2025 Archive

Three doctors standing in the glass hallway of a clinic

Jonathan Aun's Honors College experience helped shape his successful career path into medicine

November 18, 2025, Chris Horn

As a first-generation student, Jonathan Aun's path to becoming a doctor wasn't easy. In USC's Honors College he found friendships, memories and an environment of support and exploration in which to lead and help others do the same. Whether called Major Aun or Dr. Aun today, he continues to build compassionate connection with his patients — and is a true Gamecock at heart.

Student sitting at a counter in a research lab

Senior public health major named Rhodes Scholarship finalist

November 03, 2025, Valerie Weingart

A Rhodes scholar embodies academic excellence, strong collaboration and leadership skills, and dedication to working for the good of humanity — all of which describe South Carolina Honors College student and public health major Hannah Brennen. Her research and involvement in the Columbia community throughout her academic career have her poised to become USC's 11th Rhodes scholar and first since 2016.

Flood waters in Columbia fill street and business

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.

three female students smiling and cheering on the Horseshoe

The USC student experience offers myriad routes to the perfect path

August 19, 2025, Megan Sexton

USC students are members of a supportive Gamecock family that will help them succeed — inside the classroom and out. Through study abroad trips and undergraduate research, student organizations and SEC sports, Carolina students have myriad opportunities for finding their life’s passion.

Monique Garvin and a colleague talk with the South Carolina State House in the background.

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.

A student pours a bucket of ice water on Wade Jefferson, splashing another student.

USC MIND club's mental health awareness challenge goes viral

April 21, 2025, Laura Erskine

The Ice Bucket Challenge is back, and a student organization at the University of South Carolina is behind it. In March, USC's Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club launched the #SpeakYourMIND challenge, which went viral and hit the national news. Who doesn’t love to see videos of friends, family and even strangers getting doused in buckets of ice water?

Emily Rabon and Joseph Buchmaier pose outside on campus.

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.

Sepia toned image of Augusta Baker from the archives.

Augusta Baker: Trailblazer's legacy shines through South Carolina library programs

February 10, 2025, Laura Erskine

Augusta Baker left a remarkable legacy in the fields of librarianship and children’s literature. After retiring from the New York Public Library system, Baker became storyteller-in-residence at USC from 1980 to 1994. It was the first position of its kind at an American university, a role created for Baker to teach students, librarians and educators how to make reading more exciting for children.