December 2, 2021
2020 Richard T. Greener Scholar: Andre Shaw
A young man from a small town in Loris, South Carolina, Andre Shaw had big dreams when he chose the University of South Carolina to further his education.
Now Andre is this year’s Richard T. Greener scholarship recipient and this fall is pursuing a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at South Carolina’s Honors College . His aspiration is to become an anesthesiologist.
Andre is a 2020 honors graduate of Loris High School. While a student, he was enrolled in an accelerated high school program at Coastal Carolina University. Being involved in extracurricular activities is important for him and he was a member of the marching band, National Honor Society, National Beta Club and Interact Club. He was also accepted into the Scholars Academy and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society at Coastal Carolina University.
Andre is devoted to building his community. He is an active volunteer with the American Red Cross, Loris McLeod Teenage Volunteer Program, Help 4 Kids and Backpack Buddies. During high school, he organized and led the local blood drive in coordination with the American Red Cross and his church. This endeavor sparked his drive to serve as an example to peers of how anyone can leave a lasting impact on their community. Through giving blood, Andre has already saved three lives.
Similar to his extracurricular activities in high school, Andre is continuing his love of music and will play on the Carolina Band Drumline this fall. His interest in drums came at an early age when he received a toy drum set for Christmas that led him down a musical journey.
Andre’s acceptance to the Honors College and the financial support of the Richard T. Greener Scholarship is providing him the opportunity to further his medical field aspirations.
“UofSC initially struck me as this massive labyrinth, as the small colleges where I lived paled in comparison,” he said. “However, as I toured the campus and began to converse with some of the students, including those in the Honors College, my belief was strengthened that I could call this place home.”
Since 1983, the Black Alumni Council has actively worked to attract bright students to the university by providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have excelled academically. Richard Theodore Greener, the man for whom the scholarship is named, was the first African American faculty member at Carolina in 1873. Consider donating to the scholarship by visiting
