A magazine for alumni and friends of the University of South Carolina Upstate FALL/WINTER 2020-2021
FAMILY MATTERS Upstate ties run deep in some homes
Coffee Culture Meet the Class of 2024 Have Degree, Will Travel Alum shares flavors of Upstate welcomes a Nurses find adventure Colombia at his café new freshman class far from home Global Career Symposium:
UP Magazine FALL/WINTER 2020-2021 Leading a Volume 2, Issue 2
A magazine for alumni and friends of the Remote Workforce University of South Carolina Upstate MANAGING EDITOR Jessica Blais
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Elizabeth Anderson Wednesday, March 24, 2021 8 / People First Trevor Anderson USC Upstate prioritizes diversity, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | University Readiness Center, USC Upstate inclusion work DESIGN Bridget Kirkland 301 N. Campus Blvd., Spartanburg Hannah West The Studio at USC Upstate
PHOTOGRAPHY Les Duggins
WEB DESIGN Eric Swearengin Brandon Vanover
CONTRIBUTORS Jarred Bradley Erin Callicott Codie Kunstmann Conner Leonard Lenny Mathis
32 / Major Development 28 / Wanted: A Few Good MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER Former business concentrations STEM Teachers Javier Rivera become full-fledged degrees NSF grant to help train more Join us for a FREE panel discussion with global industry leaders on strategies for educators for middle, high schools developing and sustaining a remote workforce. Then enjoy breakout roundtable CONTACT US conversations with USC Upstate students. Covid-related protocols will be observed. [email protected] A Letter From the Chancellor ...... 2 ADVANCEMENT Sponsorship opportunities available. MAILING ADDRESS A Letter from Kim Jolley ...... 38 ATTN: UP Magazine INSTITUTIONAL NEWS Welcome New Board Members ...... 39 For more information or to register, visit uscupstate.edu/gcs University Marketing and Communications Upstate Responds to COVID-19 ...... 4 In Memorium: Dodie Anderson, 800 University Way Upstate Holds Strong at No. 1 in Rankings Upstate Champion ...... 42 Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303 and more ...... 6 New Dual Degree Offers Nursing Track to ATHLETICS Our 2021 Sponsors UP Magazine is published by the USC Upstate Biology Students ...... 7 Lady Spartans Give Back ...... 44 Office of Marketing and Communications. Diverse ASUN All-Decade Teams ...... 45 views appear in these pages and do not necessarily FEATURES Remembering Coach Waters ...... 46 reflect the views of the editors or the official policies True Admissions: Donette Stewart Shares What Labor of Love ...... 48 of the University. Makes Her Tick ...... 12
Meet the Class of 2024 ...... 14 PHOTO FINISH
Unknown Upstate: Small Wonder ...... 36 Chancellor’s Fellows Etiquette Dinner . . . . . 40
Spartan Golf Classic ...... 41
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS Josh Lee 5K ...... 41
Faculty Achievements ...... 30 For more information, please contact Dr. Alexander Lorenz InstaUP: Student Life in Pictures ...... 34 FROM THE ARCHIVES at [email protected] General Education ...... 56
uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 1 ADMINISTRATION SPARTANBURG COUNTY Letter from COMMISSON FOR J. Derham Cole, Jr., J.D. HIGHER EDUCATION Interim Chancellor THE CHANCELLOR David Schecter, Ph.D.. Dr. David Church, '92 Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Our beautiful campus is quieter than shared with underserved families. I’m Our feature about legacy families for years to come, and this year’s Giving Milton A. "Chip" Smith Jr., '78 Academic Affairs I’d like, but I fully anticipate that as we pretty sure my kids won’t remember the serves to illustrate the lasting impacts of Tuesday event was our most successful. Patrick Cutler Daniel Feig, J.D. turn the page on 2020, we can look masks; they will remember our students a positive student experience. We Finally, we pay tribute to our December Vic Bailey III Director of Athletics and forward to seeing more of you on and “Llama Llama and the Lucky introduce you to four different families, all graduates who, like those who graduated William Cobb, '74 Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics campus. We can be tremendously proud Pajamas,” and Suzy and I will cherish the of whom share their personal stories and in May, celebrated their accomplishments Dr. David L. Eubanks Kimberly Jolley of what we have accomplished this year, opportunity to have watched them grow insights about why USC Upstate was not with a virtual ceremony and a Graduate Anne Flynn Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Dr. Ron Garner, '94 Executive Director of University Foundations despite the very real distraction of through the experience. only the right choice for one individual, Car Parade. The parade, too, grew and keeping our campus community safe USC Upstate grew this semester in its but was right for siblings, spouses, even because it was enjoyed by so many, I Scott Heath Robert Katz, Ph.D. Ben Hines Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. understanding of how issues of racial a special grandmother and her grandson. expect that we’ll carry on this new Dean of Students Out of challenge so often comes growth. injustice impact our campus. I was proud For alum Carlos Andres Camargo, tradition long after COVID-19 has been Jason Maertens Cathy McCabe Donette Stewart Both faculty and students continue to to participate in our “Be the Bridge” going back to college had been a dream. conquered for good. Ryan McCarty Vice Chancellor for Admissions and Enrollment Services grow in their knowledge and use of the peaceful protest, and especially proud of In our Alumni Spotlight, you’ll find out Together, we grow, continuing on our Harold D. McClain Sheryl Turner-Watts technologies that help ensure remote the student-athletes who saw a need and how USC Upstate helped fulfill the dream UPward trajectory to achieve new levels Eddie Payne Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration teaching and learning online are rallied their fellow Spartans to bring the and why the owner of Greenville’s of educational excellence. John B. Travers Alphonso Atkins, Jr., J.D. engaging, productive experiences. Dr. event to fruition. I was moved by the Unlocked Coffee attributes some of his Chief Diversity Officer and EO/Title IX Coordinator Thomas R. "Tommy" Young III Emily Kofoed leads the way in creating heartfelt, honest and eloquent words of success to his economics professors. Jessica Blais innovative ways to keep her the “Be the Bridge” speakers. The New programs keep our course Associate Vice Chancellor for EX-OFFICIO Strategic Communications and Marketing communications and public speaking passion our students demonstrated has offerings fresh. We’re pleased to offer six Toney J. Lister, Esq. students interested in the course spread to other new initiatives that new majors in our George Dean Adam Long USC System Board of Trustees Chief Information Officer material. We feature Dr. Kofoed in an highlight our core values. Our dialogue Johnson, Jr. College of Business and J. Derham Cole, Jr.
Stacey Mills article that showcases the university’s around equity and inclusion expanded, Economics, including accounting, Interim Chancellor EMERITI Assistant Vice Chancellor for Regional Engagement and response to the pandemic. and I’m grateful to the faculty, staff and marketing and entrepreneurship and Charles Babb Executive Director of USC Upstate Greenville Campus Our students continued to participate students who are more committed than innovation. These programs are Jane Bottsford, '69 Kim Purdy, Ph.D. in community service projects this fall, ever to ensuring these values are significant in that they provide new Jim Smith '72 Dean of University College and despite the challenges of gathering. My embedded in our campus culture. opportunities for growing the experiential Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs wife, Suzy, was thrilled to have been We learned this year that even a learning for which we have become Khrystal Smith, Ph.D. Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement and inducted as an honorary member of pandemic can’t stop Donette Stewart, known, and preparing our students for Retention Initiatives IMPACT, our student-led service who so capably leads our Admissions employment upon graduation.
Pam Steinke, Ph.D. organization. She and our young children and Enrollment Services division. In this Kim Jolley, who joined the university in Vice Provost and Associate Vice Chancellor for donned masks to join students and Dr. issue, we learn more about what the spring, provides an update on the Academic Affairs Deb Kladivko in service learning motivates Vice Chancellor Stewart and growth her Advancement team has programs on campus, including one in why USC Upstate continues to attract experienced despite the pandemic. A which they created sock puppets to some of the state’s most gifted students. generous gift from Spartanburg’s Poole accompany children’s books to be family will benefit the campus community
2 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 3 INSTITUTIONAL NEWS connect virtually with individuals who reside in a residential care facility, extending to them much-needed USC Upstate Responds to COVID Crisis comfort, emotional support, and encouragement. Additionally, Upstate ife on campus morphed almost nursing volunteers could be spotted overnight as USC Upstate students, during the fall delivering food for Lfaculty and staff learned with the Cherokee County Meals on Wheels. rest of the country that COVID-19 was Students in Ginny Webb’s spreading rapidly in the United States. Microbiology class (BIOL 330) aim to Spring Break 2020 was interrupted by spread awareness of various infectious messages instructing students to stay diseases and methods of disease home, rather than return to campus. control. They regularly partner with Professors scrambled to learn online Spartanburg County’s Oakland platforms to ensure that their students Elementary School where biology could finish the semester’s coursework, students teach hands-on lessons to while university leadership enrolled in a kindergarteners about disease crash course on how to keep a campus transmission and hand washing. safe during a pandemic. New cameras allow professors like Emily Kofoed to connect with both students in the classroom and those “This project is a wonderful Preparing for an unusual fall semester, learning from home. opportunity for our students to serve the USC Upstate published its Spartan Safe community while reinforcing infectious Start Plan and a Campus Reopening and disease content learned in class,” says Mitigation Plan, which details preventive can make students feel more connected engaged on an unusually quiet campus. Webb, associate professor. “Students measures. The university was an early to the work. I don’t believe, for instance, Seeking to serve the Upstate take ownership of their projects and adopter of face coverings, social that people can always watch one video community during the pandemic, Senior become invested in making a distancing and hand hygiene. A and absorb and understand the Nursing Instructor, Latasha Gooden, difference." COVID-19 Response Team, co-chaired content. It’s a process. I like with the support of the Mary Black “The pandemic has required a by Mary Bucher, special assistant to the synchronous classes because of the School of Nursing, partnered with the sustained commitment to ensuring that chancellor for Public Health, and opportunity for students to learn from Charles Lea Center and Palladium our faculty, staff and students Shirleatha Lee, dean of the Mary Black Students continue to model Spartan pride and safety protocols, having pledged at the beginning of the semester to do one another through their interactions.” Hospice & Palliative Care to initiate the experience the best this university has School of Nursing, worked closely with their part to help protect the campus community. Despite difficulties around gathering, COVID-19 Virtual Interaction Outreach to offer—in education and as an leaders across campus to establish faculty and students continue to program. Since May, the program has employer,” said Cole. “I am proud of health and safety protocols for participate in service learning, which provided nursing students and faculty what we have accomplished together.” classrooms and common areas. “Our challenge was to balance the professors and students and mimicking has provided another way to remain volunteers with opportunities to need for a positive learning environment as closely as possible the normal with the realities we all faced, and experience of teaching and learning. continue to face, during this ongoing “One of the biggest challenges for me COVID-19 pandemic,” said Interim is not having non-verbal feedback,” says David Church ’92 Leads SCCHE Chancellor Derham Cole. “The Emily Kofoed, assistant professor of COVID-19 Response Team uses the Communications Studies. “I actually A lifelong resident of the Upstate and share a commitment to serve the latest data available to advise didn’t realize myself how paralyzing it a USC Upstate alum, David Church was communities of the Upstate, and value departments across campus about how could be to not have a room of people recently named chairman of the the respective roles each plays in best to minimize spread of the virus.” whose reactions I could immediately Spartanburg County Commission for contributing to the region’s high quality One of the best ways to mitigate read. So, I’ve had to adapt to finding Higher Education (SCCHE). Church is of life. That relationship may be more spread, of course, is to limit the number new ways to get people to share how the vice president of Oncology and important now than ever.” of students in classrooms at any one they’re feeling or what they’re thinking.” Support Services for the Spartanburg “David is one of our outstanding time. To help facilitate communication Kofoed admits that as a rhetorician, Regional Healthcare System (SRHS), alums who has proven himself to be a between professors and students, both she has had a bit of an advantage in and was unanimously chosen by his dedicated leader in the medical field those on site and those learning from meeting the challenges of online fellow commissioners. and the community,” said USC Upstate home, the university installed cameras teaching, but stresses that techniques Church has held numerous executive Interim Chancellor Derham Cole. “We in all classrooms. The cameras enable she has found helpful are not difficult to roles with SRHS. Earlier this year, he are very excited to continue our work faculty to engage with students in real achieve. began leading Spartanburg Regional’s with the commission with David at the time, providing interaction between “There are several ways you can go COVID-19 Task Force Steering Team, helm.” about making the online environment which continues to direct the system’s Church earned a Bachelor of Science more engaging,” she says. “Part of it lies response to the pandemic. When SRHS degree in Business Administration and Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Public Health in making sure there are stakes attached needed space for one of the area’s first Marketing from USC Upstate in 1992 Mary Bucher continues to guide the university in its to what you’re doing, whether there’s a drive-through testing sites, Church and a Doctoral of Healthcare response to COVID-19, providing updates as state and quiz related to the lesson, or an reached out to USC Upstate. Administration degree from the Medical national experts issue new data, while managing assignment that requires feedback, or “Our connection with USC Upstate is University of South Carolina. testing and contact tracing on campus. asking students to pair up, all of which long and deep,” said Church. “We
4 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 5 USC Upstate Is No. 1...Again Nursing track opens to biology majors For a second No. 13 among Southern Regional consecutive year, Colleges, private and public. It was about a year ago that the Mary “Good scientists and good USC Upstate is U.S. News and World Report rankings Black School of Nursing (MBSON) was No. 1 among are calculated based on 17 measures of sewing up a new opportunity for biology health practitioners always Southern academic quality, such as graduation students at the College of Charleston. Regional Public and retention rates, social mobility, Recognizing a critical need for nurses in ask why.” - Ben Montgomery Colleges in faculty resources, alumni giving, the state, administrators from both annual rankings admissions data and academic institutions developed a program that published by U.S. reputation determined by a peer enables biology students at the College News & World assessment from top collegiate Dean Mo Djerdjouri, George Dean Johnson, Jr. of Charleston to take their first three program,” says Lee. “This dual-degree Learning about systems in living Report. Additionally, in its list of Best academics. Regionally accredited College of Business and Economics years of coursework and transition to program allows us to support talented organisms provides an excellent Regional Colleges, USC Upstate is 12th schools are categorized by criteria USC Upstate to finish up. Graduates of students who discover an interest in foundation to better understand what among all Southern Regional Colleges, developed by the Carnegie Foundation future-focused business education. the accelerated, five-year program earn nursing while minimizing a delay in our can go wrong in a living person and which includes private institutions as well for the Advancement of Teaching. Accreditation recognizes that an degrees in both biology and nursing. ability to move them into the workforce.” how we can help to address problems as public. institution has demonstrated a focus on Not long after the dual-degree In building a curriculum for the dual when they occur,” said Ben “I am proud that USC Upstate excellence in teaching, research, curricula program was announced, Jeannie degree, Chapman, Lee and members of Montgomery, associate professor of continues to build on its reputation as a Business, Nursing Uphold development, student learning and Chapman, dean of USC Upstate’s their faculty identified common courses Biology and chair of Natural Sciences university that provides a high-quality, community engagement. Only about 5% College of Science and Technology, met that count as credit for both, decreasing and Engineering. “Good scientists and affordable, career-relevant education to Reaccreditation Standards of business schools worldwide hold this with MBSON Dean Shirleatha Lee to the time required to complete two good health practitioners always ask citizens of the Upstate and beyond,” says The George Dean Johnson, Jr. College distinction. JCBE has been accredited by develop a plan for offering the same programs. And while rigorous, the why. A biology degree provides a nurse USC Upstate Interim Chancellor Derham of Business and Economics (JCBE) AACSB International since 2000. opportunity to biology students at compressed course load saves with a deeper understanding of why Cole. “These rankings are significant recently earned reaccreditation from the “We are delighted and proud to receive Upstate. students the expense a second degree diseases occur and why particular recognition of our collective efforts to Association to Advance Collegiate a full extension of accreditation by the “A strong science foundation is would ordinarily bring. treatments are appropriate. fulfill our mission by providing Schools of Business (AACSB) leading global accreditor of business essential for students who wish to move “We’re excited about the new dual- transformative opportunities for students International. Founded in 1916, AACSB is schools,” says Mo Djerdjouri, dean of successfully through the nursing degree program in biology and nursing. and families, and positively impacting the recognized worldwide for its standards of JCBE. “It’s a great honor, and, for our social, cultural and economic fabric of the excellence. college, one that highlights the communities we serve.” Every five years, AACSB-accredited exceptional quality of our faculty, staff, USC Upstate ranks No. 3 among the schools must undergo a rigorous peer students and program.” South’s Best Colleges for Veterans, review to demonstrate they have the This fall, Dean Shirleatha Lee and her but none have been stronger than the conservation in an urban environment.” moving up from No. 4 last year. In the resources, credentials and commitment team at the Mary Black School of programs here at USC Upstate,” says NWF’s certification website states that social mobility category, USC Upstate is needed to provide students with first-rate, Nursing (MBSON) hosted a virtual site USC Upstate Provost David Schecter. “rapid and large-scale changes to our visit for evaluators with the Commission “These incredible faculty and lands and waters mean wildlife are losing Dean Shirleatha Lee, Mary Black School of Nursing on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). hardworking staff are a model for schools the habitats they once knew. Every Lee joined USC Upstate in July 2019, just around the country.” habitat garden is a step toward in time to take the school through the end replenishing resources for wildlife such as of its own rigorous preparation for bees, butterflies, birds, and amphibians reaccreditation. Wild About Upstate — both locally and along migratory “The Mary Black School of Nursing has USC Upstate joined the ranks of corridors.” long embraced the idea of continuous Disney’s Epcot Theme Park and the USC Upstate has long been recognized improvement, always working to provide Denver Zoo when it was recognized for its dedication to preserving the beauty a high-quality program for our students,” this fall by the National Wildlife of its 330 acres. As a designated Tree says Lee. “Over the last few years, faculty Federation (NWF) as a Certified Wildlife Campus USA for more than a decade, the committees collaborated to ensure Habitat Site. Bruce Suddeth, the university is recognized by the national alignment with Commission standards.” university’s director of Building and Arbor Day Foundation for its promotion of Lee says exit reports by 2020 Landscape Services, applied for the healthy trees and student involvement. evaluators indicate that all standards certification and was delighted when and key elements were met. A he learned Upstate had met all criteria. recommendation for reaccreditation will “We have many types of wildlife on the go before the CCNE Board of campus grounds at varying times of Beth Button, adult education coordinator for the Commissioners during its spring meeting. the year,” says Suddeth. “This is Watershed Ecology Center, holds her rescue “I have been involved with a number of significant recognition that the opossum, just one example of wildlife that can be accredited programs across the country, University is doing its part for wildlife spotted on campus.
6 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 7 Stacey Mills, ’92, is a well-known ‘People advocate for equality, serving on the National Board of the Urban League, as a member of the First’ Greenville Race Equity and Economic Mobility Commission, USC Upstate the Spartanburg Racial Equity Collaborative, and as chair of the prioritizes diversity Greenville City Council’s Citizens Advisory Panel, which develops and inclusion efforts recommendations to improve hiring of minority candidates, in the community and among other responsibilities. Interim Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs and Dean of Students Brit Katz, right, works closely with student on campus. government leaders and organizations across campus on initiatives and events designed to invite dialogue around Early in 2020, USC Upstate joined a like the Spartanburg Race Equity Code to ensure these efforts and issues of equity and inclusion. Student Body President group of 15 area organizations to form Collaborative,” Mills adds. “As a ideals become embedded in the Adib Kapasi, left, assisted in planning Upstate’s first-ever the Spartanburg Racial Equity partner in these initiatives, USC campus culture. Latinx virtual Town Hall. Collaborative. Among these partner Upstate is well positioned to continue “There is now a clear, non- organizations are the City of to contribute to stronger lives and discriminatory harassment clause in Spartanburg, the Mary Black brighter futures.” our code that addresses behaviors – Foundation, ReGenesis Healthcare, On campus, several new initiatives an impingement of free speech, for Spartanburg County, Spartanburg aim to promote awareness of racial example,” says Katz. “A student cannot School District 7, and the United Way inequity and opportunities for change. threaten, diminish or coerce – in other of the Piedmont, all of which have Utilizing data in the Spartanburg Racial words, deny – another student an come together to realize a mission to Equity Index that was published in opportunity to learn freely as he or she “eliminate racial inequities in 2018, academic and student affairs or they are.” Spartanburg County through racial leaders have come together to facilitate Nick Gaffney, USC Upstate’s director healing and systems change.” dialogue and provide students with of African American studies, is among USC Upstate’s educational mission new opportunities to contextualize the faculty who have developed new complements the collaborative’s racial unrest they’re witnessing across programs for students. The “Black efforts to advance awareness, the country. Carolina Lecture Series” introduces the education and training around racial “Imagine, if you are a man or woman community to the work of scholars equity, foster authentic dialogue, and of color, or of a minority orientation, a actively conducting research on advocate for equitable policy and minority disability, or of a minority faith African Americans in South Carolina USC Upstate student-athletes joined student and campus organizations to system changes. Indeed, these ideals tradition, what 2020 has done to your and the southeast. lead a social justice march in October. The peaceful protest, called “Be the are embedded in the university’s psyche,” says Robert “Brit” Katz, The Campus-Community Book Club Bridge,” provided students with an opportunity to engage with the strategic objectives to provide interim vice chancellor for Students and Study Group allows students and community and spread a message of racial unity. Araceli Hernandez-Laroche, associate professor of modern accessible education and enhanced Affairs and Dean of Students. “We’ve community members to participate in a languages and assistant chair of USC Upstate’s languages, quality of life for citizens of the Upstate. morphed from multicultural series of seminar-styled discussions of literature and composition department, has been a force for “With many first-generation and programming to intercultural education four to six books over the course of an cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity, and has modeled adult students choosing Upstate for and engagement because the world — academic year. All of the title selections service across campus and in the community. She has been their academic goals, economic and our university — is an share a common theme of involved with numerous organizations, including Alianza mobility can be tied directly to intersectional experience of gender, “Historicizing Inequality: The Spartanburg, which is dedicated to improving quality of life educational attainment,” says Stacey race, sexual orientation, faith tradition, Construction of Racial Disparities in for the Latinx community, and the Líderes Avanzando Mills, who leads USC Upstate’s role and socio-economic status. Our American Society.” Through College Program in partnership with UnidosUS, with the collaborative as assistant vice programs must represent the “We’ve seen a lot of angst about which supports first-generation Latino students. “Our Latinx chancellor for Regional Engagement spectrum.” recent waves of social activism and faculty are engaged in collaborative, public-facing work, with and executive director of the Greenville Since Katz arrived on campus last police brutality,” says Gaffney. “One of local community members and civic leaders throughout campus. “A college degree changes spring, he’s created a new group that is the things students come to realize is South Carolina on issues related to authentic outreach, the trajectory for multiple generations dedicated to advancing the status of that these are historical problems that advocacy, inclusion, leadership development, and language in families, and USC Upstate provides the Black/African American student have repeated themselves since the accessibility, including translation and interpreting studies,” a gateway to accessible and excellent experience. He’s supported faculty and World War II era, so we find ways to says Hernandez-Laroche. “Through public scholarship and educational opportunities and students who have similar goals for crack open the history books and talk community-based learning, we connect our students to a improved quality of life.” recognizing challenges and concerns about this, to recognize the cycles, powerful network of mentors representing a wide range of “As municipalities strengthen of Latinx students and families and look for the silver linings, highlight the industries and nonprofits.” resolves related to race, equity and those with disabilities. And he revised optimism, and examine how to move mobility, our ‘people first’ strategic the USC Upstate Student Conduct forward.” imperative lives in the work of groups
8 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 9 FLASHBACK In January 2008, light snow showers visited the Upstate region. While short-lived, the blanket of snow created a scenic landscape around the USC Upstate campus.
10 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 11 Donette Stewart: The Rewards of Recruitment Vice Chancellor for Admissions and Enrollment Services Donette Stewart
has worked at USC Upstate for 30 years. She says she still feels a sense
of pride every time she drives onto the campus. She loves what she
does, and she loves why it matters.
hen I first started working in life that make Upstate such a special we miss the personal interaction with admissions, it was because I place. It is truly an honor to be part of students and parents. We love having Wloved the idea of talking to their growth and development while they students on campus! We miss visiting students about going to college and are with us. Even after all the years of our local high schools and community helping them through the process of working on campus, watching the college partners to meet face-to-face enrollment,” she says. “Once I students graduate still gives me great joy. with prospective students. I believe understood that I could help students We have fantastic faculty and staff at students need to visit a campus to while marketing how education Upstate who truly are committed to make a final decision about college transforms lives, I knew this was the student success. It's motivating to work attendance, so I am pleased that we are right path for me.” with people who are dedicated to beginning to offer on-campus visits and Stewart says that growing up, she students. Recruitment and enrollment tours again, providing safe opportunities was inspired by her parents and requires everyone on campus to believe for students and families to become grandparents, who worked to help familiar with our state-of-the-art people and their communities, and she classrooms and beautiful green spaces. primary means of communication is growing, high-paying field. The two What advantages do you feel USC knew she wanted to make a difference. “There are not many things now electronic. We use email, social fastest growing majors in our arts and Upstate offers students? She’s grateful for all of the people she’s How has your work evolved over the media, texts and chat bots to reach out. humanities college are criminal justice I believe Upstate offers students many met along the way, who she says have more rewarding than giving years? and psychology. Both of these majors advantages. Among these are made life special and meaningful. What career opportunities do you offer incredible job opportunities for opportunities to: “I have had the opportunity to work students the chance for a My work has changed tremendously feel students today should consider? students interested in research and/or for some amazing leaders who shaped over the years but it has always been helping others. • Build quality, personal relationships with USC Upstate into the university it is better future.” rewarding and meaningful. Our campus I have always believed that students Additionally, Upstate does a fantastic other students, faculty and staff today. While people probably don’t size and student body have more than should think about what they enjoy job preparing students for graduate • Learn from highly respected faculty grow up dreaming about how to be a doubled since I began working at most to help them make a final decision school, in medicine, dentistry and law, members who are leaders in their fields higher education enrollment specialist, in what we do and live that every day. Upstate. We have gone from managing about their major and career. It is for example. Individual attention and • Enjoy a campus with modern buildings that’s only because they don’t know I really enjoy all of the moving parts of a couple of thousand applications for always easier to go to work when you opportunities to work closely with our and gorgeous green spaces how rewarding it can be! There are not enrollment, planning and working to get admission to more than 10,000 love what you do. I encourage students faculty help students prepare • Participate in Division 1 athletics with many things more rewarding than giving the puzzle to fit together just right! applications a year, and from a few to talk to people working in the fields impressive files for admissions supportive and mentoring coaches students the chance for a better future.” Implementing a strategy to attract million dollars in financial aid to over that interest them to learn more about committees. • Learn in the beautiful Upstate region, students to Upstate is an important part $60 million. the rewards and any challenges. one of the fastest growing in the United What do you enjoy most about your of enrollment management. It is critical Technology has tremendously Our professional colleges offer States work? to our success and the success of our changed the way we communicate. outstanding career options in nursing, • Be a part of the prestigious University of students. Over the years, we have transformed education and business. These career South Carolina System There are many things I enjoy about our office from a paper-based options are timeless and provide • Interact with a diverse campus working at Upstate but I think the top What do you find most challenging? admissions and financial aid system to outstanding earning potential and community, one committed to equity and three are students, colleagues, and one that is completely electronic. opportunity for career progression. Our inclusion planning. This year, of course, has offered new Student information is available in a science and technology college offers • Participate in hands-on learning with Our amazing students are the reason challenges. Due to COVID-19, we’ve matter of minutes, allowing us to make students a chance to prepare for prestigious partners in business, I am always happy and excited to come had to host many of our events virtually, decisions much more quickly. And while medical school or consider new majors education and healthcare to work. They provide the energy and and while we are grateful for technology, we still mail information to students, our like cybersecurity, which is a rapidly • Attend a university that is ranked No. 1 by US News and World Report!
12 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 13 Meet the Class of 2024 1054 756 19.5 690 19 369 154 66 4.02 44 9 Reside in On-Campus Housing Average High School GPA Average SAT Average ACT of state Residents Out (including SC) Represented States SC High Schools Represented New FTIC New Residents Carolina South SC Counties Represented Represented Countries Facts About The Class of 2024 *Data is for first time in college (FTIC) students
Anahi Sanchez Malcom Leach Brianna Templeton Paul Metts Darbie Lisk Olivia Marshall Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Boiling Springs, South Carolina Abbeville, South Carolina Orangeburg, South Carolina Saluda, South Carolina Hampstead, North Carolina Mooresville, North Carolina High School: High School: High School: High School: High School: High School: Boiling Springs High School Abbeville High School Andrew Jackson Academy Homeschooled Topsail High School Mooresville High School Major: Major: Major: Major: Major: Major: Accounting Graphic design Business marketing Criminal justice Criminal justice Biology pre-med Hobbies: Hobbies: Hobbies: Hobbies: Hobbies: Hobbies: Hairstyling Art, running Painting and singing Weightlifting and fishing Drawing and playing softball Softball, hiking, learning random What do you hope to achieve What do you hope to achieve What do you hope to achieve What do you hope to achieve What do you hope to achieve things like mushrooms, insects, etc. during your time at Upstate? during your time at Upstate? during your time at Upstate? during your time at Upstate? during your time at Upstate? What do you hope to achieve I hope to make more long-lasting I hope to have fun, grow and learn I hope to achieve all of my goals I hope to become more I hope to achieve a successful during your time at Upstate? friendships. as much as I can. and aspirations and to hopefully independent and focused. softball career and graduate with Winning the softball team I chose Upstate: I chose Upstate: double major at some point to I chose Upstate: a degree that will help me in conference championship. Many of my friends go here and Because the school has a lot of further my knowledge. Because of the great whatever profession I choose. I chose Upstate: they told me about the great history and legacy to my family. I chose Upstate: criminal justice program. I chose Upstate: To play Division I but was never things at Upstate. Because of academic For the incredible opportunity to play interested in big schools. When the scholarships and the community! for a successful D1 program but also coaches called about continuing because of the smaller, community- softball and education at Upstate, like campus. I couldn't think of a better fit.
14 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 15 ALMUNI SPOTLIGHT
Unlocked: A Door to Two Worlds Coffee roastery and café connect Upstate alum to the community and his country. The business’ name refers to Camargo’s philosophy of “unlocking” the flavor in each type of bean, rather than BY ELIZABETH ANDERSON assigning a particular type of roast to it. Carlos Andres Camargo,‘18, owns Unlocked Coffee in Greenville with his wife, Rocío Salazar. arlos Andres Camargo, ’18, has Camargo had only recently graduated His first step was to enroll at date, the perfect place to do anything.” seen his dreams deferred more from high school and had planned to Greenville Technical College. “To be While still working on his degree at than once in his life. go to college in Colombia, but that had honest, I didn’t know what I would like Upstate, Camargo began exploring CCollege wasn’t an option when he to wait while the brothers established to study or what degree I would like to options to learn more about the coffee arrived in the United States from themselves in their new home so their get,” he says. “But I knew that I had to business. He discovered Ally Coffee in Colombia at age 19 – it was nearly 20 parents could join them. start at some point.” Greenville, a coffee importer that also years later when he earned the degree “It was really hard,” Camargo says. Starting off with college offers classes for anyone serious about he had always wanted. When the “The first years, I didn’t have the prerequisites was helpful, he says, coffee. Camargo learned about pandemic shut down his coffee shop language, and it was very difficult to since it allowed him to get up to speed selecting beans, roasting and brewing, just as he was getting ready to officially establish a relationship with the people academically without the pressure that while simultaneously working on a launch, he worked hard to keep the and the culture.” enrolling at a four-year university would business plan. business going until he could reopen. Camargo and his brother found jobs have brought. Initially, he thought he’d At the conclusion of his coffee Sitting in the comfortable, bright at a local plant that polishes implants just do a two-year program, but his classes, he realized he needed to put space at Poe Mill in Greenville that he used in joint replacements. The work teachers encouraged him to continue his knowledge into practice, so he and his wife have transformed into a was tough – the brothers worked 12- on and get his bachelor’s. So he bought 154 pounds of Colombian welcoming place to enjoy a cup of hour days, six days a week, from 4 transferred to USC Upstate to major in coffee and rented a roaster at Ally. He coffee, Camargo shares other dreams a.m. to 4 p.m., Camargo says. business, and “absolutely loved it.” gave the finished product to family and – supporting coffee farm communities He worked at the plant for 10 years, “I’ve never regretted going to USC friends to get their feedback, which, he back in Colombia, opening additional but in 2010, he decided he was ready Upstate,” Camargo says. “Every class I says, was positive. “They really enjoyed shops in the Upstate. Like his earlier for a change. He had been to South took, I maximized everything they had the coffee a lot, and started asking if plans, these, too, may take time to Carolina a few times to visit a family to offer, knowing that one day I could we would sell it,” he says. achieve, but Camargo believes deeply member, and really loved the state. “I apply that to a business.” In between college courses and his in fostering community. enjoyed the weather, the people, and Starting his own business had long insurance job, Camargo would take a “Making everybody feel welcome, everything I saw here in South been a dream of Camargo’s. His initial day to roast coffee, deepening his making them feel that everything we Carolina, especially in Greenville,” he idea was that he’d work for a company, knowledge of all the variables in the prepare is done with care, is a special recalls. learn the trade, then look for process. As graduation neared, he was part of what we do,” he says. “When The move was not without risks. The opportunities to strike out on his own. offered the opportunity to open a shop we serve anything, we want to be sure country was in the midst of a He also wanted to do something that at Poe West, a former mill in Greenville. people are getting our best.” recession, and jobs were scarce. But, related back to Colombia. His thoughts It was a bigger step than he’d Unlocked Coffee reflects Camargo’s Camargo says, he didn’t feel any naturally led to coffee. anticipated taking, but the economy love of both his native country and special ties to Connecticut. “I never “People in Colombia are really looked good and he wasn’t sure he’d adopted one. Camargo grew up in Calí, had a chance to feel connected to the passionate about coffee,” he says. get such a chance again. a city surrounded by lush mountains culture at all,” he says. “So it was a “Everything is around coffee. Even our Because Camargo had focused on and rivers and noted for its salsa clubs. chance to be in a different place and soccer team is called Los Cafeteros – economics at Upstate, he knew coffee But in the 1980s, the city also became have different connections.” the coffee people.” was a fairly recession-proof business. synonymous with drug cartels and After arriving in the Upstate in 2011, A coffee-related business also fit Far from hurting business, periods of violence, and Camargo’s family was he got a job as an insurance agent. It well with another goal of Camargo’s: economic downturn are often good for concerned about their safety. His was then he began thinking about connecting with the community. “You coffee shops, he says. “When you can’t parents decided the family should college again. “It was always there, my can do that in many ways, but I think go out and afford a big dinner, you can immigrate to the United States. dream of going back to college,” he coffee shops and coffee are a source still give yourself a good cup of coffee,” So in 1999, Camargo and his older says. “It’s something that will always of great connection with people,” he he explains. He felt his new business brother moved to Connecticut, where have a value in your life and on your says. “Coffee shops are the perfect could likely ride out any rough extended family members lived. family long term.” place to have meetings, study, have a economic times ahead.
16 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 17 Visit Unlocked Coffee at Poe West, 556 Perry Ave. Suite B116, Greenville, or online at unlockedcoffee.com.
Unlocked Coffee offers a range of coffee drinks and breakfast items. Carlos Andres Camargo takes pride in his Colombian roots. Even Unlocked’s cups were designed in Colombia especially for the cafe. But as with many small business particularly for a new business that In September, Unlocked held a owners, Camargo had no way of hadn’t yet built up a loyal client base. staggered-hours grand opening, anticipating the impact of a pandemic. “I’m still adjusting, still trying to figure it complete with coffee giveaways and a He was just getting ready to officially out every day,” he says. “We have days latte art throwdown. After so many open the café at Poe Mill in March when we have good traffic, and we feel setbacks, it was good to finally have when almost everything in the state like, oh, we’re ready, next week is something to celebrate, Camargo says. shut down. going to be really busy again. Then What the coming year holds is It was devastating, Camargo says. next week, no one comes.” uncertain, but Camargo dreams of While he fully supports keeping people Camargo has instead focused on opening more coffee shops eventually, safe, he says the state rules what he can control, which is making especially in Upstate cities that may disproportionately hurt the food his shop as welcoming and not have many options. It’s important, industry, which had to rely solely on comfortable as possible for people he says, to have places where people curbside or delivery service. Big box looking to get out of the house and can come together – and maybe learn stores, many of which initially did not relax. His wife, Rocío Salazar, who is a little bit about Colombia, too. require masks, were deemed also Colombian, has been critical to “We’re that point of connection “essential” and allowed to remain that effort, using her marketing between our country and people here,” open. expertise to create a website, promote he says. “It’s like a bridge between two Even when restaurants got the green the shop on social media, and design countries, and we’re in the middle light to reopen, at 50 percent capacity, the logo. “The personality of the brand facilitating. Unlocked Coffee is located in Poe Mill in West Greenville. it still wasn’t enough, Camargo says, comes from her work,” Camargo says.
18 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 19 “The majority of professors I've had want you to pass, they want you to succeed, but the most important thing is, they want you to learn.”- Sharanda Simmons All in the Family USC Upstate ties cross generations in many households.
t’s not uncommon for the faculty, relations with a minor in women’s and “Coming to Upstate, being in staff and students who live, work gender studies, seeing the campus Spartanburg, and being on a smaller and study at a university to during her older sister’s freshman campus and having that community describeI the campus community as a orientation left a lasting impression. was great,” says Shayla Simmons. family. In some cases, though, it “I loved how green it was,” she literally is. recalls. “It was really refreshing Connie Gilbert and Over the years, USC Upstate has compared to the other schools I had Brandon Harrison welcomed multiple generations of visited.” Brandon Harrison was drawn to his families to campus: alums whose Sharanda Simmons says she initially grandmother’s stories about being a children attended Upstate, older and planned to stay close to the family’s nurse, but he was hesitant at first younger siblings, even some home in Charleston and attend about a nursing career. grandparents and grandchildren. While Charleston Southern. But she loved the “I was interested in it after high the university name has changed idea of being close to her sister, who school, but I wasn’t 100 percent sure between some of those generations – was living and working in Greenville that’s what I wanted to do,” the third- from USC Spartanburg to USC Upstate after graduation. year nursing student says. “The main – family members share the same Shayla Simmons was thrilled. thing that scared me away from it was I affection for their alma mater. “Because I had such a great heard about how tough nursing school experience at Upstate, I was happy to is, how competitive it is.” Shayla and Sharonda know that she was going somewhere Harrison’s grandmother Connie Simmons that was familiar, so if she had any Gilbert (then Threadgill) already had Shayla Simmons, ’18, always questions she could ask me who to experience when she entered nursing thought she’d attend the main contact, or I could introduce her to school at USC Spartanburg. She had University of South Carolina campus in faculty and staff I know,” she says. been a practical nurse for 12 years, Columbia. Then she toured USC Sharanda Simmons shares her and was a mom to three children, when Upstate. sister’s enthusiasm for Upstate. “I just she decided to return to school and “The staff, the campus, something really love the school,” she says. “It’s fulfill a goal. She received her about it just felt right,” she recalls. “I so family oriented – everybody is associate degree in 1978. went back home and told my parents I connected, everybody is trying to help “My mother always encouraged me, didn’t want to go to Columbia each other.” because that was her desire, to be a anymore.” When she struggled with a math nurse,” Gilbert says. Simmons had taken some business class early on, professor Charles Harrison joined the Navy when he classes in high school and really McGill went the extra mile to help her, finished high school, and then worked Shayla, ‘18, and Sharanda Simmons enjoyed marketing, so Upstate’s Sharanda Simmons says. And in real estate. He also got married – his business administration program, throughout the pandemic, her wife, Stephanie, ’18, is the daughter of Harrison looks forward to caring for When Harrison talks to Gilbert, he that shaped their choice of major. But which offered a concentration in professors have offered support, she Donette Stewart, vice chancellor for others, something he says has always often shares with her the things he’s their minors reflect creative interests marketing, was a good fit for her. She says. enrollment services. But all the time, meant a lot to him. “Just being able to learning in school, which he says she’s that remain important to them. also appreciated the real-world “The majority of the professors I’ve he says, the idea of nursing “just sort help people whenever they’re always excited about. While nursing Both siblings majored in business experiences her professors shared in had want you to pass, they want you to of grew on me.” When he told his vulnerable and having rough moments school has been tough, “As long as the administration with a concentration in class, which helped prepare her for her succeed, but the most important thing grandmother he had decided to pursue would be special,” he says. dedication is there, it’s definitely accounting, but Zanzi Robinson initially current job with the corporate offices is, they want you to learn,” she says. nursing, she was elated. Gilbert says those were some of her possible,” he says. was tempted to pursue her first love, of Krispy Kreme in Charlotte. Though the sisters grew up in “He’s following in my footsteps, and favorite things about being a nurse, too English literature. Even after deciding For Sharanda Simmons, a junior Charleston, they both loved the more that really makes a grandmother – “communicating with the patients, Zanzi and Yusef Robinson on business, she took 21 credit hours majoring in communications and public intimate Upstate environment. proud,” Gilbert says. working with families in difficult Siblings Zanzi, ’18, and Yusef of English classes. situations,” she says. Robinson, ’19, have practical streaks Yusef Robinson, too, toyed with a
20 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 21 Meg Cheshier already had a good principal at McCracken Middle School But Sam Cheshier was certain he idea of what she wanted to study in in District 7. Bob Cheshier is a longtime was making the right choice. “I just college. During high school, she’d physical education teacher at Monarch looked at it from the perspective of assisted teachers in elementary school Elementary School in Union County. overall happiness,” he says. “Were my classrooms, and really enjoyed the Both Cheshiers love being parents content? Were they happy? experience. “I felt like I’d always been educators, despite the challenges. “I And they were.” drawn to kids, from volunteering at still have students that I keep up with,” The Cheshiers’ younger son, Max, is church and vacation bible school. I says Meg Cheshier. “Anybody can nearing completion of his degree at liked kids,” she says. come into a class and teach, but to USC Upstate, but after taking a few For Bob Cheshier, the discovery was me, it’s a gift to be able to meet these education classes, he decided the a process. Initially a business major, he young people and build a whole child. family profession wasn’t for him, says found his calling with physical It’s not just educating them, it’s getting Meg Cheshier. And that’s OK, she education after he helped lead some to know them and shaping them and says, since you have to love education youth soccer camps. encouraging them.” if you’re going to be committed. Although Bob Cheshier was in Bob Cheshier enjoys the energy and Sam Cheshier definitely does. He mostly upper-level classes by the time enthusiasm of his young students. teaches 10th-grade physical science his future wife started at the university, “They’re a joy, they don’t see any and chemistry at Chapman High the two became friends. Meg Cheshier negativity, they’re excited and School, where, he says, “I have a recalls he was one of the “very big men positive,” he says. “You know you have hundred victories a day.” on campus back then” because of his some kind of meaning in their lives, “Whether it’s small, like just getting a success on the soccer pitch – for 11 and you’re helping them in a positive kid to understand a simple concept, or years, he held the campus record for way.” I’m getting my whole class to all-time leading scorer, and his record Nevertheless, the couple says they participate, it is very rewarding – not for assists went unbroken for 17 years. were not enthusiastic at first when their just education-wise, but building The couple, who married in 1989, older son Sam, ’18, told them he had relationships with these kids and have more than 60 years of teaching switched his major from nursing to having a direct impact,” he says. experience between them. Meg education. They worried he didn’t fully “Whenever a kid comes back and Connie Gilbert, AA ‘78, and Brandon Harrison Yusef, ‘19, and Zanzi Robinson, ‘18 Cheshier worked for many years in understand the kind of sacrifices that says, ‘Man, Mr. Cheshier, I loved your Spartanburg District 3, but for the last would be involved, even after seeing class,’ I honestly can’t put into words different path. A cellist, he seriously “I’ve always loved travel,” she says. But equally important are the four years has been the assistant how his own parents had struggled. how great it feels.” considered attending Furman “It’s the culture, I love food, I really like interpersonal skills he’s learned from University to pursue music. “It was the language.” engaging with professors, which he opposing forces – the wants and then While Zanzi Robinson says she says have helped him become more Bob, ‘86, Meg, ‘87, and Sam Cheshier, ‘18 the needs,” he says. In the end, “wasn’t much for business” when she independent. “Even though I wasn’t however, pragmatism won out, and he started at Upstate, she found she liked technically a professional at that chose Upstate for its business the thought process involved with moment, seeing how they interacted, program. accounting. Her instructor, Michael and also them interacting with me as if Still, the siblings continued to Wooten, encouraged her to consider a I were on the same level, helped me explore their other interests. Both are concentration in the subject, which she navigate workplace dynamics better.” native Spanish speakers, and while at says proved to be great advice. “It was Upstate, Yusef Robinson earned a a puzzle, it was fun,” she says. The Cheshier family minor in translation and interpreting. Also a revelation was how valuable The Cheshiers are not only an Some of his favorite memories involve her English minor was in her career. All Upstate family, they are a family of the experiences he had putting his the research papers she’d written educators as well. skills to use. For spring break one year, came in handy when she was looking Meg, ’87, and Bob Cheshier, ’86, met he did a study trip to Costa Rica into account issues. “I have been able at USC Upstate back when it was USC through the business school, acting as to apply those skills, those techniques Spartanburg. Meg Cheshier was the a secondary interpreter for the group. I learned, into resolving problems,” first in her family to attend college, and “It was good because I was able to she says. chose USC Spartanburg because it see entrepreneurship firsthand from Yusef Robinson says he benefited was close to home and she could people who really didn’t have anything both personally and professionally easily commute. Bob Cheshier, on the and were able to start businesses from from his experiences at Upstate. There other hand, moved clear across the the ground up,” he says. were the classes, which introduced country, from Seattle, Washington, so Zanzi Robinson, an avid traveler, did him to the skills and functions he uses he could play soccer on the a summer study abroad program in in his job now as accounting manager university’s inaugural team. Peru, where she taught English to for the ETV Endowment. Career fairs at “My dad said I either have to work adults. She also spent two weeks in the school helped him polish his my way through college or I have to get Germany and Spain as a trip assistant interviewing techniques and get more a scholarship,” Bob Cheshier recalls. for a business school student trip. comfortable in stressful situations. “My coach found USC Spartanburg,”
22 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall 2020 | 23 Journey Into the
Laura Kretzmer, ‘19, explores the sandstone walls of Antelope Unknown Canyon in Arizona. Travel nurses find adventure while employing their skills in new locations.
BY ELIZABETH ANDERSON
ary Alexander, ’12, BSN ’15, says, and is currently about a $5.4 lives by a simple philosophy: billion business. She notes it attracts On the other side of fear is nurses at all stages of their careers, Mfreedom. from those who are young and seeking It’s what motivated her to become a adventure to those who are semi- travel nurse and work in parts of the retired and seeking the occasional job. United States where she had never “As a whole in nursing, we do see the been before, far from her family and largest generation of nurses in the friends. “Instead of running away from workforce is the millennial generation, fear, you walk with fear hand in hand,” and I think we see that in travel nursing Alexander says. as well,” Hansen says. “But it’s It’s a feeling shared by other travel certainly not off limits for any particular nurses, who say each assignment is demographic.” often a leap into the unknown, As with other nursing jobs, travel requiring no small amount of self- nursing requires some experience, with motivation to succeed. Yet travel at least a year of clinical work expected nursing provides rewards – adventure, for many jobs. Alexander, who had good pay, exposure to different work opted not to work at a hospital during environments – that can enrich a her nursing program, took a year and a nurse’s skills, says April Hansen, half after graduation to build up her executive vice president of Aya resume with a job in the telemetry and Healthcare, a national travel nursing stroke unit at Mary Black Hospital. She agency. then felt ready to apply with a travel “As much as we strive for practices nursing agency she found online. and policies that look a lot the same in Key for any travel nurse is the health care, experiencing health care in recruiter who works with them. At different organizations across the some agencies, nurses can search job country really gives you a more well- listings themselves and ask the rounded view of what’s out there,” says recruiter for additional help with the Hansen. details. Conversely, recruiters also look That was a motivating factor for for jobs based on a nurse’s location Alexander when she learned about and salary preferences and help them travel nursing while she was a student. apply. The more highly desirable the She knew immediately she wanted to job location, the more experience will try it. likely be required. “It lit a fire in me,” she says. “I just Alexander’s first travel nursing wanted to experience what it’s like to assignment was in her fifth-ranked work in different places. They pay you location, St. Louis. But Lian Carvajal, to travel and do the job that you BSN ’13, who had worked in labor and already love doing.” delivery for two years at Mary Black Hospital and had spent a month in Getting started Central America on a medical mission, A fairly low-key industry when it found work in her first choice city, started in the 1990s, travel nursing has Seattle, Washington. grown as a sector of the overall “I love hiking, so I chose Seattle temporary staffing industry, Hansen because of the hikes and the area,”
24 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 25 Carvajal says. a few months. Kretzmer asked for and Ultimately, having a good recruiter received a shorter contract for her first can be key in landing a prime assignment in Charlotte so she could assignment. Laura Kretzmer, BSN ’19, go on a nursing school trip to Africa. who was a travel nurse for a year and a And Carvajal has taken periodic breaks half, says at one point she worked with to visit Central America, where she five different recruiters to find the job sponsors three children. she wanted. Alexander, too, advises “The flexibility of travel nursing is asking around – in talking to other awesome,” says Kretzmer. “You can nurses, she discovered she could be take time off in between assignments if making better pay than she was you don’t want to work for a couple earning, so she switched to a friend’s weeks or a couple months.” recruiter. “It’s just knowing your worth and Expect the unexpected knowing not to get cheated out of Travel nursing is not without risks. At something that, if you just knew how to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, negotiate or knew how the system many hospitals put in large orders for Lian Carvajal, ‘13, has been doing a lot of hiking worked, you could do a little better for travel nurses, expecting patient Mary Alexander, ‘12, BSN ‘15, loves getting out while a travel nurse in Kauai for the past year. One yourself,” she says. caseloads that initially did not in nature when she takes on a new assignment. of the most scenic hikes she tackled was the 11- materialize. That resulted in several mile Kalalau Trail along the coast of Kauai. Plunging in nurses being let go early without Ordinarily, however, the biggest Nursing assignments typically last another assignment to go to. Kretzmer challenge a travel nurse may face is 12-13 weeks, though often a contract says while she was lucky enough to personal. Because jobs are short term, will be extended if a hospital has complete the contract she had in many nurses are constantly looking for ongoing need and likes the work a Arizona, she knew other nurses who their next assignment. While most look nurse has been doing. That was the weren’t so fortunate. forward to planning a new adventure, case for Carvajal, who ended up not everyone is comfortable with staying in Seattle for almost a year. The uncertainty, Hansen says. job also was a launching pad to other “They pay you to travel and “There’s this personal assessment assignments on the West Coast, that has to go into it,” she says. “Do including Monterey and Stanford in do the job that you already you really know what you signed up to California. do, and are you happy with that Because of the short duration, love doing.” choice? More cases than not, the however, nurses are expected to hit the answer is absolutely yes.” ground running when they arrive for an Mary Alexander, ’12, BSN ’15 assignment. “You don’t get much of an Ticket to paradise orientation,” says Kretzmer. “Usually, For Alexander, the experience has you just get a day or two. You have to been life-changing in more ways than build confidence in your skills, because “Patients just weren’t coming in,” she one. Her temporary job in the telemetry you might not always have help.” says. “That was an odd time, which and stroke unit at Stanford Medical Alexander says she found it helpful made it hard for jobs.” Center has now become a permanent to keep things in perspective. While Hansen says hospitals have since one, something that still amazes her. every new assignment can seem scary gotten much better at gauging need, “It’s a dream come true,” she says. “I or overwhelming, “You’re not alone,” and agencies know the kinds of remember thinking, this is not real life, she says. “You have nurses there you questions to ask now when a large this is not happening. Stanford is just can ask questions of, and you’re not order comes in. “We spend a lot of the crème de la crème in my mind. the only nurse on the floor. You’re not time investigating with them,” says That is the hospital to work for.” expected to know everything.” Hansen. While she anticipates traveling again Developing a support network eased The pandemic itself has also created someday – Arizona is high on her Laura Kretzmer, ‘19, right, and a friend explore the desert landscape around Mesa, Arizona. Carvajal’s jitters at her first assignment obvious dangers for front-line health bucket list – she’s enjoying hiking and in Seattle. “During orientation I care workers. Alexander had a close exploring in California. one of her favorite memories is from a While Kretzmer says her travel days connected with other travel nurses call during a shift at Stanford Medical Carvajal, too, is realizing some previous assignment in Nevada. are done now, and she’s settling back hired at the hospital and made friends,” Center in California when a patient dreams. She is currently wrapping up a “My patient was having her first child into her job with Prisma Health, she says. tested positive a few days after being year-long assignment in Hawaii, where and she’d been pushing for 30 hours,” Carvajal is looking ahead to her next At the end of an assignment, travel admitted. Alexander was one of the she stayed on when the pandemic Carvajal recalls. “She had to have a adventure – perhaps Nepal, when she nurses have flexibility in what they do nurses who had close contact with the upended her plans to do a medical C-section, but being there for her, to finishes her family nurse practitioner next. In between St. Louis and her patient during that period. While some mission in Samoa this past summer. encourage her, was amazing.” program. Like Alexander, she isn’t Mary Alexander, ‘12, BSN ‘15, is an avid hiker, and second assignment in Oregon, of the nurses became infected, She’s enjoyed many breathtaking Now, Carvajal says, the mother afraid to face the unknown. spends many of her weekends out on the trails in Alexander returned home for the Alexander did not, but she admits the hikes, and has returned to school to regularly texts her to share photos and “I would tell people, just go for it, and central California. holidays and worked at Mary Black for experience was scary. become a family nurse practitioner. But updates about her baby. don’t be scared for change,” she says.
26 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall 2020 | 27 Wanted: A Few Good undergraduate degree in STEM and internship stipends and conference STEM Teachers secondary education. travel expenses for the scholars, and Stephen Bismarck, associate compensation for project team BY TREVOR ANDERSON professor of middle level/secondary members, he says. mathematics education at USC The program will host a STEM camp The University of South Carolina Upstate, in partnership with Spartanburg Upstate and the project’s lead for area high school students during investigator, said the initiative is the summer of 2021 at SCC, Bismarck Upstate’s M.Ed. in applied learning and Community College (SCC) and Spartanburg County schools, hopes to especially timely given the ongoing USC Upstate new STEM majors says. instruction program, begun in 2019. COVID-19 pandemic and its negative “We believe these experiences will The program began with a partnership address the region’s need for qualified science, technology, engineering impact on the education system (math, biology, chemistry) act as a catalyst for additional STEM between the university’s School of statewide. It also presents individuals majors to seriously consider the Education, Human Performance, and and math (STEM) educators. working in STEM fields hit hard by the 2016-17 teaching profession,” he says. “This Health (SoEHPH) and Spartanburg economic fallout of the pandemic with opportunity will allow these highly Districts 3, 5 and 6 to address the an opportunity to pursue teaching as a qualified teachers to enter the looming teacher shortage, improve In June, the university announced million National Science Foundation second career, he said. profession with little to no debt.” teacher retention and provide the project “Bridging Pathways for the (NSF) Robert Noyce Teacher “What we typically see during a 757 Once Noyce scholars graduate and meaningful professional development Preparation of Highly Qualified Scholarship Program grant, will provide recession or significant downturn in the are hired by a school, USC Upstate will to area teachers. Mathematics and Science Teachers.” scholarships and other opportunities economy is an inrush of folks who want require them to attend monthly Cohorts of teachers are selected by The project, funded by a five-year $1.2 for at least 21 students pursuing a dual to be teachers,” Bismarck says. 2017-18 pedagogical seminars during the their districts to participate in the “This is a tremendous opportunity school year and summer for the first program — their tuition is supported by Stephen Bismarck, associate professor of middle level/secondary mathematics for folks who may already have a + 5.4% two years of their teaching careers. their district throughout their graduate degree in a STEM field,” he adds. 798 The seminars will focus on addressing studies at USC Upstate. The program “Some folks have always wanted to the socio-emotional needs and enables teachers from each district to teach. Maybe others are working from challenges facing high-need schools. move through their studies as a group home while helping their kids with 2018-19 Co-principal investigators on the and complete their degree within two schoolwork and are thinking, ‘Hey, I project are USC Upstate faculty years while continuing to work full-time can do this!’ Whatever the reason, members Chris Bender (pictured in the classroom. there is a great need for this and we 814 + 2.0% above), associate professor of “We knew South Carolina had a have created a pathway.” chemistry; Kimberly Shorter, assistant future teacher shortage prior to the Participants in the project will each professor of biology; Ryan Harper, pandemic,” says Dr. Laura Reynolds, receive an $11,688 scholarship each mathematics instructor and director of dean of SoEHPH. “We simply don’t year for up to three years. Additionally, Percent of students in grades 3-8 tutoring; and Nancy Addison, adjunct have enough teachers in the pipeline to there will be paid internship instructor. meet the demand we will see for experiences available for students at not on grade level in math. SCC faculty members participating teachers in our state during the next USC Upstate and SCC to work with 64.7% in the project are Sarah Kitts, Brandon five years.” middle and high school students. 63.2% Kinley, and Linda Schmidt. “Programs like the M.Ed. offer a “One of the biggest worries for D7 Dorman High School and High Point mechanism to help teachers stay in the people considering returning to school D6 Academy will be part of the project, but classroom and attract the best 54% is how they’re going to pay for it,” activities for the grant will be open to teachers to our region,” Reynolds adds. Bismarck says. “Maybe you’re a 50.1% D3 all Spartanburg County school Since the M.Ed. program’s inception, veteran and your GI Bill benefits are 46.9% 46.6% districts, Bismarck says. Spartanburg School Districts 1,2 and 7, running out. A couple of extra years of D1 “As a former high school teacher for as well as school districts in Cherokee tuition might make all the difference in D2 D5 five years, I am always excited to see and Laurens Counties, have the world … There is the potential here 37.1% opportunities where our terrific local established graduate cohorts. for you to receive nearly $35,000 in schools and USC Upstate can work That means there is potential for Noyce scholarship funding.” D4 together on a project,” says USC scholars who go to work in one of those Bismarck says the project will have Upstate Provost David Schecter. partner districts after they’ve earned their two cohorts. There are six slots bachelor’s teaching degree, to also obtain remaining for the first cohort in July Taking it a step further their master’s degree and accumulate 2021. Eleven students will be selected In December, USC Upstate awarded little to no debt. for July 2022. Current students are master’s degrees to 81 local teachers, “It’s very exciting for us to be in this eligible, but Bismarck says the largest-ever number of graduate position,” Bismarck says. “We have an nontraditional students are also degrees awarded by the university in a opportunity to not only advance the welcome. *SC Ready test results for Spartanburg, single semester. university’s mission, but to positively Grant funds not used for 2017-18 These graduates were part of USC impact our community at a critical time scholarships will be applied to of need.”
28 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 29 Faculty Achievements Warren Bareiss (communication) and co-authored the article “Social Media Qualitative Research Consultants member of the national Tackling Transfer paperback this year. Washington Post Monkey Cage article a team of faculty received a $4,150 grant and Selection: Political Issue Similarity, Association. Policy Advisory Board, which published Anita Nag (biochemistry) was entitled “Poland’s digital divide may have from the Spartanburg Regional Liking, and the Moderating Effect of Elise Harvey (business) published the an op-ed in Diverse Issues in Higher awarded a Development Research helped secure President Duda’s re- Foundation to promote organ donation Social Media Platform” in MIS Quarterly. paper "Firm Receptivity Regarding Education on the “corona swirl” of Program grant. The program, offered election.” among college students. The team plans Wade and Dinger also co-authored "A Marketplace versus Political” in American transfer students. through South Carolina IDeA Networks of Susan Richardson (Health to hold an event at Upstate to share Great Escape: The Effect of Negative Journal of Business. She also presented Robert McCormick (history), with Biomedical Research Excellence (SC Informatics) received the South Carolina information and answer questions about Public Affiliation on Belongingness in "It Takes an (Online) Village: Adoptive Aracelli Hernández-Laroche (modern INBRE), supports independent faculty Health Information Management organ donation and encourage students Virtual Communities,” which will appear Parent Identity Construction through languages) and Catherine Canino research that in turn provides research Association Distinguished Service Award to register. Joining Bareiss on the team in Communications of the AIS. Blogging” at the Association of Marketing (English), edited the book An International training to students in the biomedical in July 2020. are Andrew Beer (psychology), James Allison Ellis (political science) is the Theory and Practice Annual Conference. Rediscovery of World War I: Distant sciences. Nick Rouse (Health Informatics) Bunde (psychology), Michelle Garland author of the forthcoming book Impact of A Start:ME entrepreneurship workshop Fronts as part of the Routledge Studies Jim O’Connor (business) and Frank received a Cancer Registry Certification. (communication), Katharine Gibb Political Socialization on Support for she led with Hubbard Smalls (business) in First World War history. Rudisill (business) co-authored “Critical Sirajul Shibly (business) authored the (nursing), Trevor Rubenzer (political Democratic Principles: Emerging was featured on WSPA. Nicole Richardson (history) Values for Pareto Comparisons,” which paper “Surprise Rewards and Brand science) and Shonna Bible (Spartanburg Research and Opportunities with IGI Araceli Hernández-Laroche (modern contributed a chapter to the volume was published in Quality Progress. Evaluations: The Role of Intrinsic Regional Healthcare System). Global. The book will be available on Oct. languages) was selected for the 2020 entitled “The Treaty of Versailles and the Roz Paige (business) was interviewed Motivation and Reward Format,” which Sarah Branan (nursing) earned a 30, 2020. cohort of the American Association of Rise of Chinese Feminism.” by S.C. Public Radio about the impact of was published in the Journal of Business doctorate in nursing practice from Ron Fulbright (informatics) has been State Colleges and Universities Emerging Benjamin McCraw (philosophy) the coronavirus on South Carolina Research. He also presented his Samford University. serving since 2019 on the international Leaders Program. Hernández-Laroche published a chapter entitled “Proper retailers for the story “Coronavirus Takes research “Digital Marketing Strategy June Carter (Spanish) was the committee drafting the ISO 56000 was also honored as Inclusion Advocate Epistemic Trust as a Responsibilist Heavy Toll on Retail Industry.” Backlash: Negative Effect of Banner recipient of the 2020 Southern standards for Innovation Management. of the Year by OneSpartanburg for her Virtue” in the book Trust in Epistemology Matthew Placek (political science) Advertisement on In-app Coupon” at the Conference on Language Teaching As a U.S. delegate to the multinational work to create equity and fair (Routledge). He also published the article published an article entitled “Learning American Marketing Association’s 2020 (SCOLT) Founders Award. The award team, Fulbright has been the primary representation in Spartanburg. “Thinking With Others: A Radically Democracy Digitally?: The Internet and Winter Academic Conference. recognizes a member who has made author on much of the Idea Management Sharda Jackson-Smith (education) Externalist Internalism” in the journal Acta Knowledge of Democracy in Non- Julie Wade (business) received a 2020 significant contributions to SCOLT over portion of the ISO (International contributed a piece on K-12 education in Analytica. His widely cited edited volume Democracies” in the journal USC RISE (Research Initiatives for the years and who exemplifies the spirit Standards Organization) 56000. When South Carolina to the summer edition of Philosophical Approaches to Democratization, a top-15 journal in Summer Engagement) Award for her and ideals of the founders of the completed, the standard will be used by the League of Women Voters publication Demonology also became available in political science. He also published a research “State Affect and IT Usage." organization. companies, governments, and “SC Voter.” She is also the author of Chung-Yean Chiang (business) organizations around the world to guide several upcoming articles that will be received a $22,108 grant from the their innovation efforts and ensure those appearing in the Journal of Education Off the Shelf Intermodal Association of North America. efforts follow well-established practices. Finance for the states of South Carolina, Daniel Davis (business) was awarded Carmen Harris (history) is a consulting Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine and New Communicating With, Joint Ventures: A Democratization a Scholarly Start-Up Grant for his humanities scholar on the NEH Hampshire. About, and Through Self- Life Enriched by the of Expertise: research project “Divining the Future: implementation grant “Call My Name: Felicia Jenkins (nursing) was selected Harm: Scarred Discourse Good Will of Others How Cognitive Designing Ensemble Models for The Black Experience in the South for the 2020-21 University of South Lexington Books Lystra Books Systems will Interorganizational Collaborations.” Carolina Upstate from Enslavement to Carolina Academic Leadership Program. Warren Bareiss Olin Sansbury Revolutionize Mike Dinger (business) received a Desegregation.” The $400,000 grant Monique Jones (nursing) earned a (communication), editor (former chancellor, Your Life 2020 USC RISE (Research Initiatives for funds a touring exhibition that traces doctorate in nursing practice from USC Spartanburg) CRC Press Summer Engagement) Award for his African-American history in the Clemson, Gardner-Webb University. This book seeks to Ron Fulbright research "IT Role Embeddedness and South Carolina, area. Harris also gave Toshua Kennedy (nursing) received empower individuals who This memoir draws (informatics) the Professionalism of IT Workers. two professional development talks on the Jefferson Award from the Multiplying self-injure as well as their on Sansbury’s Together with Julie Wade (business), he race in the United States to the Good organization for her work with the families, friends, health care varied life This book examines the Students in Action team at Greenville providers, and communities to better experiences to highlight the value societal and cultural revolutions From left, professors Seunggeun "Steve" Hyun (mathematics and engineering systems), Stefanie Keen Early College. understand and deal with non-suicidal of collaborative efforts in accomplishing throughout history that have been brought (psychology), Allison Ellis (political science), and Esther Godfrey (English) during a fall ceremony honoring Shirleatha Lee (nursing) published self-injury (NSSI) and the pressures that goals. He examines the uncomfortable about by the adoption of new technology faculty promotions. The four professors were promoted to full, while eight others were promoted to associate. “Original Interprofessional Simulation to cause it. NSSI is the deliberate harming events that challenged him and and give a brief history of human cognitive Train Students in CSD and Related of one's body without suicidal intent. addresses setbacks he experienced. A augmentation and artificial intelligence. As Health Professions in Team-Based Communication and NSSI intersect in continuing student of history and the capabilities of cognitive systems Healthcare” in Communications many ways, including conversation politics, Sansbury laments recent improve over the time, the balance of Disorders Quarterly. She is also a co- among family members, consultation developments that have polarized thinking will shift from being mostly human author of “Study Protocol of a with health care providers, Americans and threaten the nation’s to mostly artificial. The book introduces Randomized Intervention Study to representation in the media, discourse future. He shares his concern that well- the Levels of Cognitive Augmentation to Explore Effects of a Pure Physical among people who self-injure, and even financed corporate lobbyists are describe this shift. Readers who are Training and Mind-Body Exercise on communication with oneself. Each crippling access to quality education interested in cognitive systems, cognitive Cognitive Executive Function in chapter in this book addresses a and health care. His overarching computing, cognitive augmentation, or Independent Living Adults 65-85,” which different context of communication message to readers is that humans are artificial intelligence, or doing research in will appear in the Journal of Aging Clinical crucial to understanding NSSI. interconnected in their ventures in far- these fields, will find this book particularly and Experimental Research. She is a reaching and surprising ways. useful.
30 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 31 Gerald Hubbard Smalls, associate professor of accounting, says the new majors will make it New Center to Help easier for students to get hired. Students Build a the project forward, adding that it could successful entrepreneurs and business be the dean’s “single most important leaders for the private, public and contribution to the university.” nonprofit sectors. Business “This sets our business college apart,” “I think this really helps to make she says. “It makes us more competitive students more marketable in their job USC Upstate’s George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics (JCBE) with other universities across the state search,” he says. “For instance, I might has launched a new entrepreneurial platform that seeks to leverage the university’s and makes us more attractive to students have a student majoring in marketing and resources, expertise, talent and relationships to spur innovation and economic growth who are serious about pursuing exciting, they could have a concentration in social across the Upstate region. dynamic careers in business … And to media, which is growing exponentially. It The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), housed at the JCBE, will provide be able to provide these majors in a really makes us responsive to the needs aspiring student entrepreneurs across all academic disciplines with opportunities, tools region that is experiencing significant of our students and the demands of the and resources needed to conceptualize and launch their small businesses. economic and population growth is truly job market. It also strengthens our Building on the success of the GreenHouse Business Incubator, which helped launch exciting.” connection to the community and raises many startups during its existence from 2014-2020, CEI will serve as an innovation hub for Gerald Hubbard Smalls, associate the profiles of both the Upstate and the the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering collaboration and providing access to professor of accounting at the JCBE, JCBE.” education, faculty, research, expertise and community engagement. said he is confident the new majors will “We are delighted and excited about launching the Center for Entrepreneurship and help the college recruit more students. Among the benefits of the Innovation at USC Upstate,” said Dr. Mohamed Djerdjouri, dean of the JCBE. “I am Major He is particularly enthusiastic about what new degrees: confident this will enhance our academic mission in entrepreneurship.” it means for the college’s ability to • Students will be better able to market As part of its mission, the center encourages students to participate in the new innovate and set students on a path to themselves in specific career paths. entrepreneurship and innovation major or minor, and other programs available through Development successful, rewarding careers. • Student diplomas will show their major JCBE. The goal is to create successful, dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders for “I think this helps us on the front end where their concentration did not appear the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Former business concentrations with recruitment, but it especially helps previously. “CEI is an academically focused initiative established to support our plans to build on us on the back end, when we’re working • JCBE will develop specializations within the success of our entrepreneurship and innovation major, launched this past year,” officially become degrees. with recruiters to get our students hired,” majors. For example, the logistics and Djerdjouri said. “It will provide additional resources and opportunities for students who are Smalls says. “From a teaching supply chain management major could interested in studying and exploring the role of entrepreneurship as a catalyst for he pathway leading students from your transcript. That’s not ideal for job standpoint, we’ll be able to offer more. have a distribution track and a procure- economic development, creation of employment opportunities and community USC Upstate to fulfilling careers in candidates or companies.” The companies we work with really like ment track, or the marketing major could advancement.” Tbusiness recently got a lot wider. “I really commend the students who our students. This will ease the vetting have a social media marketing concen- Additionally, JCBE has launched its chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs At the start of the fall 2020 semester, reached out to us,” Djerdjouri adds. “I process because they already know tration. Organization (CEO). Founded in 1983, CEO supports more than 16,500 emerging the university’s George Dean Johnson, remember one student in particular who they’re getting an employee who is • Students will be able to earn dual collegiate entrepreneurs across the world with resources that include workshops, Jr. College of Business and Economics sent me a letter. He said, ‘Essentially, I’m qualified to step into the job they’re majors within the business college. webinars, pitch competitions, regional conferences and networking opportunities. (JCBE) introduced six new majors: an accounting major and no one knows needed for.” • Business students will be able to earn JCBE is one of only two active CEO chapters in South Carolina. It is free and open to all accounting; economics/finance; it.’ This change has many positives. The According to Djerdjouri, JCBE faculty minors within the business college. USC Upstate students. entrepreneurship and innovation; impact is going to be huge. It’s going to members are already working to deepen • JCBE can refine and improve the focus “A key goal is to encourage and support student entrepreneurship across all academic logistics and supply chain management; allow us to do so much more.” the academic experience for students. of each major’s curriculum, improving its disciplines at USC Upstate,” said Brian Brady, the center’s director. “Building on our six management; and marketing. These Djerdjouri said the approval process That work includes the development of relevance and rigor to match students’ years of success with the GreenHouse Business Incubator, CEI will serve to foster majors previously were offered only as for the separate majors took about a new concentrations within each major. career interests. innovation and engage with students, faculty, alumni and the Upstate entrepreneurial concentrations. year. December 2020 graduates are the He says students could also “The ability to earn a double major in ecosystem through networking, programming and research.” It’s a change that has been brewing for first to earn the new degrees. The strategically select their courses to earn the business world is amazing for the past few years as USC Upstate and expansion had no impact on tuition dual degrees, making them even more students and employers, and very unique JCBE leaders have sought to respond to costs, led to no JCBE faculty or attractive to potential employers. for our region and state,” Stewart says. requests to not only expand the 20-year- administration changes and did not alter “There are so many opportunities for “Another thing I love about JCBE is that it old business school’s offerings, but to curricular requirements, officials say. students to focus on one or more areas has done a tremendous job throughout determine the next stage in its growth “We are thrilled about this,” says they’re interested in or have an aptitude the years of hiring professors and and development. Donette Stewart, USC Upstate’s vice for,” says Brian Brady, a JCBE instructor instructors who have had successful “We previously offered one degree—a chancellor for Enrollment Services. “It and director of the college’s new Center for careers in the ‘real world.’ You’re learning Bachelor of Science in business gives students an opportunity to have a Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI). from someone who has done it. It really administration,” says Mohamed major in a specialty that best suits their The new majors will have a direct breathes life into what you’re learning in Djerdjouri, dean of JCBE. “Within that career aspirations and makes them even impact on CEI, Brady says, as the center the textbook.” degree we had six concentrations. These more attractive to businesses that are will encourage students to pursue not concentrations didn’t appear on your looking for employees with specialized only the entrepreneurship and innovation Tashana Cato and A'Myah Ross, students in the diploma. If employers wanted to know skills and abilities.” major and minor, but also other programs Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, meet with more about you, they’d have to dig into Stewart praises Djerdjouri for moving available through JCBE aimed at creating Brian Brady, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
32 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 33 Arriyanna Whitaker Paigan Bentley and Taylor Hall Devlyn Kane Philson Armand Sowell Madison Ridlehoover Courtney Cranmer Photo credit: @maddiebaldinelliphotog Photo credit: @rogeliovf
Ava Cappuccio Emily White Marcus Broome Bryanna Richardson Caleb Scruggs Walk at Upstate
Nijil Staley Aidan Dingler Larissa Sands Logan Pace Teresa Contreras Darrian Lilly Photo credit: @maddiebaldinelliphotog
Miracle Burges and Kylee Vaughn Myles McDaniel Erika Quinn Abby Billiu ZTA Sorority Fall 2020Bid Day Tyone Archie
34 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 35 UNKNOWN UPSTATE
Deep Appreciation Small Poole gift reflects a love of family, community and swimming. Wonder Competitive and recreational collegiate career at the University of brother, died in 2009 at age 27. Shortly swimmers alike will be able to enjoy a South Carolina, where he was a after he was born prematurely, he Nature is full of top-notch swim facility for years to swimming letterman attending on a full suffered a brain hemorrhage that left come thanks to a gift from two scholarship. him with permanent disabilities. But his surprises for those community leaders. After the couple left the University of family ensured he lived a full and happy John and Lynne Poole of South Carolina, they carried on the life. Lee loved attending McCarthy- who pay attention. Spartanburg gave $250,000 to the tradition with their sons. Brad Poole Teszler School and seeing his friends, USC Upstate Foundation that will help swam on club teams throughout his his mother recalls, and particularly A bike riding lesson on a local trail cover pool maintenance and repairs. childhood and later earned a enjoyed the school prom each year. He one fall day took biology professor The facility also will be renamed the scholarship and a captain’s rank at graduated from the program at 21, and Jonathan Storm down an Lee and Brad Poole Aquatics Center, in Davidson College. No one cheered stayed active at the Charles Lea Center unexpected path. honor of the Poole's two sons. louder for him than his mom, who had for adults with special needs. Storm had taken his then-3-year-old “We could not be more excited and been a varsity cheerleader for the The brothers were close, and Lynne daughter to the Drayton Mills trail to grateful for the Poole family,” said Gamecocks. says her older son’s face would light up get the hang of balancing on two Benita Hopkins, the university’s Brad coached high school swim when he heard his little brother’s voice. wheels. Their leisurely progress – associate vice chancellor for teams after college and then became She says Lee also loved when his Storm’s daughter stopped frequently to Development and Alumni Affairs. “Their regional sales director for a major father would race him through the stretch or catch Fowler’s toads – gave The new two-marked treehopper species discovered by biology professor Jonathan Storm makes its home on investment in USC Upstate will ensure cardiac device manufacturer. These house in his wheelchair. Storm plenty of time to observe the a Carolina silverbell tree. our students and community have an days, he and his wife, Jenna, reside in That love of family, coupled with a trees around the trail. That’s when excellent facility for maintaining their Charlotte, North Carolina, teaching strong commitment to giving back to something interesting caught his eye. the University of Missouri to see if he Storm says every 10 years or so, health and fitness.” their daughter the same valuable the community, is reflected in the “I’m looking at tree branches along knew of some record. “And he said no, someone finds a new species of tree Swimming has been a significant lessons learned from her grandfather Pooles’ latest gift to USC Upstate. the trail, and I happened to notice you’ve found a new species,” hopper. And in the tropics of South part of the Poole family’s lifestyle for and a shared passion for swimming. After many years of supporting USC these white markings on the thin tree Storm says. America or Africa, uncovering a new many years. It goes back to John’s Lee Poole, 18 months older than his Upstate students through their branches that kind of look like “I was pleasantly surprised,” he species isn’t all that surprising. “But to endowed scholarship, the Pooles toothpaste,” he recalls. says. “It checked off one of my life do it in South Carolina, in a park in The Poole family -- Brad, Jenna, Dawson, Lynne and John -- at the dedication of the wanted to dive deeper to show their Intrigued, he correctly surmised it goals, which has always been that I Spartanburg, is not as easy to do,” Lee and Brad Poole Aquatics Center at the Spartan Rec Center. appreciation. was the egg mass of an insect, which wanted to discover some new species he says. “This is our chance to honor our two he spotted sitting a little farther down during my life. And to do it randomly, It underscores a lesson Storm children, Lee and Brad, who are so the twig next to another egg mass, so while teaching my daughter to ride her frequently shares with his students. special to us and have been an small and still it would be easy to miss. bike, is kind of nice.” “You never know what you’re going to inspiration to us and many others in Storm recognized the insect, since With millions of insects in the world, discover if you just pay attention to the such different, yet meaningful ways,” he’d seen one a year or two earlier and new discoveries aren’t uncommon. natural world.” the Pooles said in a statement. “It’s an had looked it up then – a two-marked opportunity to further the mission of tree hopper, so called because of two USC Upstate, to primarily educate distinct yellow marks on its back. But young people who are not only from he also knew they were very specific to the Upstate of South Carolina, our host trees, and the tree he was looking home for over 35 years, but who will at, a Carolina silverbell, was not one most likely continue to reside in the he’d seen associated with the species. Upstate upon graduation and help our “So I thought, oh, that’s interesting, local economy grow and prosper for I’ll look it up to see if this is a host years to come.” they’re documented to be on,” he says. The Pooles are longtime members of After doing a little research, Storm the Upstate community with a long could find no records in the scientific record of service on many boards and literature about the two-marked tree organizations, including John’s more hopper laying eggs on silverbells, so he than 20 years on the USC Upstate contacted an expert in the species at The tiny treehopper and its egg mass are easy to miss. Foundation board.
36 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 37 ADVANCEMENT Welcome New Board Members
Louise Connell, ’92, is supplier diversity manager for BMW Manufacturing Co. in Greer. Since starting USC UPSTATE FOUNDATION BOARD CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT with the company in 1996, she has OF DIRECTORS FOUNDATION primarily been with the purchasing Photo, from left-right: Brit Katz, interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students; Kim Jolley, department, where she is responsible interim vice chancellor for University Advancement; Jim Schecter, general manager of USC Upstate Dining Ann Angermeier JoAnne LaBounty John Bauknight Ralph Brendle Vanessa Merhib Tim Camp for the procurement of body shop Services; Interim Chancellor Derham Cole; Chancellor’s Fellow Sharan Ravishankar; and Deb Kladivko, Erica Brown David Miller Will Gramling equipment. In 2011, she added associate director of Service Learning and Volunteer Services. Karen Calhoun Tina Stevens Allen Johnston responsibility for the plant’s supplier Louise Connell Garth Warner Cindy Kelly diversity platform, and helped launch Marion Crawford Irv Welling Jason Lynch the company’s successful Tier 1 Landon Cohen John Montgomery EMERITI Supplier Diversity Matchmaker Kenneth Darr George Moseley Dining Services Contributes Will Gramling Phil Feisal Ralph Settle Conference. Her professional affiliations Craig Haydamack Susan Jacobs include president of the Foothills to Spartan Pantry Charles J. Hodge FACULTY Regional Advisory Committee and Todd Horne ‘05 REPRESENTATIVE board member of the Carolinas Minority Sodexo, the international food will go a long way to assist many USC Jay H. Kaplan Dr. G. Hubbard Smalls Supplier Development Council. services group that helps operate USC Upstate students—especially now, Avi Lawrence Upstate Dining Services, recently during a time when many families are Cindy Kelly is donated more than $2,600 to the struggling financially.” Dear Spartan Community, market president for Spartan Pantry. The gift comes at a Jim Schecter, general manager of Spartanburg at TNB time when the Pantry and students USC Upstate Dining Services, says 2020 has been quite a year, and I welcome a few new members to our achievements with a car parade Financial Services. need it most. each semester students have an think we are all grateful that the foundation boards. We are thrilled that through campus last month, I was She is an honor “Through the Spartan Pantry we are opportunity to use meal plan dollars to promise of a new year is finally here. Louise Connell and Vanessa Merhib struck by the diversity of our student graduate of the able to provide students who are in support a variety of charitable Recently I was listening to the top have joined the board of directors of body. Our students are not only racially Cannon Financial Institute Trust School serious financial need with food and organizations. Additionally, this year songs from November 1985 on Sirius the USC Upstate Foundation. We are diverse, but reflect a wide range of life and a certified trust and financial basic necessities,” said Deb Kladivko, Sodexo donated a dollar to the Spartan Radio. No. 11 on the countdown was equally delighted to have Cindy Kelly experiences as well – from first- advisor. Kelly is active in the community, associate director of Service Learning Pantry for each student survey taken. Aretha Franklin’s “Who’s Zoomin’ as a new member of the Capital generation freshmen to graduate and her roles include past president of and Volunteer Services. “This donation Who?” Though the title is a reference Development Foundation board. We students and adult learners. We at the Spartanburg and Greenville Estate to people scoping each other out at a look forward to their service as they USC Upstate are honored we can Planning Councils; co-chair of the disco, the song took on a whole new share their time and talents with USC provide all of these students with a Executive Guild and former board chair meaning this year as we all learned to Upstate. rigorous education, wherever they are for the Hope Center for Children; and navigate virtual meetings and events. I’ve been deeply impressed by the in their life’s journey, and prepare them president elect of the Spartanburg Even my 97 year-old aunt was on Zoom affection and support that our for fulfilling careers. Downtown Rotary Club. SAVE THE DATE! to watch her granddaughter get students, staff, faculty and alums have Thank you for being part of our inducted into the National Honor shown for USC Upstate. Despite the mission and a valued member of the Vanessa Merhib is HOMECOMING 2021 Society. financial challenges and uncertainties USC Upstate community. national vice president March 21-27 As I settle into my position here at so many are facing from the pandemic, of development and USC Upstate, I am realizing how we raised $11,605 on Giving Tuesday in operations for Boys & important relationships are. In my November, more than double last Girls Club of America former role as city executive for a year’s amount. These funds are critical (BGCA), where she manages the Spartanburg banking institution, I for our students at any time, but resource development operations, developed and nurtured corporate and especially so now, when many are Interim Vice Chancellor foundations, events, national trustee nonprofit relationships. I feel honored struggling with financial hardship for University Advancement boards and philanthropy teams. She to use my expertise in relationship caused by COVID-19. We are so Executive Director oversees the team goal of doubling the management to help advance USC grateful for the support shown by our for University Foundations movement-wide revenue by 2025 to Upstate’s mission, and build upon our USC Upstate family that enables our support the programs, outreach and partnerships with regional education, students to continue pursuing their impact of BGCA, as well as doubling corporate, nonprofit and service higher education dreams. the number of youths served by the organizations. As I watched our Class of 2020 organization. Merhib previously served Follow our social media accounts for forthcoming details! To that end, I am pleased to December graduates celebrate their as CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains from 2006 – 2019.
38 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 39 CHANCELLOR’S FELLOWS SPARTAN GOLF CLASSIC ETIQUETTE DINNER Under overcast skies, the USC Upstate Athletics Department The Etiquette Dinner is an opportunity for the Chancellor’s hosted a successful Spartan Golf Classic at the Woodfin Ridge Fellows to learn how to present themselves professionally in Country Club in Inman in October. A total of 19 teams and 76 a job or interview setting. Topics that were covered during the individuals participated. The Spartan Golf Classic is one of two November dinner included clothing selection, the importance signature events put on by the U Club annually. The U Club helps of first impressions, body language, cellphone usage, place create transformative opportunities for USC Upstate student- settings, table conversation, social distancing, and presenting athletes by contributing to scholarships, facility upgrades, NCAA business cards. The Chancellor’s Fellows act as the university’s championship experiences and much more. ambassadors at events sponsored by the USC Upstate Office of Back Row Left to Right - Aronde Stewart ’22, Nehemiah Chandler ’21, Men’s Basketball Head Ann Angermeier, USC Upstate Sharan Ravishankar ’21, DJ Vickery ’22 Coach Dave Dickerson Foundation Board Member University Advancement and Office of the Chancellor. Front Row Left to Right - Daniela Isaza ’22, Gregory Castillo ’22, Gracie Adams ’21 University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Famer Colin Mackie
Nehemiah Chandler, Interim Chancellor J. Derham Cole Associate Athletic Director for Development John Fray, Director of Special Events and First Lady Suzy Cole Hillary McArthur and her student assistant, Chancellor’s Fellow Daniela Isaza, Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Kim Jolley, and DJ Vickery
Bill Schuler and Shelley Sullivan of Budweiser of Associate Athletics Director Ron G. Smith of McMillan Pazdan Smith Spartanburg, event sponsors and Head Softball Coach Chris Hawkins
Nehemiah Chandler, Gracie Adams, Sharan Ravishankar, DJ Vickery, Sam Bauer, Sarah Butler, Hannah Terpack
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Macy Lee Chadwick, sister of the late Josh Lee, Jack Todd, left, Cross Country head coach with her husband, Michael Chadwick, and their Johnny R. Lee, father of the late Josh Lee, with his VIDEO SHOOT for Spartanburg High School daughter Laney Isabella granddaughter Laney Isabella Through storytelling, Smitha Lee, ’12, captured the passions and personal stories of fellow alumni from their time at USC Upstate. Special JOSH LEE MEMORIAL 5K thanks to Matt Cash, ’07, LaTunya Means, USC Upstate Athletics, in partnership with Johnny and Laurie Lee of Spartanburg, held the 5th Annual Josh Lee Memorial 5K in ’92, Taft Matney, ’97, Ryon Smalls, ’14, Jane October on the Upstate campus. The annual event honors the late Josh Lee, a USC Upstate cross country student-athlete who Bottsford, ’69, Jocelyn Allen Jones, ’10, and was killed in a car accident in October 2015. Proceeds from the race go toward the Josh Lee Memorial Scholarship, which was Shuling Guan,’14, for sharing their experiences established by the Lee family. The scholarship is awarded each year to a member of the cross country/track and field team who is
and enthusiasm for their alma mater. Matt Cash ’07 a rising sophomore with at least a 3.0 GPA and in good standing on the team.
40 | UP Magazine ATHLETICS
Upstate Loses a Champion BY TREVOR ANDERSON
hough she stood just over 5 feet USC Upstate’s basketball program, and foot Dodie Anderson Academic Center in tall, Dolores “Dodie” F. Anderson attended games into her 90s. She 2010. Anderson gave $5 million toward Twill be remembered as a giant generously gave of her time and money the cost of the structure. Nicknamed among those who have helped shape to support a variety of academic and “The Dodie,” the center serves as a hub the University of South Carolina Upstate athletic endeavors at her alma mater and for resources that help UofSC student- since its founding in 1967. other institutions in the state. athletes succeed in the classroom. A devoted supporter of USC Upstate “She had a wonderful spirit about her In 2018, Anderson gave $2 million to Athletics, Anderson died in July at age that was very can-do,” says former USC Greenville Technical College to help 92. Upstate head men’s basketball coach establish the Dreisbach/Anderson In 2010, Anderson gave USC Upstate Eddie Payne (2002-2017). “Let’s improve Student Success Center, intended to $4 million to renovate the G.B. Hodge this. Let’s make it better. That was welcome, support and provide students Center, where the university’s basketball always her focus. She financially with the tools to help create and volleyball teams practice and supported the 25th reunion of our (1982 transformative opportunities through compete. It stands as the largest single NAIA) national champion men’s education. That gift is one of the largest gift to the Athletics Department in the basketball team. She gave money to in Greenville Tech’s history. university’s history. bring (Rhodes scholar and 1981 alum) “It’s important people understand that “Dodie Anderson was a champion of Dr. Daniel Dreisbach to USC Upstate. she wasn’t from a privileged USC Upstate, our athletic department She gave to the Chancellor’s Fund. She background,” Payne says “She and Bob and our basketball programs,” says gave money to plant trees. Dodie loved worked for what they had and were more Daniel Feig, USC Upstate’s director of her school and supported it in every way than willing to give. That kind of charity athletics and vice chancellor for that she could. She told me on more isn’t very prevalent, especially today.” intercollegiate athletics. than one occasion that giving money Anderson was sharp-witted and loved “She was a true servant leader and added years to her life. She loved to have fun, Payne says. cared so deeply for her alma mater,” Feig helping people.” “My wife and I became really good adds. “Her generosity and spirit of giving The University of South Carolina friends with Dodie,” Payne says. “There Dodie Anderson is recognized by former Chancellor John Stockwell for her contributions to USC Upstate Athletics. Anderson, an avid basketball fan, have had a profound impact on the opened its $13.5 million, 40,000-square- came a point in time where she asked, could frequently be seen cheering on the Spartans at the G.B. Hodge Center. experience of hundreds of Spartan student-athletes that have walked the “She had a wonderful spirit about her that was very can-do,” former ‘What can I do for you?’ I never asked board of directors. Born in Forest Park, Ill., on May 12, halls of the G.B. Hodge Center over the USC Upstate men’s basketball coach Eddie Payne says of the late Dodie Anderson. her. Her efforts benefitted the entire In 2006, on the 25th anniversary of her 1928, Anderson was the daughter of the years. Her impact on USC Upstate will athletic department. Her philanthropy graduation from USC Upstate, Anderson late Edward and Randine Femer, who be felt for many years to come and we extended into other areas of the was given the Distinguished Alumni of were Norwegian immigrants. She is will miss her dearly.” institution. The greatest gift she had was the Year award. survived by four daughters, eight In the 1940s, Anderson and her her enthusiasm for helping other people. Anderson was awarded the Order of grandchildren and five great- husband, the late Robert “Bob” W. And she really liked seeing that her the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest grandchildren. Anderson, founded Anderson Hardwood giving made a difference.” civilian honor, by Gov. Henry McMaster “From the first time I met Dodie, her Floors in Clinton. Together they grew the The Spartanburg County Commission in May 2019. passion for USC Upstate was evident,” venture into one of the largest privately for Higher Education (SCCHE) in 2014 “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn says USC Upstate head men’s owned hardwood floor manufacturers in presented Anderson with its highest the loss of a fellow Spartan whose basketball coach Dave Dickerson. “She the United States. honor, the G.B. Hodge, M.D. Lifetime passion and generosity has created loved the Spartans and helped our To enrich her life, Anderson returned Achievement Award, in recognition of her many opportunities for us to support our program grow by leaps and bounds. She to college at the age of 48, enrolling at influence on the “shape, character and student-athletes in their pursuit of higher will be remembered fondly by our Greenville Technical College. She later destiny” of USC Upstate. education,” says USC Upstate Interim student-athletes and coaches, but her transferred to USC Upstate (then USC Anderson received the SCCHE’s Chancellor Derham Cole. “Dodie’s legacy will live on here at USC Upstate Spartanburg), where she earned a Founders’ Day Award in 1986 and was legacy of giving is certainly one to be forever.” bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary inducted into USC Upstate’s Honor emulated and will continue to thrive on studies in 1981. Fraternity in 2005. She was a former our campus and others in South Anderson remained an avid fan of member of the USC Upstate Foundation Carolina.”
42 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall 2020 | 43 Women’s Soccer
Makes an Impact Atlantic Sun During the Pandemic (ASUN) Conference All-Decade any will remember the year Reading, Pennsylvania; Natasha 2020 as a time of tremendous Ferriera, of Winter Garden, Florida; and Mhardship and pain. However, Stepanie Linton, of Odessa, Florida, Earlier this year, the Atlantic Sun members of the USC Upstate Women’s hosted virtual donation drives that (ASUN) Conference announced their Soccer team volunteered their time and raised more than $1,500 for food banks All-Decade teams, and several Spartans energy to ensure that a least some of in their hometowns. were selected for the 2001-2010 and the those who are struggling could have “We are grateful for the generosity of 2011-2019 teams. their basic needs met during the those who donated, not only here in COVID-19 pandemic. Spartanburg, but in the virtual drives USC Upstate joined the ASUN in In July, the program helped collect held to benefit those in local 2007, when its athletics program canned food items and financial communities Florida, Pennsylvania and made the jump from NCAA Division II contributions as part of the nationwide Ontario,” says Lenny Mathis, USC to Division I. More than two dozen Soccer United Against Hunger Upstate’s senior associate athletic Spartans made the cut. Initiative, established by the United director for external operations. “As a Soccer Coaches to help with food group, we want to thank Ingles for their 2001-2010 shortages created by the global partnership and assistance in making Morgan Childers, Softball, 2008-11 pandemic. the drive here in Spartanburg a Josh Gallman, Men’s Golf, 2007-10 Through a partnership with Ingles success and making an impact for Perish Goggins, Men’s Track and Field, 2008-12 Markets, the team gathered more than Second Harvest.” The USC Upstate Women's Soccer team helps prepare backpacks with school supplies for children in need Anna Novo, Women’s Tennis, 2005-09 380 pounds of non-perishable food “I especially want to thank Jackie during an Elevation Outreach event over the summer. Edgar Rodriguez, Men’s Tennis, 2008-11 items at 10 of the grocery chain’s Marshall, coach Liz Manner and all the Emily Tangwar, Women’s Cross Country and stores in Spartanburg County. They members of the women's soccer significant need.” leadership roles within student- Spartanburg communities.” Track and Field, 2007-10 donated their haul to the county’s program for their leadership and In August, goalkeeper Logan Pace, a athlete organizations, including “Getting to know so many people branch of Second Harvest of Metrolina. stepping up to push this important junior from Belmont, North Carolina, SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisement and hearing so many amazing stories 2011-2019 Courtney Cranmer, of Oakville, initiative,” Mathis adds. “It shows their took part in Elevation Outreach’s Committee) and FCA (Fellowship of has affected me on a deep level,” Karla Beasley, Softball, 2015-18 Ontario, Canada; Jayna Tyler, of great character to work so hard on this annual “Love Week,” which reaches Christian Athletes), and I'm looking Pace says. “I can't wait to take all of Gaither Bumgardner, Baseball, 2010-13 Brooksville, Florida; Jane Bossler, of project and helping others in a time of local communities from the Southeast forward to her bringing her that back to the soccer field and to Brittany Case, Softball, 2016-19 to Canada. But that wasn’t all for Pace. experience from Elevation Outreach my teammates. I have learned that Tee’Ara Copney, Women’s Basketball, 2009-13 Goalkeeper Logan Pace logged more than 400 hours of community service from April through August, taking From April through August, she to Upstate. I'm so proud of Logan right outside of USC Upstate people Ryan Cornfield, Men’s Golf, 2012-16 part in food drives and other projects assisting those in need. logged more than 400 hours of and am excited to see how she need help.” Torrey Craig, Men’s Basketball, 2010-13 community service that included food continues impacting our Upstate and Ansley Gilstrap, Softball, 2016-18 drives and other initiatives in her home Ty Greene, Men’s Basketball, 2011-14 state. She also served with MedAssist, Cheyenne Griffin, Softball, 2012-15 a nonprofit pharmacy that helps low- Gilbert Kemboi, Men’s Cross Country, 2010-13 income patients with their medical and Holly McKinnon, Softball, 2016-17 medication bills, and the A21 Chelsea McMillan, Women’s Basketball, 2008-11 Foundation, a nonprofit that fights Anna Miller, Softball, 2013-14 human trafficking across the world. Shellie Robinson, Softball, 2012-15 “Logan has grown so much over the Jemeli Sang, Women’s Cross Country and past year and it has been awesome to Track and Field, 2008-11 see her find her passion in serving Marvin Schmiege, Men’s Soccer, 2012-14 others,” says Sarah Gildersleeve, Lexi Shubert, Softball 2013-17 associate athletic director for student- Brittany Starling, Women’s Basketball, 2012-16 athlete enrichment/SWA at USC Kenny Sugishita, Men’s Track and Field, 2011-13 Upstate. “She serves in various Goalkeeper Logan Pace and members of the women's soccer team took part in multiple volunteer programs over the summer to help communities here and in their hometowns.
44 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 45 The Lasting Legacy Hall of Famer and a key member of the Odell Cleveland, to his roster. Cleveland of Coach Jerry Waters 1982 National Championship squad, who was previously part of a high school team now serves as a senior associate that won a state championship under erry Waters arrived at USC Peach Belt Athletic Conference commissioner for the Big South Waters’ leadership. Spartanburg in 1980 to take the Championships. From 1989 through Conference. Holland says the team’s mindset Jreins of a fledgling men’s basketball 1993, the program carried on a 50-game “You don't understand what's going on wasn't necessarily to go in and win the program. By the time he left in 1997, the winning streak. at the time,” Holland says. “You just think national championship. Rather, just go small-town Georgia native had At Upstate, Waters compiled an overall this guy is being a tough guy and a mean further than the previous year. established the program as a regional record of 364-133 (.732) and was named guy, but really, he is instilling discipline “I can't speak for everyone on the powerhouse and cemented his status as the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year in and direction for the team and pushing team,” Holland says. “But for me, coming a coaching legend at the university and 1991. During his 47-year career, which everyone to be their best. I give Coach back after my junior year where we won beyond. included 25 years at the high school level Waters a great deal of credit for his our first game and lost our second game Waters, who died in December, was and 22 years at the collegiate level, leadership with the direction of the at nationals, it was OK if we could win the winningest men’s basketball coach in Waters accumulated a 859-299 (.742) program at the time.” two games. That would have been an university history. The teams he led record. improvement from the previous season.” during his tenure at Upstate won an NAIA “When Coach Waters came in, he The road to success Cleveland notes the buzz surrounding National Championship in 1982, three really instilled a great deal of discipline,” Sports buffs know that victories the team that year. NAIA District Six Championships and two says James Holland, ’82, a USC Upstate typically do not happen immediately for “You had to show up to the games new coaches, especially at the collegiate early to get a seat,” he says. “The gym Coach Jerry Waters gives last-minute instructions to the team. level. It takes time for their ideas and was packed and they were turning methods to take root. It takes a few people away … We were the junkyard recruiting cycles for coaches to acquire underdogs from Spartanburg and that's the players who not only best fit their just kind of how we played. We weren't vision, but who demonstrate a the fanciest team out there, but we commitment to it by being stellar on and played hard and won and the community off the court. rallied around us.” Success came almost immediately for As the team headed to Kansas City for Waters at USC Spartanburg. During his the second consecutive year to face first season, he led the team to the NAIA teams they had never played before, they James Holland cuts down the net following USC Spartanburg's victory. Photo: USC Upstate Archives National Tournament. frequently repeated their season mantra: “I always wanted to climb the ladder, “No Ifs.” Holland’s leadership is what allowed us best team forward because above as any young coach would,” Waters “Odell credits me with that saying, but I to win the national championship,” says everything else, Coach Waters wanted to recalled in a 2020 interview with USC never really thought about it, because at Cleveland. “We may not have been the win. That’s how I think he was able to Upstate Athletics. “When the opportunity the time I was just living it,” Holland says. best team ability-wise, but we had the transition from a USC Upstate to a for the USC Spartanburg job came, it “It was very simple. Toward the end of biggest hearts. We weren't afraid, we University of Georgia to a high school, was a chance for me to be at a bigger the game, no matter what the situation believed in each other and played for because he was brilliant.” school. I took that job and everything was, we would come together and I each other and I think that made all the “If you look at his history, Coach went well from there.” would say, 'Hey fellas, no ifs.’ Basically, I difference.” Waters won at every level everywhere he While the accomplishment of his meant exactly that. When the game was In 1997, Waters left USC Spartanburg went, and that's not just happenstance. inaugural season might have been over with, we didn't want to go back in to become the assistant coach at the There's something a person has in them satisfactory for some coaches, Holland the locker room and talk about what we University of Georgia. that they can create in others – pushing said it wasn’t enough for Waters. coulda, woulda, shoulda done to win the After UGA, Waters joined MacIntosh people to get outside their comfort zone “Any time you're competing on a team, game.” Academy in Georgia, where he served as just enough without pushing them away you always want your next year to be By the time the team reached the a middle school guidance counselor, or breaking them,” Holland says. better than the previous season,” Holland tournament championship, facing an athletic director and golf coach for one Waters was inducted into the USC says. “Going into Coach Waters' second undefeated, nationally ranked Biola team, year before taking over the boys’ Upstate Hall of Fame in 2000. He also year, there was a great deal of focus on the phrase had become a battle cry. basketball program at Pinewood co-authored the book “Born to be a the fact that we didn't accomplish the Christian Academy. Coach” with Cleveland, who directed and ultimate goal the year before. It would Legends and legacies Waters returned to the Palmetto State produced a video with the same title. have been easier to just say we went to Holland is credited with the final blow to coach at Chapman High School. His “As I think about the players that the national tournament his first year, pat that secured the championship for his teams made the state playoffs three out played for me over the years at every yourself on the back and get complacent. side. He drew a key foul on a layup and of his four years in charge. He retired level, I always think about them as But Coach Waters made us feel like there made his free throw. from coaching in 2012. people,” Waters told USC Upstate. “I was a lot of unfinished business out “I think our mental toughness, along “The reason Coach Waters was so always want players who want to give of there.” with Coach Waters’ coaching ability, the successful in every transition is the fact themselves and be a part of something For his second season, Waters added team’s commitment, and James that he wanted people who would win,” bigger than themselves.” another USC Upstate Hall of Famer, Cleveland says. “He wanted to put the
46 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 47 basketball announcer. It was a thrill to great internships that gave me hands- ingredients were repetition with writing, rock the fields and courts for fans and on training to land my dream job speaking, editing, filming, reporting and Labor player. To get them pumped up and reporting. First, with ESPN Upstate more. One of my biggest undertakings bring their highlights to the spotlight radio back in 2015. It was great to cover here was pioneering my own sports talk was really rewarding. the (NFL Carolina) Panthers training show, “Spartan Sports Network,” as my of Love camp through them, as well as learning senior project. I would interview players Q: What are some of your best everything about broadcasting and and coaches, break down highlights Former men’s cross country and memories during your time at the building shows. I got to interview coach and discuss stats after games. At the track and field team member Alex university? Don Staley when they brought the time, our athletic department and Love, ’17, recently paid a visit to his conference championship to Greenville, student newspaper did not have digital alma mater. Love, who is originally A: The first memory that comes to mind as well as co-host a couple times with outlets dedicated to this kind of from Pasadena, Maryland, earned was from my junior year, when I filled in Greg McKinney and Ken Blankenship coverage so it mattered to the teams, his Bachelor of Arts degree in as the PA for women’s basketball as on “The Huddle.” I also became digital the parents and me. Between the communications with a they took on Stetson, which was their sports director for Greertoday.com. I classes, internships and PA concentration in mass media. conference rival at the time. It was the got to cover high school and college announcing, I learned all I could about After college, he went to work as a fourth quarter and senior Shelby Hicks, sports and even got to interview Green the positions, both in front and behind sports reporter for KGHI Nebraska who I still talk to to this day, hit a buzzer Bay Packers quarterback Aaron the scenes, to report a great segment in TV, an ABC affiliate station in beater to win the game. I screamed into Rodgers when he came to a celebrity news and sports. Now, my dream is a Kearney, Nebraska. In September the mic, “THREE POINTER!” And golf tournament over the summer in reality, and I wake up every morning 2018, he joined WJTV 12, a CBS Upstate came from behind to win. It 2017. I was also a video reporter and excited and happy to go to work affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi, as a made the SportsCenter Top Ten later covered the Gamecocks when they won because I’m doing what I love! news reporter. that night. You could hear me in the their third conference championship in In August 2019, Love made background, which was so cool and Greenville. Q: Do you have any advice for those national headlines with his breaking probably why I love to do this. Honestly, who might follow you? coverage of widespread raids by every game, whether it was a win or Q: What has been your recipe for U.S. Immigration and Customs loss, was a special experience for me success? A: I only hope other mass media majors Enforcement agents at food because I learned how to stay positive. at Upstate see the same path I saw processing plants in the state. A: Becoming a news reporter for a CBS despite not being at a huge school with Love’s reporting on the hundreds of Q: What other opportunities did you affiliate would not have been possible tons of resources at your fingertips. arrests, and the children left seek out while a student at USC without USC Upstate. In particular, all of Many times, I had to create things with temporarily homeless as a result, Upstate? the mentors and support that came what I had or go on my own ideas, but it drew praise from MSNBC host from the people here. Upstate taught can be made and done just like Lawrence O’Donnell. A: I was able to take advantage of some me to do what I’m doing today. The anywhere else.
Q: Why did you choose to attend travel out of state for school and learn career goals in the news field began USC Upstate? new things — it was my best option. when I was a junior in college and And I never regretted the decision. started announcing sports for high A: I chose Upstate after coach Carson school games and the morning news Blackwelder reached out to me with an Q: How did you choose your current club to my school. I never stopped to opportunity to run for the cross country career path? think of something else while attending and track programs, which were my USC Upstate. standout sports in high school. After I A: I was always a mass media major in visited, I knew — since I wanted to the communications department. My Q: What was it like getting started at USC Upstate?
A: I began working basketball, baseball and softball games during my freshman year, volunteering with the ESPN 3 crew as a utility boy and cameraman. It was a real revelation about how much you need to know and be willing to work when considering a job in media. But I took it all in game by game. As for announcing, that started my freshman year. At Upstate, I only did PA announcing. That, too, was a challenge that has paid off in what I do today. I started filling in at a couple of baseball Alex Love, ’17, who majored in communications at Upstate, visited a few old haunts games. By my senior year, I became the while he was back on campus. full-time soccer, volleyball, and even
48 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 49 CLASS OF 2020 DECEMBER GRADUATES
USC Upstate honors the 2020 December graduates, who along with college seniors across the country, completed their final semester online. Despite the challenges of adapting to new ways of learning and the disappointment of postponed celebrations, USC Upstate graduates excelled.
COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Florinda C. Evans + Isaac C. Abee AIDAN DINGLER Tyler C. Adams Denise L. Felder + B.A., Communications Magna Cum Laude Christine E. Fernandez I had the pleasure of spending some time in Washington, Zabriel Y. Adams Jennifer A. Finnegan D.C., with some extraordinary Jacob E. Anderson De'Naisha L. Floyd communication students along Jordan Nicole Baird Colin J. Foley with Dr. Kofoed and Dr. Wallace. Brady A. Bennett Zachary L. Fortner While that was easily the most enjoyable experience during my Benjamin Bernstein Katherine E. Gilbaugh time here, some of the best times Joi A. Bigby Magna Cum Laude included simply studying in the Ghaida S. Bin Majed Mynique P. Goodwin library with friends. Those little Chasity A. Blume Bryanna M. Hamilton + moments are the ones I will miss the most! So savor every moment, Marcus S. Broome Lunden C. Hancock cherish the friends you make along Charlisa N. Brown Alisa B. Harbison the way, and go to your professor's Jhennel Brown Zachariah S. Haskett office hours! Building a strong relationship with your professors Danielle W. Bullard Zachariah S. Haskett not only helps you academically, Melissa A. Burbury Jennifer L. Hayes but the connections you make with Teresa A. Burdine Logan M. Hollis them can last a lifetime. Alicia S. Castle Daydreona T. Huggins Yakira S. Choice Madisyn H. Hughes Yolanda C. Lopez Megan E. Robinson Kyle J. Chrzanowski Khori Hunter Cum Laude Linnea M. Rogers Maria A. Chulkas Kennedi O. Jeter Abbey L. Lukac Clayton C. Rosengarten + Hailey D. Coe Arletta P. Johnson Nyeisha Lyde Larissa K. Sands D'Anna L. Crawford Shania M. Johnson Kristina Manson + Staesha S. Saunders Alexandra T. Crossby Wendell K. Jones Harlea M. Martin Tavis J. Shaw April E. Curtis ZaQuinton R. Kennebrew Caroline M. McCann Justin C. Shell Brittany K. Davis Tyler H. Kirby Freida A. McCarroll Feenix M. Smith Chelsea Deluna Jordan C. Lawson Tristin E. McDaniel Megan E. Stoffer Aidan G. Dingler Brittany Legge John H. McGinnis Angel M. Sumpter Julia A. Doiron Jantira M. Lem Taylor M. Medlin Moseanique J. Swint Cameron J. Dragoo Tyshonda T. Ling Gina M. Moroz Moseanique J. Swint Nathalie M. Espina Anna G. Littleton Princess E. Moss Austin S. Terrell Hawwa K. Muhammad Jakoby D. Thompson Aalexis Munford Otis Thompson CLIFFORD SUMPTER B.A., Information Aaliyah T. Munford Mikayla A. Trammell Management and Systems Keyarria R. Nelson Elijah A. Tucker Leandrea N. Nienke Tyler Turner While USC Upstate has given me a lot of opportunities to Emily L. Nimmons Yasmine A. Walker do a wide range of things and Ashley S. Norval Chloe Westmoreland activities, I am grateful for Adrian O. Odhiambo Joseph P. Wheeler the many gatherings, relaxed Sarah J. Panebianco Emily M. White weekends, spontaneous outings with friends, late-night Cameron M. Patterson Joshua A. Wilkes conversations, and all the Thanh N. Pham Olajuwan D. Wilkins laughter I have shared with Lynwood Pixley Tia L. Williams my amazing friends here. My advice is follow your curiosity Jazmine C. Porter Jon R. Williamson but be both open-minded and Amira H. Rahaim-Celestin Luke D. Wright skeptical. Mistakes are bound Mary M. Reid Savannah G. Young to happen. It's what you do LeAnna J. Rhett differently the next time that matters. So do not let anyone Ananda T. Rice GRADUATE else define success for you. Savannah C. Roach Jessie S. Cochran Daniel L. Robinson Christina Harvey + Veterans
50 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 51 COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Samuel Mcgaha Evan M. Sexton Marthies V. Nunoo Robert K. Raines + Madison Seay Zachary T. Vaughn Komal Mehta Ronald B. Solomon Celina B. Oakes Stewart W. Ramey Yelisey M. Semenuk Alexandra Walden Jenifer Mejia Holly E. Stamey Matheiu P. Peyreblanque Kaleigh A. Ratliff Kasaun J. Sheppard Ping Wang KATRINA RANGEL Thomas Midek Kevin H. Star Kuhn Krystal M. Rivera Robert B. Smith Michael H. West B.A. Computer Information Systems Travis R. Mims Clifford W. Sumpter Olesia Prater Nikolas Rivera Larron J. Starks Jonathan R. Wiggins Allensia D. Muller Timothey L. Thao Tiffany M. Price Patricia C. Rutto Thuong N. Tran Kamden O. Williams My favorite memory of my Destinee K. Panyasiri Darius Walker Iman V. Qatawi Kuljit K. Saggu Ashley Turner Keomani M. Xaykosy time at Upstate is all the great John B. Pyle Matthew E. Watson people I have had the pleasure of meeting. The professors in Katrina N. Rangel Matthew Wilkey the CS department are some of Stephanie L. Reynolds Asiah M. Wynn MARY BLACK SCHOOL OF NURSING my favorites from my academic Austin J. Robbins career, and I’m glad I had the Maya R. Rogers GRADUATE Lyndsay A. Allen opportunity to learn so much JARED COCCIA JACOB COCCIA from them. My advice would be Marianna F. Sakalosh Kristen S. Good Madison G. Austin B.S., Nursing B.S., Nursing study hard, don’t be afraid to Jared C. Scruggs Paschaline O. Austine-Njoku ask questions, make connections Antenay H. Avery-Campbell It is hard to choose a favorite Throughout my time at USC with your professors and fellow memory from my time at USC Upstate I made countless Reagan Chandler Ayers students, take advantage of the PATRICIA RUTTO Upstate. As a student-athlete, memories I will never forget. Some great opportunities provided to B.S., BUSINESS Taylah L. Babb two highlights were hosting the of my favorites were traveling to meet with potential employers, ADMINISTRATION Carrie M. Barnes conference meet my freshman Virginia and Florida to compete and remember to take time to Carrington E. Bearden year and supporting the women’s on the cross country and track relax and de-stress. soccer team in a win against teams, and going to Couch Night My favorite memories have Taylor P. Blackstone happened here on campus! From Winthrop University on Couch to support the women’s soccer late night study sessions in the Autumn L. Bridwell Night. Academically, a highlight team when they beat Winthrop. library and making long-lasting Alyssa C. Brown was finishing my first nursing My advice to incoming freshmen clinical and looking back on how would be to work hard and sign Latoyia J. Anderson Deonta' T. Gee friendships to participating in Christian D. Burdette Track & Cross Country as a good it felt to have an impact on up for the free tutoring at the Debbie A. Antoine Kaitlan M. Grab Lisa Bush student athlete. The community a patient’s treatment and healing beginning of any hard classes, take Cum Laude Douglas E. Greeley at USC Upstate has shaped and Jamiyah B. Campbell process. If I could give advice advantage of any opportunities Zachary J. Bailey John M. Greer taught me to be independent – Tosha N. Cathcart to new students, it would be to that come your way, go to sporting always work hard and do not events, and make as many friends Kyle R. Batson Clay A. Honeycutt ready to take on the world! I am Sandy Y. Cen so thankful to all my professors procrastinate. Dedication and time as possible. Sinat Chat Brooke L. Bennett Bouvier Howard for teaching me and ensuring management are very important to Allie K. Berry Nicholas Jeter that I succeed in my studies. As Paris K. Clyburn success throughout college. Cum Laude Isaiah Johnson an international student, it can Jacob R. Coccia Jefferson Bradley David M. Jones be easy to feel alone. I learned to Jared P. Coccia ask for help whenever I needed William T. Bridges Evan F. Jones it. I have been blessed with the Katilyn Cook Ariel B. Hart Logan B. Morales Jacob L. Rupp Kaara A. Brown Kristina Karasev most amazing co-workers, friends, Cassidy N. Crocker Charity G. Harvin Jennifer M. Morrison Katherine A. Sartori Katelyn A. Collins Tamika L. King professors, etc. I would advise you Christa R. Curran Emma K. Hendricks Dominique D. Morrow Madison L. Savage to be willing to learn as you go. Brittany M. Combs Ethan D. Kortie + Sydney A. Davenport Jonathan Hill Anna Myers Mary C. Scarborough Enjoy your college experience and Jack A. Counterman Lesley J. Lobo always put in the work. It pays off Mary E. DeLuca Kristina M. Hill Pratik Nair Deana K. Schweiger Carrie E. Ferro Eric J. Marlowe when you walk across the stage Jesica P. Demumbreum Elizabeth Hines Chidinma Oligbo Mary K. Sellars Lyndsey K. Fields Michael S. Maroney during your graduation! Donathan S. Dendy Megan A. Hines Sara Omer Hannah N. Smiley Ashley M. Di Falco Brandon S. Hoffman Freddy M. Ordonez Adelia F. Smith GEORGE DEAN JOHNSON, JR. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS Rachel A. Dobbins D'Nasia N. Holmes Erica D. Osborne Ashley N. Smith Ebonie T. Dockery Cassie E. Horne Anna F. Palmer Rachel A. Smith Eirik Abney Amber N. Gantt Shakerra D. Douglas Joseph Humphries Erica L. Palmer Lydia K. Sorensen KAYLA BISHOP B.S. Business Administration Rhett B. Barnett Evan L. Gordon McKenzie L. Evans Ashlyn C. Hutto Joyce Y. Pan Nicole Sorgee Tyler Barnwell Christopher M. Groce Mallory D. Faile Lindsay R. Johns Bhavini Patel Isabella C. Spencer Before I left to study abroad in Tanisha I. Berry Joshua C. Hall Hannah R. Fisher Ann B. Johnson Allison R. Patrick Amy N. Terranova Germany, I was introduced to a Starlette D. Johnson Courtney E. Thompson few international students and Madison L. Betlem Aidan Hill Lanie M. Freeman Mayte B. Pennington Upstate students who had traveled Kayla Bishop Jonathan J. Hofschneider Antionette L. Fryar Valentyna Khveshchuk Dale B. Phillips Luz A. Vasquez Rico to another country. I became close Garrett B. Black Ke'ona N. Jamison-Allen Rebecca L. Funderburk Chelsea J. Lack + Ashley R. Popichak Madison R. Waldrop with a few girls from Europe, Daniel Caldwell + Gloria E. Jarvis Katrina E. Grabovskiy Olivia L. Leso Harrison G. Pruitt Rebecca E. Washington gained insight into aspects of their + culture, and learned from their Maria R. Carson Catalina Jurado Brittany Greene Kimbale L. Mack Sharmila N. Rana Andrew G. Wicker experiences coming to the USA. I Lina M. Castano Gaviria Rohit Kumar Mallory E. Greene Maye E. Malachi Zaria N. Rice Leah A. Wylie made one close friend in particular Gabriela N. Cevallos Martin L. Lance Jade S. Hall Tina S. McCarver Veronica C. Rios Keyanna J. Young that I saw often after moving to Ryan M. Chesebro Brooklin N. Lee Kathren A. Hamby Taylor C. McCorkle Kaziah E. Roberts Graciela Zamudio Germany. I would advise future Spartans to speak up when you Ciarra S. Clayton John N. Lehman Maggie L. Hardaway Asia J. McCormick Chasity Rogers have a question or concern and Trevor E. Cote Eric M. Lofink Alyssa C. Harriz Chelsey N. Mills John M. Rooney take advantage of your professor’s Patrick S. Danko Nhi M. Luu office hours. I gained confidence by figuring out how to articulate my Maximino A. Delgado Raimi N. Matthews-James thoughts in a professional manner. Luka S. Eble Chase Morman Jacare' English Nathan L. Murph + Veterans + Veterans 52 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 53 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, HUMAN PERFORMANCE, AND HEALTH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Sharissa E. Aho Austin Phillips Gregory S Aldridge HELENE MOORE-HAYWOOD John D. Allen Fredi M. Pritchett Zoher Alimohamed M.A., Teaching (Special Education) Martha V. Alvarez Anna E. Rakes Magna Cum Laude Alixandra Arellano William J. Richardson My favorite memory was the Rebecca C. Beets summer of 2018 during the anatomy, Kristen N. Belcher Keisha D. Robinson Allston R. Burnett physiology and disorders of the Fernando F. Bernardes Victoria L. Rochester visual system course, where my Mary-Louise Byrd Lisa C. Blanchard Anthony J. Saitta classmates and I were tasked with Brooke E. Clifton Alivia M. Bodiford Taylor R. Scott dissecting the eye of a cow. Little Jenna C. Dover Shaquela T. Brown Jordan Shaw did I know that this assignment would be the infrastructure of Adrianna-Jule'ah H. Ferguson Kira R. Caldwell Cierra S. Smalls unfeigned personal and professional Samantha L. Greger Shane M. Camp Tiffany N. Smith relationships. Regardless of the path Brandon W. Harris Alexander Chambers Kamia A. Spalding you are travelling, answer the call of Kenndra Johnson your purpose, without delay. One’s Dakaylia Z. Cofield Janna C. Sparks purpose is intentional and will be Josue Medina Carsen C. Collins Shelby Stockman met imminently, oftentimes without Karen C. Medina Madeline R. Connolly Elizabeth M. Stone regard to our personal desires. Mason E. Monroe Embrace purpose early on to truly be Keishon A. Cullum Caroline E. Stukes Sarah Moore impactful for those your purpose is Marley C. DeFreitas Lukas S. Suit intended to benefit. Tamara L. Nash C'Aira N. Dillard Celina M. Sullivan Asma Olajuwon Diem E. Dinh Mezarean O. Toland Madeline B. Parker Pamela F. Decker Savannah R. Nichols Lena B. Durham Seth T. Tolbert Emily B. Peay Ashleigh W. Dozier Brian R. Owen Blake Dutcher Arriyanna T. Whitaker Brooks N. Richardson Sheri A. Dubois Carly S. Painter Katelyn R. Eberly Alayna J. White Koral B. Scott Cassidy B. Duggins Victor M. Perez Jeana E. Fisher Jai'lah D. Williams Derrick D. Scurry Arista S. Edwards Miranda L. Perry Kelli E. Fisher Stephanie B. Williams Crosby C. Shumate Joanna R. Forsythe Allison M. Redmon Ashlyn G. Floyd Christin R. Wilson Scott D. Sloan Makisha E. Fowler Melissa S. Revis Maria C. Franco Keondra S. Wingate Tylor S. Smith Sarah K. Garner Allison M. Riddle Morgan B. Freeman Megan M. Wood Armand D. Sowell Sally T. Gaskins Patrice R. Robson Destiny D. Gass Hanna N. Worthy Sara E. Thompson Joshua D. Geddings Bobby D. Salter Seth J. Goff Dalton W. Yates Xavier J. Vereen Keri F. Gillespie Brian J. Scott Katerine M. Gonzalez Steven E. Yates Kirsten C. White Kamesha L. Gilmore Hannah B. Setro Rehana N. Gonzalez Jayda Q. Youmans Mareshah F. Winters Courtney Smalls Courtney Good Evon E. Youssef Chelsey H. Grummel Caroline L. Smith Kayla M. Goodson Megan S. Hall Laurie J. Smith Madison R. Green GRADUATE Morgan S. Hammett Lisa L. Smith Taty'ana A. Green Ambar M. Aguirre Mims Jennifer A. Harris Price Stephanie B. Spake Shawn Gregson Amy H. Arnold Jennifer A. Harrison Ashley K. Stansell Faith K. Hammonds Austin M. Baker Lori Hefner Cheryl A. Stemple Hannah J. Hart Pamela L. Beck Sara J. Hellman Carol A. Talanges Benjamin T. Heatherly Henry C. Bonner Katherine M. Henderson Catherine G. Taylor Jacob D. Henderson Olivia N. Boykin Tonya C. Hendricks Jonathan L. Terry Madeline S. Henderson Courtney E. Burnett Ashley S. Hinch Kimberly W. Terry Hannah D. Horton Charles W. Calvert Angela R. Jackson Jeanne C. Thomas Jaymie L. Hughes Susan S. Cannon Kizzy M. Jacobs Jakeria M. Thrower Alexandra D. Hurwitz Melinda P. Carver Jenna L. Jolley Elizabeth Tripp Katelyn O. Jackson Melanie R. Cecil Konstantinos D. Kakouras Geoffrey L. Turner Latasha D. Johnson Brenda L. Clark Marylee M. Kneisley Roger W. Turner Henry N. Jones Megan A. Coker Sara G. Landrum Haylee M. Utter Sydney M. Lawson Andrew S. Connolly Dianza M. Lee Jackie Weeks Kyrsten R. Legrant Elizabeth C. Cooksey Brandy M. Lyda Amber Weiss Ricky Maldonado Emily L. Craft Jarrod A. Mabrey Jeanne D. Wilkins Cameren M. McNab Leah E. Craft Meghanne B. McDaniels Krista J. Wingo Peyton B. Mills Tyler M. Crosby Helene R. Moore-Haywood Cassandra J. Yarborough Taylor S. Myers Rashonda C. Davis Teasley Timothy A. Morgan
+ Veterans + Veterans 54 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 55 FROM THE ARCHIVES SAVE the DATES
General Education Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium
Thursday, Sept. 30 and Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 Johnson College of Business and Economics
This event will bring together women entrepreneurs from around the Upstate to network, participate in educational and professional workshops, and showcase their businesses. USC Upstate Day of Giving “What a difference a day makes” For more information, contact Brian Brady, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, at bbrady3@uscupstate. Thursday, April 8, 2021 edu or 864-503-7623. Watch our social media accounts for more details!
hile the nursing school at USC page – most likely to succeed, most of South Carolina to create USC Upstate is relatively young – it popular, most talented, biggest flirt. Spartanburg, as hospital-based nursing Wwas central to the creation of The first edition of the yearbook programs nationwide transitioned to the USC Spartanburg campus in 1967 was notable for another reason as university-based models. – its roots extend back much further. well. For the first time in the school’s The USC Upstate archives currently In 1921, Spartanburg General Hospital history, African American students holds every edition of The Little General NEW LOCATION! opened its doors, with a nursing school were admitted to the program that year. but two – 1948 and 1951. University as part of its operations. The program “It is with admiration that we accept archivist Ann Merryman is hopeful that graduated its first class in 1922, and them into our School of Nursing, and someone in the community may have continued to provide trained nurses to may they be the inspiration of others those volumes and be willing to donate the hospital up through its final class in to follow,” reads the message above them, or bring them to the library to 1969. the names and group picture of the be scanned. She notes the yearbooks In 1947, student nurses created six young women. Yet despite the are important because they’re a direct their first school yearbook, The Little welcoming words, the women are not link to the university’s history – “the A student-run, faculty-led design and marketing firm General. Like a typical high school pictured anywhere else in the book, nor precursor to us,” she says. yearbook, there are pictures of each do they show up in the yearbooks that “It’s a real interesting part of our class – freshmen, juniors and seniors immediately follow. history,” Merryman adds. “It’s just WHAT DO WE OFFER? (no sophomores, though juniors were As the years went on, new school another way to get our alumni and our We offer traditional and digital design services at affordable rates. divided into two classes). A copy in activities appeared in The Little community to connect back to us.” From from identity design, business cards and brochures, social media posts, the USC Upstate archives contains General: cheerleading, basketball, or even CMS-driven web design, we’ve got you covered. autographs with inside jokes shared softball. There was a school newspaper, YOU CAN HELP! between friends. Pictures depict nurses too, “The White Cap,” first published Do you have a copy of the 1948 or 1951 edition of studying in the library, preparing food in on Feb. 21, 1951. The Little General The Little General, or any copies of “The White WHAT ARE OUR STRATEGIES? the nutrition lab and tending to babies continued to publish every year until the Cap” student newspaper? If so, we would like to • Brand Development in the nursery, while casual snapshots final class of senior nurses graduated connect with you! Please contact Ann Merryman, show lake outings, glee club and in 1969. By then, Spartanburg General USC Upstate archivist, at 864-503-5275 or • Strategic Planning dances. There is even a superlatives had partnered with the University [email protected]. • Proactive Communication
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