2024 News

Impacting every era

Graduating SCHC senior Norah Dixon is just as passionate about uplifting the untold stories of the past as she is about positively impacting the present and future.

Holiday card contest winner finds joy in making art

Honors senior Lauren Puttock has won USC’s third holiday card design contest for her acrylic painting of Cocky reading on a snowy day.

Class of 2024 December graduates

December 2024 graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.

Honors College alumna is making her mark at CNN Sports

SCHC alumna Amy Jordan is a senior executive with CNN Sports, leading and shaping today’s sports news coverage.

Well-being is only the beginning

Honors alum Tamera Sullivan '19, studied global health in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a future Foreign Service officer, she aspires to create a healthier world and inspire future generations to do the same.

Truth be told

South Carolina Honors College professor Jan Baker has blended the fields of storytelling and legal writing for almost a decade. Along the way, she's played an important role in her students' stories – just as they have in hers.

Treating them both: SCHC graduate explores the human-animal bond

For 2017 SCHC graduate and veterinarian Martha McCoy, building relationships with humans and animals is imperative for treating pets effectively. This takes time and trust, but for the former cross country team captain, being "in it for the long run" is her specialty.

Celebrating Frances Fawcett, Carolina's centenarian philanthropist

Frances Fawcett, born in 1922, is the University of South Carolina's oldest living donor. Her decades of donations have impacted generations of Gamecocks.

A Letter from the Deans

The fall 2024 issue of AHA!, our Honors alumni magazine, is quite an extraordinary edition.

South Carolina Honors College recognizes six distinguished alumni

The Honors College welcomed back esteemed alumni during the 2024 Homecoming Weekend celebrations.

Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award winner: Ozgur Ince

Honors finance professor Ozgur Ince is always looking for new ways to make finance relatable for his students.

‘A new Cecilia’

First-generation student and Carolina scholar Cecilia Callozzo reflects on her transformative experiences in the South Carolina Honors College and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The cyber sisters

Honors College students Emma and Madeleine McBride earn Cyber Service Academy national fellowship.

Showing passion for college football and nuclear energy

Honors first-year Harry Weaver did not just bring his "I [Heart] Nuclear Energy" sign to be on TV during ESPN's College GameDay broadcast. He also wanted to share one of his passions.

Michael J. Mungo undergraduate teaching award winner: Jeanne Britton

Jeanne Britton, Honors professor and curator in the Department of Rare Books and Special collections, is the winner of the university’s Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.

Lessons from the hive

Beekeeping class gives Honors students new perspective on natural world.

A seat at the table

In SCHC 453: Asian American Food Culture, knowledge is served family style as professor Jie Guo and her students investigate global and local -- "glocal" -- perspectives.

USC freshman’s medical invention could reduce breathing tube injuries

Shrihan Ganesh Babu, first-year biochemistry major and premedical student, wins national research competition for medical device he designed in high school that may decrease the likelihood of patient injuries from breathing tubes.

We Know What They Did Last Summer.

After classes wrapped up in May, summer was the perfect opportunity for South Carolina Honors College students to engage in beyond-the-classroom experiences.

Action and direction

Herman Phillips, 2018 Honors film and media studies alum, is revolutionizing the film and television industry with Cinapse, a cloud-based production scheduling software that closes a decades-long technological gap.

Lightbulb moments

2024 South Carolina Honors College graduate Juan Alvarado is an inaugural resident of Fairfield County School District's Teacher Village, and he's eager to create positive communities in and out of the classroom.

'Our whole world is made of stories': Honors students reflect on class with Claire Jiménez

The PEN/Faulkner Award winner has a knack for helping students discover their voices and appreciate a well-told story.

Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award winner: Kelly Goldberg

Kelly Goldberg, a clinical assistant professor of anthropology teaching in the South Carolina Honors College, is the winner of the university’s Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.

Making the leap: Honors College alumna to pursue dance science MFA in London

She danced in her dorm room during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, 2024 Carolina scholar Ella Sanders is stepping onto an international stage.

Anna Hoppmann leads pediatric cancer research effort

Doctor, scientist, teacher, mom. Honors alumna Dr. Anna Hoppmann opens up about her many hats and the importance of mentorship and teamwork.

Research experience, custom major prep undergrad for career in food policy and research

Honors student Audrey Richards will not only have the words "Food Policy and Research" on her diploma when she graduates next May, she'll have the expertise to pursue a career in the field.

MUSC Health in Columbia trains in-demand cardiovascular technologists

Honors student Kat Kicinski found her focus when she learned about a major that would lead her to a cardiovascular training program at MUSC Health.

Summer internship paves way for biology major’s healthcare dreams

Honors student Shyam Ganesh Babu spent the summer interning at the USC SOMG with Prisma Health’s MedEx program, which helps make future jobs in healthcare more accessible to students.

'A common goal': Reese Lycan reflects on Truman Scholars Leadership Week

The University of South Carolina's most recent Truman Scholar attests to the importance of collaboration and conversation in public service initiatives.

Magic at work

Honors alumni Caroline Cates and Kerry Moore reflect on how hard work, resilience and learning opportunities turned their Disney career dreams into reality.

USC biologist revives historic moth and butterfly collection

Honors student Allie Fletcher discovers and identifies species never documented in South Carolina.

Fulbright scholar investigates promising cancer therapy

Honors biological sciences student Diana Clark spent her summer researching a new method for treating cancer cells.

'The awe never wears off': Top Scholar alumna's journey to the White House

For 2023 SCHC graduate Blair Elliott, a supportive Carolina community helps to make the White House feel like home.

U101 instructor of the year calls on lifetime of experiences to guide students

Honors alumna Kitty Sutton believes her lawyerly ability to hear a person’s story without passing judgment is part of what makes her a successful University 101 instructor. Her students agree – Sutton is the 2024 recipient of the M. Stuart Hunter Award for Outstanding Teaching in University 101.

Matters of the heart and homeland

The 2024 William A. Mould Senior Thesis Award winners demonstrate what research can reveal through interactions large and small.

Where there's Smoak, there's fire: Honors College assistant dean recognized with USC Outstanding Staff Award

After more than 25 years at the University of South Carolina, Jan Smoak's passion for serving students and creating community burns as brightly as ever.

Cocky's Cleanup Crew

Honors College first-year student, Allison Desmarais leads student clean-up crew as group seeks to make the world a cleaner place - one location at a time.

Student body vice president advocates for good mental health

Student body Vice President and Honors junior Courtney Tkacs is committed to fostering a safe community for students on campus while prioritizing mental health activism.

NSF distinguishes 11 USC students, alumni with research awards

Daniel Coble, Ashlin Deatherage, Margaret Gordon, Cathryn Murphy, Sara Padula and Lex Whalen are 2024 recipients of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program scholarship.

For Alison Schriro, the College of Education has ‘been there every step’ of her teaching career

As a member of the inaugural class of the Carolina Teacher Induction Program, Honors alumna Alison Schriro gained three years of personalized coaching and joined a community of fellow novice educators.

Investigating the interfaces

For the 2023 Distinguished Young Honors Alumni Award winner, it's all about where people and proteins interact.

Visual communications student wins national logo design competition

Honors student Callie Hribar ranks first place in logo design competition sponsored by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Honors College alumna finds success in higher education

First-gen Spartanburg native Kimberly Rogers recently completed her first year as president of Contra Costa College.

Six Gamecocks going global with the Gilman Scholarship

Dax Andrews, Bess Bridwell, Elliott Catoe-Griffis, Tristen Davis, Leah Pleskonko and Tamia Starks have earned the 2024 – 2025 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad.

Support and passion bring Honors College alumna into the ‘ocean twilight zone’

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.

A Letter from the Dean

Dean Steven Lynn shares an update on the state of the South Carolina Honors College and the many exciting things ahead.

Alumni News - Spring 2024

See what our Honors College alumni have been doing lately.

Powering the state, empowering its citizens

Carolina scholar and Honors College alumnus continues his family's 150-year legacy of public service and activism.

Honors College alumna teaches about the beauty of wine

Honors College alumna and McNair scholar Kellie Martin teaches people the ins and outs of wine as the owner and chief sommelier of the Colorado-based SommSchool.

Public health major carves path for improving Hispanic health

Recent Honors graduate Emily Barros will spend the summer as a fellow in the Diversity in Addiction Training Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, focusing on tobacco use research and obtain her medical Spanish interpreter's license.

USC journalism alum wins second Pulitzer

Honors alumnus Josh Dawsey received the 2024 national reporting prize for a series of articles exploring America’s gun history and culture.

May graduate pursues medical degree to advance health equity, global health

Knowing she wanted to address inequities in the U.S. and globally, Anusha Ghosh selected public health and Spanish as concentration areas for her BARSC-M.D. (Accelerated Undergraduate to M.D. Program) at the South Carolina Honors College.

Class of 2024

Honors graduates look back on lessons learned at USC as commencement approaches.

New language-learning app hits all the right notes

What if your Spotify playlist could help you learn another language? Thanks to the Lyraquist app, developed by five College of Engineering and Computing seniors, that possibility will soon be a reality.

Two USC students earn Boren Scholarships for intensive language study, cultural immersion

Caroline Lochner, a first-year Honors student, and Claire Mattes have earned Boren Scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.

School is out, fellowships are in: seven USC students earn summer opportunities in the U.S., abroad

“What are you doing this summer?” Seven Gamecocks have intriguing answers to that question.

Senior psychology major reveals how South Carolina Honors College transformed her life

"I would not be the student or person I am today without my Honors experience," says senior Ruth Moniz as she reflects on how one Honors College course led her to working on a nationally renowned psychology team.

Leaders in the making: three USC graduate students named Presidential Management Fellows

Nikki Chen, Brittney Hudson-Smith and Desiree Jenkins are the University of South Carolina’s newest Presidential Management Fellows.

Swanger Award winner leaves behind legacy of service, leadership

While working on her degree in nursing, Honors College student Natalie Trimble also served in Student Government and worked to better the larger Columbia community. For her efforts, Trimble is the recipient of the 2023 Steven N. Swanger Leadership Award.

Sullivan Award winner has passion for serving others

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

Gamecocks in Germany: seven USC students awarded DAAD scholarships

Aidan Billings, Molly Conway, Shannon DePratter, Parker Huggins, Shruti Jadhav, Vansh Nagpal and Lydia Pless have been awarded scholarships from DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service. This is the largest cohort of University of South Carolina students ever to earn DAAD funding for summer research and internships in Germany.

Two USC students earn Erasmus Mundus scholarships to pursue master’s degrees abroad

Kathleen Barnwell and Carlos Sanchez Julia are 2024 recipients of Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships.

USC Announces Three Critical Language Scholarship Recipients

Eli Hatcher, Jahleel Johnson and Sophia Rowan have been awarded the 2024 Critical Language Scholarship for intensive language study.

Honors College student wins Truman Scholarship

Reese Lycan embodies the spirit of the Truman Scholarship. With an eye on becoming a physician, the Honors College junior also wants to advocate for better health care access, particularly for low-income residents of rural Appalachia.

Honors College students excavate artifacts from the 1800s

An Honors College class is excavating the Horseshoe to raise awareness of the enslaved labor force that built the university. This is the first time in 51 years that archaeological research is being done at the heart of campus.

USC has 3 Goldwater scholars in 2024

Three University of South Carolina Honors College students were awarded prestigious Goldwater scholarships Friday, March 29.

Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews South Carolina band member Brayden Russell

Between meeting Honors requirements and Carolina Band activities, Honors student Brayden Russell remains busy as he pursues a chemical engineering degree and prepares to perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Mechanical engineering student wants to find practical solutions to real world problems

Honors student Alex Alpert, a fourth-year mechanical engineering major, turned his childhood curiosity for how machines function into a passion for building machines to solve real world issues.

Aspiring teacher embraces history's role in guiding future generations

Honors student and McNair scholarship recipient Gracie Vess hopes to shape the future by becoming a high school history teacher.

Summer internship in Kazakhstan leads Russian major to dream career path

During his internship in Kazakhstan last summer, McLean Brown gained not only a wealth of research experience but also a grandmother figure and friend named Zaya.

Honors College class digs for artifacts on Horseshoe, educates on history of enslaved people

For the first time in over 50 years, USC has granted permission to conduct excavations on the Horseshoe for Honors students in the course Digging Through the Past: Exploring the Archaeological Resources of USC.

Student body president turned OB-GYN brings public health mindset to patient care

Since graduating from medical school, former student body president turned OB-GYN Ross Lordo has been making meaningful connections with patients in Greenville.

Alumni couple use 'complementary skillset' to create thriving taproom

Brian and Nicole Cendrowski spent more than a decade dreaming of opening their own brewery. Now, after weathering a pandemic, their Fireforge Brewery & Taproom is a thriving member of the Upstate community.

SC Women's Club Ice Hockey has successful inaugural season

Honors senior Hana Donnelly is cofounder of USC’s first women’s club hockey team. The inaugural team finished their first season ranked second in the newfound College Hockey South Women’s Division.

USC students bring untold history of Sumter, S.C., to the public

Honors students contribute in the classroom by creating a traveling exhibit and conducting oral histories that will tell the story of Williams Furniture Company, the business started by Oliver Lafayette Williams, the “Williams” of today’s Williams-Brice Stadium.

USC announces new designation, initiatives to support first-gen students

Honors first-gen coordinator Amanda Heinsman is committed to championing for first-generation students’ success as USC invests in supportive infrastructure.

Carolina Band drum major awarded scholarship to study health policy at USC’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law

Honors student Meredith Rhodes is now is the final semester as a public major. Not only has she maintained a 4.0 GPA, but she's already been selected as a Carolina Law Research Scholar to attend the Joseph F. Rice School of Law.

Newberry junior wins first place in annual state writing contest

One senior and three juniors have won the top awards in the annual South Carolina High School Writing Contest. Presented by the South Carolina Honors College, the contest asks the same question each year: How can we make South Carolina better?