Skip to Content

Graduation and Retention Network

  • Banner Image

2024 First-Generation College Celebration Week Recap

November 12, 2024
First-Generation College Celebration Week at USC was a momentous occasion, highlighted by the honor of receiving a proclamation from Governor McMaster, formally recognizing First-Generation College Celebration Day across the state of South Carolina. This recognition reflects the commitment of USC and our state to uplifting the experiences and successes of our First-Gen community. 

Here's a look back at some of the highlights from last week...

A special thank you ...

We are incredibly proud of our First-Gen students—both undergraduate and graduate—alongside our dedicated First-Gen faculty and staff, who are instrumental in shaping and supporting the thriving community we continue to build. Our gratitude extends to all USC and community partners whose efforts and support made First-Gen College Celebration Week 2024 such a meaningful success. 

  • Admissions
  • Athletics
  • Career Center  
  • CommUnity Shop, Carolina Closet
  • Darla Moore School of Business, Office of Access, Opportunity and Community Engagement
  • Division of Access, Civil Rights, and Community Engagement
  • Education Abroad
  • Financial Aid
  • First-Gen Center
  • Gamecock Entertainment
  • Graduation & Retention Network (GARNET)
  • Health & Well-Being  
  • Molinaroli College of Engineering & Computing William F. Bloking First Generation Scholars Fund
  • New Student Orientation
  • Office of Access & Opportunity
  • Student Success Center  
  • TRIO
  • University Libraries

Safia Anwari, Career Services  
Jennifer Asouzu, New Student Orientation  
Dr. LaNaé Budden, First-Gen Center  
Ebony Christie, Student Representative  
Shaun Coleman, Health & Wellbeing  
Lenyx Coviak, Student Representative  
Kelly DeShazo, Graduation & Retention Network (GARNET)  
Tharangi Fernando, Student Success Center  
Elizabeth Gloria, Athletics  
Xavery Hopkins, Darla Moore School of Business  
Briahnna Ismail, Undergraduate Research  
Chelsea Jacobs, Admissions  
Melissa Kupfer, First-Gen Center  
Kayla Major, GARNET/First-Gen Center  
Shalia Myers, Student Representative  
Dawayne Nettles, TRIO  
Amber Novotny, Palmetto College  
Curtis Pernell, TRIO  
Dr. Tegia Rochester Coleman, TRIO   
Micheal Stoval, Athletics  
Sean Smyth, New Student Orientation  
Dr. Kay Thomas, South Carolina Honors Program  
Paulia Williams, TRIO 
Patrick Wilson, TRIO  

Looking toward the future

We encourage all First-Gen students to connect with us at Maxcy, share their stories, and let us know how we can support their journeys. Together, we’re fostering a campus community where First-Gen experiences are celebrated and empowered.


Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

©