Family and Alumni Weekend 2024 Events

Inaugural Ring Ceremony – October 26

During USC Upstate’s Family and Alumni Weekend, the university made history by holding its first-ever Ring Ceremony, honoring students with the newly designed USC Upstate class ring. Held in front of friends, family, and members of the USC Upstate community, this ceremony celebrated a new tradition that marks a student’s journey and connection to the university for years to come.

The highlight of the event was a symbolic moment at the campus fountain, where recipients gathered to collectively dip their ringed hands into the water, signaling a shared commitment and unity within the USC Upstate community. It was a powerful scene that left a lasting impact on those witnessing this inaugural tradition.

As students received their rings—each beautifully crafted to symbolize the spirit of USC Upstate—Chancellor Bennie Harris expressed his enthusiasm for the new tradition. “Today’s ceremony is about more than just a ring; it’s about honoring each of you and the meaningful contributions you’ll make to our university community and beyond,” he said. “We’re thrilled to welcome you into this tradition that will link future generations of USC Upstate graduates. Thank you to everyone who made this milestone possible and to the families who support these remarkable students.”

Charlianne Nestlen ’03, Director of Alumni Relations, also addressed the gathering, sharing how meaningful it was to establish this symbolic tradition at USC Upstate. “This ring represents pride, perseverance, and the bonds you’ve formed here. We hope you’ll wear it with pride and remember this special day in the years to come,” she said. “Thank you to each of you, our students, families, and alumni, for making today unforgettable.”

Vice Chancellor RJ Gimbl joined in the congratulations, reinforcing the importance of community at USC Upstate and how this new ceremony deepens the connection between students and their alma mater.

With the inaugural Ring Ceremony, USC Upstate added a cherished new tradition to Family and Alumni Weekend, one that will continue to bring students and families together to celebrate the accomplishments, connections, and shared legacy of the Spartan community.

Family Fest – October 26

The USC Upstate Quad behind the Administration Building came alive with laughter, great food, and family spirit as alumni, students, and their families gathered for the annual Family Fest. The tradition, celebrating the community’s connection to campus, once again delivered a day packed with fun activities, delicious eats, and new memories.

With music and a festive atmosphere, the Family Fest had something for everyone. The biergarten provided a relaxed space for attendees to enjoy local brews, while Smokin’ Flava’s BBQ served up classic Southern flavors that brought crowds together. Guests enjoyed the BBQ’s smoky aroma and spent time connecting with each other and celebrating their USC Upstate pride.

A highlight of the day was the chance for students to “make their mark” by signing a steel beam destined for the university’s new library addition. The beam-signing added a sense of legacy, with everyone knowing their names would become a permanent part of campus history. “It was amazing to put our names on something so meaningful,” said one student. “It makes us feel connected to the future of USC Upstate.”

Family Fest once again created a space for Upstate families, friends, and alumni to connect, laugh, and look forward to a bright future. It was a day to celebrate not just being a part of USC Upstate but also the community spirit that makes it feel like home.

Rocktoberfest – October 24

USC Upstate students kicked off fall with the annual vibrant Rocktoberfest celebration, transforming the lower Burroughs parking lot into a carnival-themed party full of rides, treats, and entertainment. Designed to give students a break from their studies and an afternoon of pure enjoyment, the event featured classic carnival rides, delicious food, and nonstop music.

With a giant slide, carnival swings, and a rock-climbing wall, students had plenty of thrilling options. The scent of funnel cakes filled the air, adding a touch of nostalgia, while a DJ kept the energy high with music that set the perfect vibe for mingling and making memories.

Adding to the festive atmosphere were caricature artists, capturing students’ personalities in quick, fun sketches that made for memorable takeaways from the event.

“Rocktoberfest is one of our favorite annual events at USC Upstate,” said student Sherita Hart-King. “It’s all about creating a space where everyone can connect and enjoy the campus community.”

Rocktoberfest has become a beloved fall tradition at USC Upstate, embodying the university’s commitment to fostering student camaraderie and community through fun, engaging events. As students wrapped up the day with friends and new memories, the event once again proved to be a highlight of the semester.

Women’s Soccer Wins Big South Championship

From our Spartan Athletics team: Facing a must-win situation for a chance to hoist a championship trophy, USC Upstate women’s soccer accomplished something Saturday night that no team in the program’s Division I era (2007-pres.) had accomplished and no team in program history had done since 2001. Replicating what it had done Wednesday evening to keep its championship aspirations alive, the Spartans scored multiple unanswered goals to overcome an early deficit, defeating Gardner-Webb 2-1 to capture the 2024 Big South Conference Regular Season Championship.

For the second straight match, Upstate faced some early adversity with an early tally from its opponent. Stepping in to create a turnover in the Spartans’ defensive end, Gardner-Webb’s Alva Joensson booted the ball towards the net from well outside the box as the shot listed just out of the reach of the right arm of Upstate’s redshirt junior goalkeeper Meghan Groah for the match’s opening marker 15 seconds into the half.

From the first minute onward, the Spartans took control, permitting just eight additional Runnin’ Bulldog shot attempts with all four attempts landing on goal collected by Groah, recording her sixth match of the season with four-plus saves. Offensively, Upstate tilted the shots in its favor, outshooting Gardner-Webb 23 to nine and creating multiple opportunities with five corner kicks—compared to two for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

The Spartans’ first tally came off the team’s first corner of the night as junior midfielder Margret Edda Bjarnadottir delivered a beautiful ball from left to right across the face of the goal. The last player on the wall, junior defender Emily Rangel found the equalizer with a header from the back post.

Getting another great opportunity as the clock dwindled in the first half, Upstate found what amounted to the match-winner with less than 30 seconds left to the break. Settling the ball at her feet off a ball delivered into the box from freshman defender Journey Hawkins, junior forward Hannah Blodget reversed field and found freshman forward Riley O’Bryan atop the 18-yard box. Booting the ball with her left foot, O’Bryan’s first career marker—an upper-90 goal—proved the largest goal of the Spartans’ season

Photo by Spartan Athletics

Women’s and Men’s Basketball Open Practice

Fans filled the seats at the G.B. Hodge Center during Family and Alumni Weekend to get a sneak peek of the USC Upstate Women’s and Men’s basketball teams as they prepared for the upcoming season. The event gave fans, students, and families a unique chance to see the dedication and hard work these athletes have put in before the season officially tips off in the spring.

Both teams hit the court for practice sessions, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and energy in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The showcase was a testament to the hours of training and commitment each player has invested in representing USC Upstate. Fans left excited and optimistic for what promises to be an action-packed season ahead.

It was an unforgettable way to rally support and build momentum as the Spartans gear up for a strong season. To purchase your season tickets, visit here.