2021 News Archive

UofSC HRSM Fall 2021: a look back

The fall 2021 semester began August 16 and concluded with commencement on December 13. That's only 120 days, even including weekends and holidays, but a lot can happen in 172,800 minutes. Here are some of the highlights from the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

Ambassador: Alyssia Ross becomes a leader through dedication to serving others

Alyssia Ross came to the University of South Carolina determined to get involved and make the most of her time as a student, both in class and out. Her success proved to be a blessing to countless others, as she found her niche in making others feel welcome.

Congratulations, HRSM Class of 2021 December Graduates

Please join us in celebrating the Dec. class of 2021 candidates for graduation from the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

December 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here are just a few of the many accomplishments this month of the faculty, staff, students and alumni of HRSM!

Department of Sport and Entertainment Management announces establishment of Howard "Humpy" Wheeler Endowed Scholarship

Generations of students in the University of South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management will benefit from a new scholarship established by a generous gift from university alumnus Howard "Humpy" Wheeler.

Holiday travel outlook 2021

Holiday travel was curtailed drastically by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but experts have high hopes for 2021. Professor Simon Hudson of UofSC's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management shares his insights on what travelers and industry professionals can expect from now through December.

Holiday shopping outlook 2021

The 2021 holiday shopping season includes a unique mix of challenges and trends. Faculty from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management share their insights on what businesses and consumers can expect from now through December.

First-generation college students bring wide range of perspectives to campus

It was a hot Sunday afternoon in 2010 when Kemardo Tyrell boarded a flight from Jamaica to the United States, where he would attend Northeastern University on a track and field scholarship.

November 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here is a brief look at just a few of the accomplishments of College of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni this month!

SEVT conference preview

The SEVT Conference has earned a reputation as a gathering place for current and future leaders of the sport and entertainment management industry, and the 2021 edition could be the best yet.

2021 HRSM Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Award Recipients

The University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is proud to announce the winners of its 2021 Distinguished Alumni and Friends Awards.

October 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here is a brief look at just a few of the accomplishments of College of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni this month!

Excellence rewarded: hospitality management student earns $25,000 scholarship

UofSC senior Alyssa Addamo, a first-generation college student, the newest winner of the Statler Foundation's $25,000 Scholarship of Excellence, awarded annually to a select few of the best and brightest hospitality management students in the United States.

Scholarship, research and the legacy of 9/11

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, changed the course of history, in addition to killing nearly 3,000 people. But Sept. 11 also inspired scholarship and research, as faculty brought their expertise to bear on a range of emerging issues.

UofSC researchers working to advance environmental sustainability education in hospitality and retail management

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management is kicking off a new project to advance environmental sustainability education in hospitality and retail management degree programs.

September 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here is a brief look at just a few of the many accomplishments by College of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni this month!

Department of Sport and Entertainment Management announces 2021 Tepper Scholars

The beginning of the 2021-22 academic year at the University of South Carolina includes the arrival of four very special freshmen: the second cohort of Tepper Scholars. The university's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management welcomed the four freshmen who are recipients of its most prestigious scholarship program.

UofSC hospitality and tourism management program makes national top 10

South Carolina’s flagship university continues to lead the way in preparing the future leaders of the state’s biggest industry. The University of South Carolina is again among the top 10 in the country in hospitality and tourism management.

Gamecock iHub, UofSC’s Apple Authorized Campus Store, opens

The University of South Carolina’s Apple Authorized Campus Store, Gamecock iHub, is officially open for business. The store made its debut with a grand opening ceremony on Aug. 13 and is only the second in the nation to incorporate experiential learning into its business model.

HRSM professor brings technology into classroom to show students the world

As a professor of tourism and sport management, Brian Mihalik studies the legacies of the Olympic Games. Through the use of 360-degree video technology, he has been able to virtually send students all over the world to study these venues.

Gamecocks reflect on how COVID-19 changed their jobs and how they work

This summer, Carolinian magazine reached out to a cross-section of alumni, faculty, staff and students to ask how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed their work, and their workplace philosophies.

Rising star: Retailing student gets her big break in NYC

Kate Valaoras knew she wanted a career in fashion even before she enrolled as a freshman retailing major at the University of South Carolina. Her hard work and initiative has her making a name for herself in New York City.

Graduate launches entertainment career as both a manager and artist

Two months ago, Jake Duby graduated from the UofSC with a degree in sport and entertainment management. Today, he prepares for the biggest show of his life at one of the biggest festivals in the world, Lollapalooza.

August 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here is a brief look at just a few of the accomplishments of College of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni this month!

UofSC and Qatar's HBKU offering joint master's degree in sport and entertainment management

The University of South Carolina is expanding its global footprint, offering a joint degree option of its Master of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management with Hamid Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar.

Karen Edwards named interim associate dean of academic programs

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management announces Karen Edwards will serve as the interim associate dean of academic programs.

Hospitality industry professor pushes students to think outside the box

Marketa Kubickova teaches her students to be future industry leaders, opening their minds to new horizons so they are prepared for the real-life challenges of today’s environment.

Spring 2021 honors list students

Congratulations to the following HRSM students who made the spring 2021 Dean's and President's Lists.

Work hard, play hard photo contest!

#WorkHardPlayHard is all about making the most of summer. Working at an internship or other job, launching your own business, exploring new places, taking a class, volunteering, enjoying a hobby you're passionate about, and so much more -- summertime is full of opportunity to learn, experience and discover.

July 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here is a brief look at just a few of the accomplishments of College of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni this month!

Big changes happening at Disney theme parks

The world's theme park leader is making big changes aimed at increasing inclusivity and diversity. However, a University of South Carolina professor who is one of the leading experts on the industry says "It's not all pixie dust and idealism."

Recent survey results indicate travel surge is coming

With Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial beginning of summer upon us, more than 97 percent of survey respondents said they definitely will (64.8%) or might (32.5) travel within the next six months, but COVID-19 will continue to affect their choices of destinations and activities.

Cárdenas named interim dean of College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

David Cárdenas has been named the interim dean of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, effective July 1.

Passion for service motivates UofSC senior to a career of hospitality and teaching

What Ashlyn Ooi expected to be simply a way to make money sparked a passion for the restaurant world that soon led her to pursue a hospitality management degree, and she has never looked back.

Sport and entertainment management graduate wants to fly jets for the Air Force

Jaden Sorbie wasn’t really interested in her “family business” of flying — at least not when she arrived at the University of South Carolina campus with a goal of working in live event management.

Leap of faith leads to success for UofSC international graduate

Guanlin Wu took a giant step, leaving his home in Beijing to travel more than 7,000 miles to a place he had never visited. This spring, he graduates with honors from UofSC, a place which has become his home.

June 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here is a brief look at just a few of the accomplishments of College of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni this month!

Graduating senior put hard work and sweat into making college experience more rewarding and inclusive

Ashley Simpson is a leader. Her willingness to get involved and step out front has shaped the 2021 graduate's very successful career at the University of South Carolina. But, her journey did not come without hard work and sweat.

UofSC student heads to Notre Dame for graduate school after breaking the mold in Columbia

An opportunity to customize an eclectic path to academic excellence at has been the key to success for Kabir Mann, described by his professors as "brilliant."

Congratulations, May 2021 Graduates!

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management recognizes all who have graduated in the May 2021 semester.

May 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here is a brief look at just a few of the accomplishments of College of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni this month!

College of HRSM 2021 Faculty and Staff Awards

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is proud to announce the winners of its 2021 Faculty and Staff Awards.

Retailing student overcomes challenges to achieve excellence

Blair Snider will graduate from the University of South Carolina this May with honors, leadership distinction, an Academic Excellence Award, an Outstanding Senior Award and a legacy to be proud of.

Sport and entertainment management major sets sights on Las Vegas

Shawnese Cleveland graduates in May with a degree in sport and entertainment management. She plans to begin her career working with a gaming company in Las Vegas.

Entertainment management students gain mentorship from major record company executive

Michael Goldstone's name might not be familiar to the average music fan, but his work is. Also known as "Goldie," he has worked with some of the biggest names in the business.

Sport and entertainment management professor studies new ‘attention economy’

Nick Watanabe was interning for the Chicago Fire Major League Soccer team when he realized everyone being promoted in the organization had earned their master’s degree. He realized if he wanted to move up in the sports field, he needed to go back to school.

Gamecock iHub wins in voting contest to name UofSC's Apple Authorized Campus Store

University of South Carolina students, employees and alumni will soon be able to shop at the new Apple Authorized Campus Store, and it has a new name.

April 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here are just a few of the achievements of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni for the past month!

COVID-19 impact: Sports and entertainment

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked members of the university community to share their expertise about how the coronavirus has affected all facets of life and offer insights on ways to move forward.

College of HRSM offers Master of International Hospitality and Tourism Management Info Sessions

If you are considering earning your master's degree, the University of South Carolina's Masters in International Hospitality and Tourism Management (M.I.H.T.M.) invites you to a free information session to learn more about our program.

HRSM hosts free online event -- Leadership and Resilience: Creating Success in a Year of Crisis

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management invites the campus community to the spring 2021 edition of its Dean's Executive Lecture Series.

UofSC professor named Fellow of the Academy of Leisure Sciences

Lori Pennington-Gray is the first faculty member at the university to be named a Fellow of the Academy of Leisure Sciences, one of the highest academic honors in the tourism field.

Help us name UofSC's new Apple Authorized Campus Store

In honor of March, the month of brackets, South Carolina's Department of Retailing invites the UofSC community to vote for their picks on the four store name semi-finalists for the new Apple Authorized Campus Store.

New online option for interdisciplinary studies degree at UofSC

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies offered by UofSC's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is now available for students to complete entirely online.

McCutchen House prepares students to help South Carolina restaurants rebound

After a year of learning firsthand how to adapt to challenges and keep a restaurant running in a time of crisis, UofSC hospitality management students are primed to deliver best-in-class dining experiences.

What was it like to work Super Bowl LV? Alumna Logan Hudson shares her experience

University of South Carolina alumna Logan Hudson experienced Super Bowl LV from a perspective few others will ever have. Just a few years after graduating with her undergraduate and graduate degrees in sport and entertainment management, she helped put on one of the biggest events in all of sports.

Honoring Professor Ernest Boger -- HRSM's first Black faculty member

When Ernest Boger arrived at the University of South Carolina in 1984 to become the first Black professor in what is now known as the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, he was breaking barriers. By then, however, it was nothing he had not done before.

New course on diversity and inclusion in sport management

University of South Carolina students are taking a new class this semester that addresses one of the most important issues facing the sport industry and society at large.

March 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here are just a few of the achievements of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni for the past month!

UofSC Ph.D. student working to help tourism industry recover

University of South Carolina Ph.D. student Hyunsu (Henry) Kim is leading a study that could provide practical strategies for the tourism industry as it works to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

UofSC alumna helps MLB through unprecedented postseason

Recent sport and entertainment management graduate Madison Brenner's career was taking off, but five months later she faced unforeseen challenges as the world of professional sport worked to respond to a global crisis.

2021 HRSM New Hires

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management has had a busy start to the spring 2021 semester and is proud to announce its newest faculty and staff.

Fall 2020 honors list students

Congratulations to all the students who made the President's and Dean's list for the fall 2020 semester.

February 2021 faculty, staff and alumni news and notes

Here is a brief look at just a few of the accomplishments of College of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni this month!

DiPietro named Hospitality Educator of the Year

HRSM Professor Robin DiPietro is the winner of the 2020 Outstanding Hospitality Educator of the Year Award, given by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Pennington-Gray joins UofSC to lead tourism research center

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is proud to welcome Lori Pennington-Gray as its newest faculty member.

January 2021 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here's a quick list of just a few of the accomplishments and milestones from across the college this month!

College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management