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College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

  • Tom and B Jackson stand on the historic Horseshoe at USC.

HRSM Distinguished Alumni and Friends Awards

The College of HRSM Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Awards were established in 1981 to recognize alumni who have established records of distinction in their respective fields or endeavors. These individuals have outstanding professional achievements as well as exhibit responsible citizenship within the communities that they serve. 

Winners and Nominations

The HRSM Distinguished Alumni and Friends Awards are presented annually and are selected by an awards committee with final approval by the Dean. The 2026 winners were honored at a celebration March 20.

Nomination Form

About the Awards

HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to an alumnus or alumna who has exemplified professional leadership and productive citizenship. Requirements: Long-term leadership within their chosen profession; noteworthy professional accomplishments that reflect favorably on their profession, USC and the College of HRSM; nominations requested by faculty/staff, but also accepted from external audiences.

HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award

The Distinguished Young Alumni Award will be presented to an alumnus or alumna who has excelled in their chosen field. Requirements: Must be 40 or younger in the year the award is presented; involved in professional organizations, college alumni activities or community activities; support for profession; outstanding career development.

HRSM Distinguished Service Award

This award gives recognition for service to the University of South Carolina and the College of HRSM in support of university, college and/or alumni society related activities and events. Requirements: Given to an alumnus/alumna/organization or honorary alumna/alumnus/organization considered most outstanding in any or all of the following areas: volunteer and community contributions; exceptional service to state or nation; exceptional service to the College of HRSM.

HRSM Distinguished Friend of the College

This award recognizes an honorary alumna/alumnus/organization who continues to set an example of support for the College through time, effort and generosity. 

2026 Award Recipients

An outstanding group of alums and friends of the College of HRSM took home awards for 2026. Check out our story to read more about the recipients and their accomplishments. Visit our award winners page to see a list of all our honorees throughout the years.

  • Duane Scott II headshot

    Duane Scott, II., '11

    HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award

  • Caroline Manning headshot

    Caroline Manning, '10

    HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award

  • Vincent Dell'Osa headshot

    Vincent Dell'Osa

    HRSM Distinguished Service Award

  • Dilip Patel headshot

    Dilip Patel, '95, '02

    HRSM Distinguished Service Award

  • Bill Sutton headshot

    Wm. A. "Bill" Sutton, Ph.D.

    HRSM Distinguished Service Award

  • Dawn Staley headshot

    Dawn Staley

    HRSM Distinguished Friend of the College Award

 

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