hope to individuals with communication disorders
December 06, 2024, Hadley McCollester
In South Carolina, 97 percent of newborn infants are screened for hearing ability — and 3.1 percent do not pass. At the Arnold School of Public Health, there’s a clinic that can help.
James L. Solomon Jr. leaves behind lasting legacy at South Carolina
December 05, 2024, Collyn Taylor
James L. Solomon Jr., a trailblazer at USC and a distinguished civil servant, passed away at the age 94. He was one of three students who desegregated the university over 60 years ago.
USC alumnus finds his true calling in the kindergarten classroom
November 26, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
Charleston native Keith Heyward Jr. was a restless third-grader when he realized his career goal was to teach. He knew that young Black boys craved a teacher they could relate to. Today, the University of South Carolina alumnus teaches kindergarten at James Island Elementary School. He makes sure the youngsters who step into his classroom feel safe and empowered.
Former USC classmates team teach cross-Atlantic language course
November 14, 2024, Chris Horn
Students rarely end up later in life teaching the same undergraduate course they took in college, but that’s what Heather Dreano and Lesley Smith are doing now, thanks to an assist from their former University of South Carolina professor.
Honors College alumna is making her mark at CNN Sports
November 12, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
Long before she was traveling the world as senior director of business development and operations at CNN Sports, Amy Jordan was an Honors College student sending news releases around the world as a press intern for the late U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings. To date, Jordan has covered four different Olympic games, numerous Super Bowls, the U.S. Open and more.
USC awarded federal grant to boost state's college and career readiness
November 12, 2024, Brandon Pugh
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded USC one of its largest-ever grants — $35 million — for the College of Education's GEAR UP SC program to help disadvantaged students overcome barriers to college and career opportunities.
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.
How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across 6 states
October 07, 2024, Cary Mock
Some hurricanes are remembered for their wind damage or rainfall. Others for their coastal flooding. Hurricane Helene was a stew of all of that and more. Its near-record-breaking size, storm surge, winds and rainfall together turned Helene into an almost unimaginable disaster that stretched more than 500 miles inland from the Florida coast. Geography professor Cary Mock writes about the hurricane for The Conversation.
How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across 6 states
October 07, 2024, Cary Mock
Some hurricanes are remembered for their wind damage or rainfall. Others for their coastal flooding. Hurricane Helene was a stew of all of that and more. Its near-record-breaking size, storm surge, winds and rainfall together turned Helene into an almost unimaginable disaster that stretched more than 500 miles inland from the Florida coast. Geography professor Cary Mock writes about the hurricane for The Conversation.
Anna Hoppmann leads pediatric cancer research effort
September 10, 2024, Chris Horn
Anna Hoppmann is a pediatric oncologist with Prisma Health and a clinical assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia where she graduated nine years ago. She also chairs the S.C. Childhood Cancer Taskforce, which recently released a 25-year trend report on childhood cancer incidence, survival and mortality in South Carolina.
Student ensembles kick off School of Music centennial celebration
September 04, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
The Centennial Celebration Concert joins more than 500 student musicians in the first of a series of events showcasing School of Music programs, students and faculty.
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.
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.
USC Takeover Night at the Fireflies
August 26, 2024
The Columbia Fireflies will be celebrating University of South Carolina Night at their game against the Charleston RiverDogs on Thursday, September 5 at Segra Park.
Student leadership experience leads to Disney dream job for 2024 grad
July 17, 2024, Allen Wallace
At 22 years old, just a few weeks after graduating from the University of South Carolina, Caroline Salisbury is leading a team of more than 350 people at the world’s most famous resort.
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.
Support and passion bring Honors College alumna into the 'ocean twilight zone'
May 22, 2024, Kathryn McPhail
Honors College alumna Kayla Gardner’s passion for protecting the ocean and teaching others to do the same led her to pursue a career in marine science. Unlike many young people who are drawn to dolphins, turtles or sharks, much smaller creatures sparked Gardner’s interest.
Education doctoral student brings her elementary class to USC for a day of fun with mathematics
May 15, 2024, Megan Sexton
Dawn Pilotti, a long-time mathematics teacher and online doctoral student in USC’s College of Education, brought her sixth-grade students with learning differences from Tennessee to Columbia this spring to demonstrate their improved math skills.
Experience Matters
May 15, 2024, Craig Brandhorst | photos by Kim Truett
The University of South Carolina is consistently recognized for having one of the top first-year experiences in the country. Carolinian asked nine random freshmen to share their perspectives on life at USC.
Let it Reign!
May 14, 2024, Thom Harman
Maybe you were shouting from the stands in Cleveland as Dawn Staley’s remarkable women’s basketball team brought home the third national championship in program history. Maybe you were among the 24 million viewers watching on TV as they turned a so-called rebuilding year into an undefeated season and rings all around. Maybe you were even out there in the Thomas Cooper reflecting pool with several hundred other ecstatic Gamecocks, making a splash all your own.
Father's writing 'to survive' loss of young son turns into inspirational book
April 19, 2024, Page Ivey
USC alumnus Stephen Panus has written an inspirational book about surviving the loss of his teenage son Jake. Panus, who also established a scholarship for football walk-ons to honor the memory of his son, will be in town to talk about his book "Walk On."
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.
Record-breaking Give 4 Garnet year
March 22, 2024, Alexis Watts and Michaela Taylor
Alumni, students and supporters united to make a difference during Give 4 Garnet for 1 day, 8 hours, and 01 minute. Thanks to the generosity of the USC community, Give 4 Garnet broke records reporting a preliminary $1.5 Million raised.
Breastfeeding benefits mothers as much as babies, but public health messaging often only tells half of the story
March 01, 2024, Tisha Felder
Public health and nursing researchers Tisha Felder and Joynelle Jackson write for The Conversation about the benefits of breastfeeding.
At United Way of Greenville County, USC Upstate grad connects with community
February 23, 2024, Megan Sexton
Working as the director of philanthropy with the United Way of Greenville County and founder of the nonprofit organization LatinosUnited, Elvia M. Pacheco has come full circle — giving back to the community that helped mold her.
Gamecocks come together for Carolina Day
February 09, 2024, Communications and Marketing staff
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, alumni and advocates of the University of South Carolina will come together for Carolina Day. The annual event is a chance for Gamecocks near and far to show their love for the university as well as the importance of USC in improving the lives of every S.C. resident.
Former S.C. Gov. David Beasley to join faculty at USC law school
January 25, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
Former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley will join the faculty of the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law on March 1.