December 17, 2021
The 175th Year
We celebrated our 175th anniversary in the best way, thanks to our Gamecock family.
2021 was a big year for us. We weren’t sure what to expect after months of virtual events and social distancing. But we were able to do more this year than we’d imagined.
It was also a big year for us because we celebrated a very important milestone—the 175th anniversary of our historic founding. We raised more than $260,000 during Give4Garnet. Our affinity groups and alumni clubs engaged Gamecocks all over the country, both in-person and virtually. In addition to annual events we love, like Gamecock Sports Preview, Homecoming Weekend and Cookies and Cocoa with Cocky, we introduced new ones.
During the spring, we raised over $5,000 for student scholarships during the Spurs Up Sprint virtual race. Gamecocks from all over the country participated, and we’re excited to offer both in-person and virtual formats during the upcoming race in March.
Over the summer, we hosted our first golf tournament at Woodlands Country Club in Columbia. Details for next year’s tournament are coming soon!
Our inaugural Gamecock Gala during Homecoming Weekend was the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary. Mark your calendar for Homecoming 2022, October 28-29!
We hosted tailgates throughout the football season, both at home and on the road. While the Gamecocks may not have won all the games, we certainly won all the tailgates.
Our affiliate groups were also on the move this year. We welcomed the LGBTQ+ Alumni Council in January, and they hosted their first in-person event during Homecoming Weekend. The Veterans Alumni Council awarded the first recipient of its endowed Salute to Service scholarship and hosted a successful virtual event series. The Black Alumni Council hosted numerous events this year, such as its Black Leadership Series with university leaders and their annual Richard T. Greener Scholarship Breakfast scholarship fundraiser.
Our alumni clubs around the country hosted game viewing parties that brought together more than 5,000 Gamecocks. Seven of these clubs raised money for endowments to support students from their cities attending UofSC, and more are to come.
We say all this to say: Thank you. We couldn’t do this without your passion and support. Whether you became a member, volunteered on an affiliate group, attended an event or supported a scholarship, thank you. We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and new year. And as always, Forever to Thee.
