USC Upstate students, faculty and staff traveled to the state capital to join representatives from the University of South Carolina’s campuses across the state to participate in the annual Carolina Day event.
Carolina Day is an annual event facilitated by the USC Alumni Association designed to recognize the partnership between the University of South Carolina and the state legislature and advocate for the legislature’s continued support.
USC President Michael Amiridis gave opening remarks at the Pastides Alumni Center in downtown Columbia. He emphasized the university’s statewide impact: “We are the University for South Carolina, and we do not claim that we are the University for South Carolina if we don’t serve the entire South Carolina. And here you are from the entire state, and please remind this to our legislators.” He urged students to share their stories, thank legislators for their support, and ask for continued support. Also during his remarks, Amiridis specifically recognized Upstate’s huge presence at the event, referring to the group of representatives as “the green army.”
Upstate Chancellor Bennie Harris reinforced how important it was for Spartans to be at the capital. “Your presence, the green, it matters — and showing up and showing people that we exist.” He explained that about 50% of Upstate’s budget is funded by the state. To continue to receive the support Upstate has had from the legislature, Harris said, “We have to continue to invest, and to tell our story, and to show gratitude, and to constantly educate.”
Student Body President Madison Robinson, attending Carolina Day for the second year, said the event offered a valuable opportunity to build relationships across the university system and with state lawmakers. “I love being able to connect with the other USC system student body presidents and our legislators. This is a great way for our Spartans to connect to our state.”
Spartans also joined representatives from across the university system in the house and senate chambers in the State House, where legislators formally recognized USC’s importance to the state and pledged their continued support for the University.
More photos can be found on our Flickr album.
Story by Samuel Hermanson
Edited by Elizabeth Anderson, Director of Integrated Communications and Christina Cleveland, Digital Content Coordinator