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With more than 340,000 living alumni, the University of South Carolina has stories to tell, and Carolinian is here to tell them. From celebrated artists, scientists and business leaders to everyday alumni who embody the spirit of Carolina, this is our story — and this is your magazine.

Carolinian is published three times a year and distributed to members of the USC Alumni Association. Select features from the print edition can be found here, alongside web-exclusive stories, videos and interviews that celebrate our successes, revisit our history and remind us what it means to be a Carolinian. Forever to thee!

 

Leeza’s Promise

You know Leeza Gibbons as the former host of Entertainment Tonight and the syndicated daytime talk show, Leeza. The College of Information and Communications alumna is still active in the entertainment industry, of course, but she has poured another big part of herself into Leeza’s Care Connection, a nonprofit that supports dementia and Alzheimer’s caregivers.

The latest issue of Carolinian is chockful of inspiring stories, from “Leeza’s Promise” to “Leroy Chapman: The Way I’m Wired,” our conversation with the first Black editor-in-chief of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. We also bring you a high-speed joyride with NASCAR legend Humpy Wheeler, a look at MapQuest co-founder Chris Heivly’s latest entrepreneurial venture and a walkthrough at Campus Village, the university’s newest residential community — with several students now living there and their proud alumni parents.

Meet Leeza Gibbons

Cover of the Carolinian magazine featuring Leeza Gibbons.
Campus Village with students walking on the surrounding sidewalk.

Campus Village

USC’s newest residential community opened last fall at the south end of campus. Carolinian caught up with several new residents at move-in and shared in their excitement. We also talked to their alumni parents about living on campus back in the day.

More on Campus Village

‘The way I’m wired’

Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor-in-chief Leroy Chapman has come a long way since his days as an English major at USC. Last fall, he returned to his alma mater to inspire the next generation of jourmalists.

Meet Leroy Chapman

A portrait of Leroy Chapman with the USC Horseshoe in the background.
A photo of the newly renovated South Caroliniana Library.

Bird’s-Eye View

Designed in part by architect Robert Mills, South Caroliniana Library was the first freestanding college library in the country when it opened in 1840. The restored reading room, seen here, reminds us that history, charm and modern technology can exist in perfect harmony.

Making Good

In November 2023, alumnus Joseph F. Rice was honored for his support of USC’s law school, which now bears his name. A founding partner of the Charleston-based Motley Rice law firm, Rice has secured landmark settlements against Big Tobacco, Big Pharma, BP and others.

Meet Joe Rice

The Rice Family at the Law School Dedication event
A portrait of Humpy Wheeler with the Charlotte Motor Speedway in the background.

The mustard in the sandwich

Legendary NASCAR promoter Humpy Wheeler reflects on his career in racing, his days as a cub reporter for the Columbia Record and his time on the Gamecock football team in the 1950s.

Meet Humpy Wheeler

Watch me jumpstart!

MapQuest co-founder Chris Heivly aims to ignite the Capital City’s flickering tech sector. At the new Boyd Innovation Center in Five Points, the sparks are already flying.

Enter the Boyd Innovation Center

Coffee klatch for GrowCo.

Carolinian Health

This winter, Carolinian subscribers received a special supplement recognizing USC’s research, outreach and impact in the health sciences. Click on the links below to meet a few of the dynamic faculty members working to improve health outcomes across the Palmetto State.

Inside Carolina

Basketball shines, Capstone glows, business excels

This month, we're all about Gamecock basketball, with our women's team taking home its third national championship. As we celebrate that victory, we learn about the tradition of lighting Capstone garnet for university achievements.We also talk to Rohit Verma, dean of the Darla Moore School of Business, about the school's #1 International MBA ranking and its role in developing business leaders.

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While you’re a student for a short time, you’re a Gamecock for a lifetime. Join the alumni association to connect with a strong network of Gamecocks and give back to our beloved university. Our members enable us to engage more students, host more alumni events and programs, and build the brand of South Carolina around the world.

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