Each year, USC Upstate Alumni presents awards to recognize the outstanding achievements of alumni who have earned distinction in their chosen field. Honorees are chosen by fellow alumni, and awards are selected by the Alumni Council. The awards are presented at a ceremony during Family and Alumni Weekend.
There are three awards for nominations, which are detailed below:
Click on plus button at the bottom of this Accordion BLOCK (not accordion tab) to create a new tab. Select Accordion TAB block to edit tab headline. Select nested blocks within accordion tab to edit content.
-
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have reached the pinnacle of their career and who have made exceptional contributions in one or more of the following ways:
- Achieved distinction in chosen field
- Exceptional service in local, state or national affairs
- Exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of USC Upstate
-
The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes alumni whose achievements in career, public service and volunteerism have brought honor to themselves and to the university. This award takes into account worthy accolades in all of the following areas:
- Achievements in business or professional career
- Community affairs at local or state levels
- Support of the advancement and continued excellence of USC Upstate
-
The Young Alumni Award is designed to recognize USC Upstate graduates 40 years of age or younger who represent the future leaders of tomorrow. Standards for recognition include one or more of the following:
- Demonstrated leadership capability
- Commitment of service to others
- Substantial commitment to USC Upstate and its mission
2025 Alumni Award Recipients
Distinguished Alumni Award
Victor Austin ’90
Outstanding Alumni Award
Taylor Brown ’11
Outstanding Alumni Award
Tony Tam ’97
Outstanding Alumni Award
Robert Reid, Jr. ’02
Young Alumni Award
Ebone Ellis ’13
Young Alumni Award
Zane Gray ’17
Relive the Celebration.
Alumni Awards Photos
During Family and Alumni Weekend, we gathered to celebrate and honor our young, outstanding, and distinguished alumni recipients, recognizing their remarkable achievements and lasting impact on the USC Upstate community.