Gamecock Stories | Oral History Project

USC alumni have amazing stories to share, and we want to hear them. We have partnered with Publishing Concepts, Inc., (PCI) to launch a comprehensive Oral History Project. Alumni are invited to share their Gamecock stories that will be preserved in a commemorative print and digital book to celebrate the impact of USC.

The collection of stories will be available for purchase from PCI.  While there is a fee to purchase the printed book/merchandise, you do not need to purchase the book to contribute your Oral History.

HOW IT WORKS

Oral History Project Video by Colin Stewart

If you haven’t already, you will receive a postcard and email from PCI, on our behalf, with two important invitations:

A mockup of the PCI Oral History Project postcard

UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION

An invitation to update and verify your contact information to strengthen our USC alumni network and to keep you updated on the latest school developments.

SHARE YOUR STORY

An invitation to share your experience at the University of South Carolina. What are your fondest memories from your time at Carolina? PCI has a dedicated team ready to record your stories.

What kind of story should you tell? It’s up to you, but ideas include:

  • Lifelong connections made on campus
  • The impact of receiving or giving a scholarship
  • Faculty or staff members who left a lasting impression
  • Student organization involvement that helped shape you
  • A career-defining experience or moment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I received an email/postcard from a company asking for my personal information and a story about University of South Carolina. Tell me more about the project. Is it legit?

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for University of South Carolina Alumni Association. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years.

This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at University of South Carolina and how the school helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

Does the University of South Carolina Alumni Association benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

  • Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
  • Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our school
  • Revenue – generates membership revenue for alumni programs
  • Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school

How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable Information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?

  • If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at University of South Carolina Alumni Association. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to University of South Carolina Alumni Association at the conclusion of the project.
  • If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for the school/alumni association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before November 24, 2023 by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time before November 24, 2023 to share your story.

I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?

You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption. If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Can anyone purchase a book?

The University of South Carolina Alumni Association Oral History Publication is available for sale only to University of South Carolina alumni.

I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.

If you have any other questions, you can contact the designated University of South Carolina Alumni Association update line at
888-907-2466.