As a first-generation student, Jonathan Aun's path to becoming a doctor wasn't easy. In USC's Honors College he found friendships, memories and an environment of support and exploration in which to lead and help others do the same. Whether called Major Aun or Dr. Aun today, he continues to build compassionate connection with his patients — and is a true Gamecock at heart.
Dean Steven Lynn shares an update on the state of the South Carolina Honors College and the many exciting things ahead.
South Carolina Honors College alumna Jeanne Britton ('99 English) developed a passion for interdisciplinary learning and history as a Carolina scholar. As a rare books curator and Honors instructor, she challenges new generations of Honors students to investigate historic materials, making connections between the past and present.
South Carolina Honors College student Michael Pitre has been named a finalist for the 2026 Marshall Scholarships. If selected, he plans to pursue an MPhil in biological sciences to develop novel treatments for Parkinson's disease before returning to USC for medical school.
A Rhodes scholar embodies academic excellence, strong collaboration and leadership skills, and dedication to working for the good of humanity — all of which describe South Carolina Honors College student and public health major Hannah Brennen. Her research and involvement in the Columbia community throughout her academic career have her poised to become USC's 11th Rhodes scholar and first since 2016.
Jamie Hammill (1983, elementary education) encountered incredible courses and mentors in the South Carolina Honors College. It didn't take long for her husband Lanny Secrest to appreciate the Honors College, too. Their significant gift to the Honors College pays homage to Hammill's mentor and ensures that the tradition of "cool courses" continues.
First-generation SCHC junior Tam Dinh talks about her winding path to finding the right major and feeling confident in making life-changing decisions.
Sheila Cregger (1978), Creighton Waters (1993) and Molly Doggett (2012) are this year's Distinguished Honors Alumni. Each has made significant impacts on their local communities and beyond.
Christopher Carter, 2021 graduate of the South Carolina Honors College, conducts cutting-edge materials science research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he's earning a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. His engineering work might end up in space, but Carter credits his artwork as being central to his growth as a scientist.
Honors College international business alumni Carter Mulchaey and Amber Tu reflect on their exclusive opportunity to study at the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world.
South Carolina Honors College alumna Dr. Elizabeth Mack is a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Physician Alumni Award.
Tremayne Ansani had big plans before he even set foot on campus, but he had one overarching goal: to create and support community. Four years and a double major later, the Honors College graduate sat on the commencement stage as the recipient of the university’s highest student honor, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.
It happened a decade ago, but lessons learned from the catastrophic flooding of Oct. 1-5, 2015, in the Midlands of South Carolina are still being reckoned by USC researchers and former Honors students who were involved in the flood’s aftermath.
USC's chapter of Habitat for Humanity is building homes and futures. Led by president and McNair scholar Ria Kothari, the club works in the community almost every weekend to build homes to improve access to affordable housing.
Change is a constant in the field of visual design — and Garnet Apple Award winner, Honors Pearce Faculty Fellow Meena Khalili embraces it.
McNair scholar Kylie Mudie has been passionate about the science of skincare and beauty products since she was in middle school. This summer, the junior chemistry major connected with students and industry professionals at Spelman College's Black Beauty STEMinist Lab Intensive.
Honors College senior Luci Green initially decided to study chemistry in college, but after taking a course taught by a visiting law professor, she began considering a new path.
South Carolina Honors College sophomore Jacob Boutin spent the summer in New Mexico exploring the technological capabilities of nanosatellites: small satellites that are making a big impact in the field of aerospace engineering.
Shapeshifting cryptid creatures lurk in curious places throughout Julia Elliott’s new book, Hellions. Elliott fashions from her imaginative gray matter strong female protagonists who harness their power in unusual ways.
For nearly 14 years, Amy Taylor-Perry has taught general chemistry classes and labs at USC. Hundreds of students take these courses each semester, and Taylor-Perry has designed them to provide a solid foundation. She has now received the Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award, with her nomination endorsed by the entire Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Courtney Tkacs has lived all over the world, the product of growing up in a military family. She moved to Lexington her sophomore year of high school and found her home in South Carolina. Today, Tkacs is working to make her University of South Carolina home a better place by serving as the student body president for the 2025-26 term.
English professor Ed Madden wants to use the written word to help people connect to each other and to amplify voices often overlooked or ignored. For his achievements in teaching, research and service, Madden was awarded the 2025 Carolina Trustees Professorship in Humanities, Social Sciences, Business and Law.
South Carolina Honors College assistant dean Chappell Wilson reflects on her Honors education and career -- and the importance of interdisciplinary education. She's just as motivated by current students' ideas and energy as she was when she was a student herself.
Josh Dawsey works at the forefront of U.S. politics. He has covered the White House extensively and has twice won the Pulitzer Prize for his reporting with teams from The Washington Post. His new book "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America" tells the story of the tumultuous election season.
Chemistry and computer science senior Christian Ruff talks about how his experiences at the University of South Carolina have helped shape him.
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