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A magazine for alumni and friends of the
University of South Carolina Upstate
FALL/WINTER 2020-2021
FAMILY MATTERS
Upstate ties run deep
in some homes
Coffee Culture Meet the Class of 2024 Have Degree, Will Travel
Alum shares flavors of Upstate welcomes a Nurses find adventure
Colombia at his café new freshman class far from home
Global Career Symposium:
Leading a UP Magazine
FALL/WINTER 2020-2021
Remote Workforce
Volume 2, Issue 2
A magazine for alumni and friends of the
University of South Carolina Upstate
MANAGING EDITOR
Jessica Blais
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 8 / People First
USC Upstate prioritizes diversity,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Elizabeth Anderson
Trevor Anderson
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | University Readiness Center, USC Upstate inclusion work DESIGN
Bridget Kirkland
301 N. Campus Blvd., Spartanburg Hannah West
The Studio at USC Upstate
PHOTOGRAPHY
Les Duggins
WEB DESIGN
Eric Swearengin
Brandon Vanover
CONTRIBUTORS
Jarred Bradley
Erin Callicott
Codie Kunstmann
Conner Leonard
Lenny Mathis
32 / Major Development 28 / Wanted: A Few Good MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
Former business concentrations STEM Teachers Javier Rivera
become full-fledged degrees NSF grant to help train more
Join us for a FREE panel discussion with global industry leaders on strategies for educators for middle, high schools
developing and sustaining a remote workforce. Then enjoy breakout roundtable CONTACT US
conversations with USC Upstate students. Covid-related protocols will be observed. UMC@uscupstate.edu
A Letter From the Chancellor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ADVANCEMENT
Sponsorship opportunities available. A Letter from Kim Jolley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
MAILING ADDRESS
ATTN: UP Magazine
For more information or to register, visit uscupstate.edu/gcs INSTITUTIONAL NEWS Welcome New Board Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
University Marketing and Communications
Upstate Responds to COVID-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 In Memorium: Dodie Anderson,
800 University Way
Upstate Holds Strong at No. 1 in Rankings Upstate Champion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303
and more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Our 2021 Sponsors New Dual Degree Offers Nursing Track to ATHLETICS
UP Magazine is published by the USC Upstate
Biology Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Lady Spartans Give Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Office of Marketing and Communications. Diverse
ASUN All-Decade Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 views appear in these pages and do not necessarily
FEATURES Remembering Coach Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 reflect the views of the editors or the official policies
True Admissions: Donette Stewart Shares What Labor of Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 of the University.
Makes Her Tick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Meet the Class of 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 PHOTO FINISH
Unknown Upstate: Small Wonder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Chancellor’s Fellows Etiquette Dinner . . . . . . . . . . 40
Spartan Golf Classic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS Josh Lee 5K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Faculty Achievements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
For more information, please contact Dr. Alexander Lorenz InstaUP: Student Life in Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 FROM THE ARCHIVES
General Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
at alorenz@uscupstate.edu
uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 |1
ADMINISTRATION Letter from SPARTANBURG COUNTY
COMMISSON FOR
J. Derham Cole, Jr., J.D.
Interim Chancellor THE CHANCELLOR HIGHER EDUCATION
David Schecter, Ph.D.. Dr. David Church, '92
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Our beautiful campus is quieter than shared with underserved families. I’m Our feature about legacy families for years to come, and this year’s Giving Milton A. "Chip" Smith Jr., '78
Academic Affairs I’d like, but I fully anticipate that as we pretty sure my kids won’t remember the serves to illustrate the lasting impacts of Tuesday event was our most successful. Patrick Cutler
Daniel Feig, J.D. turn the page on 2020, we can look masks; they will remember our students a positive student experience. We Finally, we pay tribute to our December Vic Bailey III
Director of Athletics and forward to seeing more of you on and “Llama Llama and the Lucky introduce you to four different families, all graduates who, like those who graduated William Cobb, '74
Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics campus. We can be tremendously proud Pajamas,” and Suzy and I will cherish the of whom share their personal stories and in May, celebrated their accomplishments Dr. David L. Eubanks
Kimberly Jolley of what we have accomplished this year, opportunity to have watched them grow insights about why USC Upstate was not with a virtual ceremony and a Graduate Anne Flynn
Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and
despite the very real distraction of through the experience. only the right choice for one individual, Car Parade. The parade, too, grew and Dr. Ron Garner, '94
Executive Director of University Foundations
keeping our campus community safe USC Upstate grew this semester in its but was right for siblings, spouses, even because it was enjoyed by so many, I Scott Heath
Robert Katz, Ph.D.
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. understanding of how issues of racial a special grandmother and her grandson. expect that we’ll carry on this new Ben Hines
Dean of Students Out of challenge so often comes growth. injustice impact our campus. I was proud For alum Carlos Andres Camargo, tradition long after COVID-19 has been Jason Maertens
Donette Stewart Both faculty and students continue to to participate in our “Be the Bridge” going back to college had been a dream. conquered for good. Cathy McCabe
Vice Chancellor for Admissions and Enrollment Services grow in their knowledge and use of the peaceful protest, and especially proud of In our Alumni Spotlight, you’ll find out Together, we grow, continuing on our Ryan McCarty
Harold D. McClain
Sheryl Turner-Watts technologies that help ensure remote the student-athletes who saw a need and how USC Upstate helped fulfill the dream UPward trajectory to achieve new levels
Eddie Payne
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration teaching and learning online are rallied their fellow Spartans to bring the and why the owner of Greenville’s of educational excellence.
John B. Travers
Alphonso Atkins, Jr., J.D. engaging, productive experiences. Dr. event to fruition. I was moved by the Unlocked Coffee attributes some of his
Chief Diversity Officer and EO/Title IX Coordinator Thomas R. "Tommy" Young III
Emily Kofoed leads the way in creating heartfelt, honest and eloquent words of success to his economics professors.
Jessica Blais innovative ways to keep her the “Be the Bridge” speakers. The New programs keep our course
Associate Vice Chancellor for EX-OFFICIO
Strategic Communications and Marketing
communications and public speaking passion our students demonstrated has offerings fresh. We’re pleased to offer six
Toney J. Lister, Esq.
students interested in the course spread to other new initiatives that new majors in our George Dean
Adam Long USC System Board of Trustees
Chief Information Officer material. We feature Dr. Kofoed in an highlight our core values. Our dialogue Johnson, Jr. College of Business and J. Derham Cole, Jr.
Stacey Mills
article that showcases the university’s around equity and inclusion expanded, Economics, including accounting, Interim Chancellor EMERITI
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Regional Engagement and response to the pandemic. and I’m grateful to the faculty, staff and marketing and entrepreneurship and Charles Babb
Executive Director of USC Upstate Greenville Campus Our students continued to participate students who are more committed than innovation. These programs are Jane Bottsford, '69
Kim Purdy, Ph.D. in community service projects this fall, ever to ensuring these values are significant in that they provide new Jim Smith '72
Dean of University College and despite the challenges of gathering. My embedded in our campus culture. opportunities for growing the experiential
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
wife, Suzy, was thrilled to have been We learned this year that even a learning for which we have become
Khrystal Smith, Ph.D.
inducted as an honorary member of pandemic can’t stop Donette Stewart, known, and preparing our students for
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement and
Retention Initiatives IMPACT, our student-led service who so capably leads our Admissions employment upon graduation.
Pam Steinke, Ph.D.
organization. She and our young children and Enrollment Services division. In this Kim Jolley, who joined the university in
Vice Provost and Associate Vice Chancellor for donned masks to join students and Dr. issue, we learn more about what the spring, provides an update on the
Academic Affairs Deb Kladivko in service learning motivates Vice Chancellor Stewart and growth her Advancement team has
programs on campus, including one in why USC Upstate continues to attract experienced despite the pandemic. A
which they created sock puppets to some of the state’s most gifted students. generous gift from Spartanburg’s Poole
accompany children’s books to be family will benefit the campus community
2 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 |3
INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
connect virtually with individuals who
reside in a residential care facility,
USC Upstate Responds to COVID Crisis extending to them much-needed
comfort, emotional support, and
encouragement. Additionally, Upstate
L
ife on campus morphed almost nursing volunteers could be spotted
overnight as USC Upstate students, during the fall delivering food for
faculty and staff learned with the Cherokee County Meals on Wheels.
rest of the country that COVID-19 was Students in Ginny Webb’s
spreading rapidly in the United States. Microbiology class (BIOL 330) aim to
Spring Break 2020 was interrupted by spread awareness of various infectious
messages instructing students to stay diseases and methods of disease
home, rather than return to campus. control. They regularly partner with
Professors scrambled to learn online Spartanburg County’s Oakland
platforms to ensure that their students Elementary School where biology
could finish the semester’s coursework, students teach hands-on lessons to
while university leadership enrolled in a kindergarteners about disease
crash course on how to keep a campus transmission and hand washing.
safe during a pandemic. New cameras allow professors like Emily Kofoed to connect with both students in the classroom and those “This project is a wonderful
Preparing for an unusual fall semester, learning from home. opportunity for our students to serve the
USC Upstate published its Spartan Safe community while reinforcing infectious
Start Plan and a Campus Reopening and disease content learned in class,” says
Mitigation Plan, which details preventive can make students feel more connected engaged on an unusually quiet campus. Webb, associate professor. “Students
measures. The university was an early to the work. I don’t believe, for instance, Seeking to serve the Upstate take ownership of their projects and
adopter of face coverings, social that people can always watch one video community during the pandemic, Senior become invested in making a
distancing and hand hygiene. A and absorb and understand the Nursing Instructor, Latasha Gooden, difference."
COVID-19 Response Team, co-chaired content. It’s a process. I like with the support of the Mary Black “The pandemic has required a
by Mary Bucher, special assistant to the synchronous classes because of the School of Nursing, partnered with the sustained commitment to ensuring that
chancellor for Public Health, and opportunity for students to learn from Charles Lea Center and Palladium our faculty, staff and students
Shirleatha Lee, dean of the Mary Black Students continue to model Spartan pride and safety protocols, having pledged at the beginning of the semester to do one another through their interactions.” Hospice & Palliative Care to initiate the experience the best this university has
School of Nursing, worked closely with their part to help protect the campus community. Despite difficulties around gathering, COVID-19 Virtual Interaction Outreach to offer—in education and as an
leaders across campus to establish faculty and students continue to program. Since May, the program has employer,” said Cole. “I am proud of
health and safety protocols for participate in service learning, which provided nursing students and faculty what we have accomplished together.”
classrooms and common areas. “Our challenge was to balance the professors and students and mimicking has provided another way to remain volunteers with opportunities to
need for a positive learning environment as closely as possible the normal
with the realities we all faced, and experience of teaching and learning.
continue to face, during this ongoing “One of the biggest challenges for me
COVID-19 pandemic,” said Interim is not having non-verbal feedback,” says David Church ’92 Leads SCCHE
Chancellor Derham Cole. “The Emily Kofoed, assistant professor of
COVID-19 Response Team uses the Communications Studies. “I actually A lifelong resident of the Upstate and share a commitment to serve the
latest data available to advise didn’t realize myself how paralyzing it a USC Upstate alum, David Church was communities of the Upstate, and value
departments across campus about how could be to not have a room of people recently named chairman of the the respective roles each plays in
best to minimize spread of the virus.” whose reactions I could immediately Spartanburg County Commission for contributing to the region’s high quality
One of the best ways to mitigate read. So, I’ve had to adapt to finding Higher Education (SCCHE). Church is of life. That relationship may be more
spread, of course, is to limit the number new ways to get people to share how the vice president of Oncology and important now than ever.”
of students in classrooms at any one they’re feeling or what they’re thinking.” Support Services for the Spartanburg “David is one of our outstanding
time. To help facilitate communication Kofoed admits that as a rhetorician, Regional Healthcare System (SRHS), alums who has proven himself to be a
between professors and students, both she has had a bit of an advantage in and was unanimously chosen by his dedicated leader in the medical field
those on site and those learning from meeting the challenges of online fellow commissioners. and the community,” said USC Upstate
home, the university installed cameras teaching, but stresses that techniques Church has held numerous executive Interim Chancellor Derham Cole. “We
in all classrooms. The cameras enable she has found helpful are not difficult to roles with SRHS. Earlier this year, he are very excited to continue our work
faculty to engage with students in real achieve. began leading Spartanburg Regional’s with the commission with David at the
time, providing interaction between “There are several ways you can go COVID-19 Task Force Steering Team, helm.”
about making the online environment which continues to direct the system’s Church earned a Bachelor of Science
more engaging,” she says. “Part of it lies response to the pandemic. When SRHS degree in Business Administration and
Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Public Health in making sure there are stakes attached needed space for one of the area’s first Marketing from USC Upstate in 1992
Mary Bucher continues to guide the university in its to what you’re doing, whether there’s a drive-through testing sites, Church and a Doctoral of Healthcare
response to COVID-19, providing updates as state and quiz related to the lesson, or an reached out to USC Upstate. Administration degree from the Medical
national experts issue new data, while managing assignment that requires feedback, or “Our connection with USC Upstate is University of South Carolina.
testing and contact tracing on campus. asking students to pair up, all of which long and deep,” said Church. “We
4 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 |5
USC Upstate Is
No. 1...Again Nursing track opens to
biology majors
For a second No. 13 among Southern Regional
consecutive year, Colleges, private and public. It was about a year ago that the Mary “Good scientists and good
USC Upstate is U.S. News and World Report rankings Black School of Nursing (MBSON) was
No. 1 among are calculated based on 17 measures of sewing up a new opportunity for biology health practitioners always
Southern academic quality, such as graduation students at the College of Charleston.
Regional Public and retention rates, social mobility, Recognizing a critical need for nurses in ask why.” - Ben Montgomery
Colleges in faculty resources, alumni giving, the state, administrators from both
annual rankings admissions data and academic institutions developed a program that
published by U.S. reputation determined by a peer enables biology students at the College
News & World assessment from top collegiate Dean Mo Djerdjouri, George Dean Johnson, Jr. of Charleston to take their first three program,” says Lee. “This dual-degree Learning about systems in living
Report. Additionally, in its list of Best academics. Regionally accredited College of Business and Economics years of coursework and transition to program allows us to support talented organisms provides an excellent
Regional Colleges, USC Upstate is 12th schools are categorized by criteria USC Upstate to finish up. Graduates of students who discover an interest in foundation to better understand what
among all Southern Regional Colleges, developed by the Carnegie Foundation future-focused business education. the accelerated, five-year program earn nursing while minimizing a delay in our can go wrong in a living person and
which includes private institutions as well for the Advancement of Teaching. Accreditation recognizes that an degrees in both biology and nursing. ability to move them into the workforce.” how we can help to address problems
as public. institution has demonstrated a focus on Not long after the dual-degree In building a curriculum for the dual when they occur,” said Ben
“I am proud that USC Upstate excellence in teaching, research, curricula program was announced, Jeannie degree, Chapman, Lee and members of Montgomery, associate professor of
continues to build on its reputation as a Business, Nursing Uphold development, student learning and Chapman, dean of USC Upstate’s their faculty identified common courses Biology and chair of Natural Sciences
university that provides a high-quality,
affordable, career-relevant education to
Reaccreditation Standards community engagement. Only about 5%
of business schools worldwide hold this
College of Science and Technology, met
with MBSON Dean Shirleatha Lee to
that count as credit for both, decreasing
the time required to complete two
and Engineering. “Good scientists and
good health practitioners always ask
citizens of the Upstate and beyond,” says The George Dean Johnson, Jr. College distinction. JCBE has been accredited by develop a plan for offering the same programs. And while rigorous, the why. A biology degree provides a nurse
USC Upstate Interim Chancellor Derham of Business and Economics (JCBE) AACSB International since 2000. opportunity to biology students at compressed course load saves with a deeper understanding of why
Cole. “These rankings are significant recently earned reaccreditation from the “We are delighted and proud to receive Upstate. students the expense a second degree diseases occur and why particular
recognition of our collective efforts to Association to Advance Collegiate a full extension of accreditation by the “A strong science foundation is would ordinarily bring. treatments are appropriate.
fulfill our mission by providing Schools of Business (AACSB) leading global accreditor of business essential for students who wish to move “We’re excited about the new dual-
transformative opportunities for students International. Founded in 1916, AACSB is schools,” says Mo Djerdjouri, dean of successfully through the nursing degree program in biology and nursing.
and families, and positively impacting the recognized worldwide for its standards of JCBE. “It’s a great honor, and, for our
social, cultural and economic fabric of the excellence. college, one that highlights the
communities we serve.” Every five years, AACSB-accredited exceptional quality of our faculty, staff,
USC Upstate ranks No. 3 among the schools must undergo a rigorous peer students and program.”
South’s Best Colleges for Veterans, review to demonstrate they have the This fall, Dean Shirleatha Lee and her but none have been stronger than the conservation in an urban environment.”
moving up from No. 4 last year. In the resources, credentials and commitment team at the Mary Black School of programs here at USC Upstate,” says NWF’s certification website states that
social mobility category, USC Upstate is needed to provide students with first-rate, Nursing (MBSON) hosted a virtual site USC Upstate Provost David Schecter. “rapid and large-scale changes to our
visit for evaluators with the Commission “These incredible faculty and lands and waters mean wildlife are losing
Dean Shirleatha Lee, Mary Black School of Nursing on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). hardworking staff are a model for schools the habitats they once knew. Every
Lee joined USC Upstate in July 2019, just around the country.” habitat garden is a step toward
in time to take the school through the end replenishing resources for wildlife such as
of its own rigorous preparation for bees, butterflies, birds, and amphibians
reaccreditation. Wild About Upstate — both locally and along migratory
“The Mary Black School of Nursing has USC Upstate joined the ranks of corridors.”
long embraced the idea of continuous Disney’s Epcot Theme Park and the USC Upstate has long been recognized
improvement, always working to provide Denver Zoo when it was recognized for its dedication to preserving the beauty
a high-quality program for our students,” this fall by the National Wildlife of its 330 acres. As a designated Tree
says Lee. “Over the last few years, faculty Federation (NWF) as a Certified Wildlife Campus USA for more than a decade, the
committees collaborated to ensure Habitat Site. Bruce Suddeth, the university is recognized by the national
alignment with Commission standards.” university’s director of Building and Arbor Day Foundation for its promotion of
Lee says exit reports by 2020 Landscape Services, applied for the healthy trees and student involvement.
evaluators indicate that all standards certification and was delighted when
and key elements were met. A he learned Upstate had met all criteria.
recommendation for reaccreditation will “We have many types of wildlife on the
go before the CCNE Board of campus grounds at varying times of Beth Button, adult education coordinator for the
Commissioners during its spring meeting. the year,” says Suddeth. “This is Watershed Ecology Center, holds her rescue
“I have been involved with a number of significant recognition that the opossum, just one example of wildlife that can be
accredited programs across the country, University is doing its part for wildlife spotted on campus.
6 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 |7
‘People Stacey Mills, ’92, is a well-known
advocate for equality, serving on
First’
the National Board of the Urban
League, as a member of the
Greenville Race Equity and
Economic Mobility Commission,
USC Upstate the Spartanburg Racial Equity
Collaborative, and as chair of the
prioritizes diversity Greenville City Council’s Citizens
Advisory Panel, which develops
and inclusion efforts recommendations to improve
hiring of minority candidates,
in the community and among other responsibilities. Interim Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs and Dean of
Students Brit Katz, right, works closely with student
on campus. government leaders and organizations across campus on
initiatives and events designed to invite dialogue around
Early in 2020, USC Upstate joined a like the Spartanburg Race Equity Code to ensure these efforts and issues of equity and inclusion. Student Body President
group of 15 area organizations to form Collaborative,” Mills adds. “As a ideals become embedded in the Adib Kapasi, left, assisted in planning Upstate’s first-ever
the Spartanburg Racial Equity partner in these initiatives, USC campus culture. Latinx virtual Town Hall.
Collaborative. Among these partner Upstate is well positioned to continue “There is now a clear, non-
organizations are the City of to contribute to stronger lives and discriminatory harassment clause in
Spartanburg, the Mary Black brighter futures.” our code that addresses behaviors –
Foundation, ReGenesis Healthcare, On campus, several new initiatives an impingement of free speech, for
Spartanburg County, Spartanburg aim to promote awareness of racial example,” says Katz. “A student cannot
School District 7, and the United Way inequity and opportunities for change. threaten, diminish or coerce – in other
of the Piedmont, all of which have Utilizing data in the Spartanburg Racial words, deny – another student an
come together to realize a mission to Equity Index that was published in opportunity to learn freely as he or she
“eliminate racial inequities in 2018, academic and student affairs or they are.”
Spartanburg County through racial leaders have come together to facilitate Nick Gaffney, USC Upstate’s director
healing and systems change.” dialogue and provide students with of African American studies, is among
USC Upstate’s educational mission new opportunities to contextualize the faculty who have developed new
complements the collaborative’s racial unrest they’re witnessing across programs for students. The “Black
efforts to advance awareness, the country. Carolina Lecture Series” introduces the
education and training around racial “Imagine, if you are a man or woman community to the work of scholars
equity, foster authentic dialogue, and of color, or of a minority orientation, a actively conducting research on
advocate for equitable policy and minority disability, or of a minority faith African Americans in South Carolina USC Upstate student-athletes joined student and campus organizations to
system changes. Indeed, these ideals tradition, what 2020 has done to your and the southeast. lead a social justice march in October. The peaceful protest, called “Be the
are embedded in the university’s psyche,” says Robert “Brit” Katz, The Campus-Community Book Club Bridge,” provided students with an opportunity to engage with the
strategic objectives to provide interim vice chancellor for Students and Study Group allows students and community and spread a message of racial unity. Araceli Hernandez-Laroche, associate professor of modern
accessible education and enhanced Affairs and Dean of Students. “We’ve community members to participate in a languages and assistant chair of USC Upstate’s languages,
quality of life for citizens of the Upstate. morphed from multicultural series of seminar-styled discussions of literature and composition department, has been a force for
“With many first-generation and programming to intercultural education four to six books over the course of an cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity, and has modeled
adult students choosing Upstate for and engagement because the world — academic year. All of the title selections service across campus and in the community. She has been
their academic goals, economic and our university — is an share a common theme of involved with numerous organizations, including Alianza
mobility can be tied directly to intersectional experience of gender, “Historicizing Inequality: The Spartanburg, which is dedicated to improving quality of life
educational attainment,” says Stacey race, sexual orientation, faith tradition, Construction of Racial Disparities in for the Latinx community, and the Líderes Avanzando
Mills, who leads USC Upstate’s role and socio-economic status. Our American Society.” Through College Program in partnership with UnidosUS,
with the collaborative as assistant vice programs must represent the “We’ve seen a lot of angst about which supports first-generation Latino students. “Our Latinx
chancellor for Regional Engagement spectrum.” recent waves of social activism and faculty are engaged in collaborative, public-facing work, with
and executive director of the Greenville Since Katz arrived on campus last police brutality,” says Gaffney. “One of local community members and civic leaders throughout
campus. “A college degree changes spring, he’s created a new group that is the things students come to realize is South Carolina on issues related to authentic outreach,
the trajectory for multiple generations dedicated to advancing the status of that these are historical problems that advocacy, inclusion, leadership development, and language
in families, and USC Upstate provides the Black/African American student have repeated themselves since the accessibility, including translation and interpreting studies,”
a gateway to accessible and excellent experience. He’s supported faculty and World War II era, so we find ways to says Hernandez-Laroche. “Through public scholarship and
educational opportunities and students who have similar goals for crack open the history books and talk community-based learning, we connect our students to a
improved quality of life.” recognizing challenges and concerns about this, to recognize the cycles, powerful network of mentors representing a wide range of
“As municipalities strengthen of Latinx students and families and look for the silver linings, highlight the industries and nonprofits.”
resolves related to race, equity and those with disabilities. And he revised optimism, and examine how to move
mobility, our ‘people first’ strategic the USC Upstate Student Conduct forward.”
imperative lives in the work of groups
8 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 |9
FLASHBACK
In January 2008, light snow showers visited
the Upstate region. While short-lived, the
blanket of snow created a scenic landscape
around the USC Upstate campus.
10 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 11
Donette Stewart:
The Rewards of
Recruitment
Vice Chancellor for Admissions and Enrollment Services Donette Stewart
has worked at USC Upstate for 30 years. She says she still feels a sense
of pride every time she drives onto the campus. She loves what she
does, and she loves why it matters.
W
hen I first started working in life that make Upstate such a special we miss the personal interaction with
admissions, it was because I place. It is truly an honor to be part of students and parents. We love having
loved the idea of talking to their growth and development while they students on campus! We miss visiting
students about going to college and are with us. Even after all the years of our local high schools and community
helping them through the process of working on campus, watching the college partners to meet face-to-face
enrollment,” she says. “Once I students graduate still gives me great joy. with prospective students. I believe
understood that I could help students We have fantastic faculty and staff at students need to visit a campus to
while marketing how education Upstate who truly are committed to make a final decision about college
transforms lives, I knew this was the student success. It's motivating to work attendance, so I am pleased that we are
right path for me.” with people who are dedicated to beginning to offer on-campus visits and
Stewart says that growing up, she students. Recruitment and enrollment tours again, providing safe opportunities
was inspired by her parents and requires everyone on campus to believe for students and families to become
grandparents, who worked to help familiar with our state-of-the-art
people and their communities, and she classrooms and beautiful green spaces. primary means of communication is growing, high-paying field. The two What advantages do you feel USC
knew she wanted to make a difference. “There are not many things now electronic. We use email, social fastest growing majors in our arts and Upstate offers students?
She’s grateful for all of the people she’s How has your work evolved over the media, texts and chat bots to reach out. humanities college are criminal justice I believe Upstate offers students many
met along the way, who she says have more rewarding than giving years? and psychology. Both of these majors advantages. Among these are
made life special and meaningful. What career opportunities do you offer incredible job opportunities for opportunities to:
“I have had the opportunity to work students the chance for a My work has changed tremendously feel students today should consider? students interested in research and/or
for some amazing leaders who shaped over the years but it has always been helping others. • Build quality, personal relationships with
USC Upstate into the university it is better future.” rewarding and meaningful. Our campus I have always believed that students Additionally, Upstate does a fantastic other students, faculty and staff
today. While people probably don’t size and student body have more than should think about what they enjoy job preparing students for graduate • Learn from highly respected faculty
grow up dreaming about how to be a doubled since I began working at most to help them make a final decision school, in medicine, dentistry and law, members who are leaders in their fields
higher education enrollment specialist, in what we do and live that every day. Upstate. We have gone from managing about their major and career. It is for example. Individual attention and • Enjoy a campus with modern buildings
that’s only because they don’t know I really enjoy all of the moving parts of a couple of thousand applications for always easier to go to work when you opportunities to work closely with our and gorgeous green spaces
how rewarding it can be! There are not enrollment, planning and working to get admission to more than 10,000 love what you do. I encourage students faculty help students prepare • Participate in Division 1 athletics with
many things more rewarding than giving the puzzle to fit together just right! applications a year, and from a few to talk to people working in the fields impressive files for admissions supportive and mentoring coaches
students the chance for a better future.” Implementing a strategy to attract million dollars in financial aid to over that interest them to learn more about committees. • Learn in the beautiful Upstate region,
students to Upstate is an important part $60 million. the rewards and any challenges. one of the fastest growing in the United
What do you enjoy most about your of enrollment management. It is critical Technology has tremendously Our professional colleges offer States
work? to our success and the success of our changed the way we communicate. outstanding career options in nursing, • Be a part of the prestigious University of
students. Over the years, we have transformed education and business. These career South Carolina System
There are many things I enjoy about our office from a paper-based options are timeless and provide • Interact with a diverse campus
working at Upstate but I think the top What do you find most challenging? admissions and financial aid system to outstanding earning potential and community, one committed to equity and
three are students, colleagues, and one that is completely electronic. opportunity for career progression. Our inclusion
planning. This year, of course, has offered new Student information is available in a science and technology college offers • Participate in hands-on learning with
Our amazing students are the reason challenges. Due to COVID-19, we’ve matter of minutes, allowing us to make students a chance to prepare for prestigious partners in business,
I am always happy and excited to come had to host many of our events virtually, decisions much more quickly. And while medical school or consider new majors education and healthcare
to work. They provide the energy and and while we are grateful for technology, we still mail information to students, our like cybersecurity, which is a rapidly • Attend a university that is ranked No. 1
by US News and World Report!
12 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 13
Meet the
Class of 2024
1054
756
19.5 690 19
369 154
66
States Represented (including SC)
4.02 44
Reside in On-Campus Housing
SC High Schools Represented
9
Average High School GPA
SC Counties Represented
South Carolina Residents
Countries Represented
Out of state Residents
Average ACT
Average SAT
New FTIC
Facts About The Class of 2024
*Data is for first time in college (FTIC) students
Anahi Sanchez Malcom Leach Brianna Templeton Paul Metts Darbie Lisk Olivia Marshall
Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Hometown: Hometown:
Boiling Springs, South Carolina Abbeville, South Carolina Orangeburg, South Carolina Saluda, South Carolina Hampstead, North Carolina Mooresville, North Carolina
High School: High School: High School: High School: High School: High School:
Boiling Springs High School Abbeville High School Andrew Jackson Academy Homeschooled Topsail High School Mooresville High School
Major: Major: Major: Major: Major: Major:
Accounting Graphic design Business marketing Criminal justice Criminal justice Biology pre-med
Hobbies: Hobbies: Hobbies: Hobbies: Hobbies: Hobbies:
Hairstyling Art, running Painting and singing Weightlifting and fishing Drawing and playing softball Softball, hiking, learning random
What do you hope to achieve What do you hope to achieve What do you hope to achieve What do you hope to achieve What do you hope to achieve things like mushrooms, insects, etc.
during your time at Upstate? during your time at Upstate? during your time at Upstate? during your time at Upstate? during your time at Upstate? What do you hope to achieve
I hope to make more long-lasting I hope to have fun, grow and learn I hope to achieve all of my goals I hope to become more I hope to achieve a successful during your time at Upstate?
friendships. as much as I can. and aspirations and to hopefully independent and focused. softball career and graduate with Winning the softball team
I chose Upstate: I chose Upstate: double major at some point to I chose Upstate: a degree that will help me in conference championship.
Many of my friends go here and Because the school has a lot of further my knowledge. Because of the great whatever profession I choose. I chose Upstate:
they told me about the great history and legacy to my family. I chose Upstate: criminal justice program. I chose Upstate: To play Division I but was never
things at Upstate. Because of academic For the incredible opportunity to play interested in big schools. When the
scholarships and the community! for a successful D1 program but also coaches called about continuing
because of the smaller, community- softball and education at Upstate,
like campus. I couldn't think of a better fit.
14 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 15
ALMUNI SPOTLIGHT
Unlocked:
A Door to Two Worlds
Coffee roastery and café connect Upstate alum to the community and his country.
The business’ name refers to Camargo’s philosophy of “unlocking” the flavor in each type of bean, rather than
BY ELIZABETH ANDERSON assigning a particular type of roast to it.
C
Carlos Andres Camargo,‘18, owns Unlocked Coffee in Greenville with his wife, Rocío Salazar.
arlos Andres Camargo, ’18, has Camargo had only recently graduated His first step was to enroll at date, the perfect place to do anything.”
seen his dreams deferred more from high school and had planned to Greenville Technical College. “To be While still working on his degree at
than once in his life. go to college in Colombia, but that had honest, I didn’t know what I would like Upstate, Camargo began exploring
College wasn’t an option when he to wait while the brothers established to study or what degree I would like to options to learn more about the coffee
arrived in the United States from themselves in their new home so their get,” he says. “But I knew that I had to business. He discovered Ally Coffee in
Colombia at age 19 – it was nearly 20 parents could join them. start at some point.” Greenville, a coffee importer that also
years later when he earned the degree “It was really hard,” Camargo says. Starting off with college offers classes for anyone serious about
he had always wanted. When the “The first years, I didn’t have the prerequisites was helpful, he says, coffee. Camargo learned about
pandemic shut down his coffee shop language, and it was very difficult to since it allowed him to get up to speed selecting beans, roasting and brewing,
just as he was getting ready to officially establish a relationship with the people academically without the pressure that while simultaneously working on a
launch, he worked hard to keep the and the culture.” enrolling at a four-year university would business plan.
business going until he could reopen. Camargo and his brother found jobs have brought. Initially, he thought he’d At the conclusion of his coffee
Sitting in the comfortable, bright at a local plant that polishes implants just do a two-year program, but his classes, he realized he needed to put
space at Poe Mill in Greenville that he used in joint replacements. The work teachers encouraged him to continue his knowledge into practice, so he
and his wife have transformed into a was tough – the brothers worked 12- on and get his bachelor’s. So he bought 154 pounds of Colombian
welcoming place to enjoy a cup of hour days, six days a week, from 4 transferred to USC Upstate to major in coffee and rented a roaster at Ally. He
coffee, Camargo shares other dreams a.m. to 4 p.m., Camargo says. business, and “absolutely loved it.” gave the finished product to family and
– supporting coffee farm communities He worked at the plant for 10 years, “I’ve never regretted going to USC friends to get their feedback, which, he
back in Colombia, opening additional but in 2010, he decided he was ready Upstate,” Camargo says. “Every class I says, was positive. “They really enjoyed
shops in the Upstate. Like his earlier for a change. He had been to South took, I maximized everything they had the coffee a lot, and started asking if
plans, these, too, may take time to Carolina a few times to visit a family to offer, knowing that one day I could we would sell it,” he says.
achieve, but Camargo believes deeply member, and really loved the state. “I apply that to a business.” In between college courses and his
in fostering community. enjoyed the weather, the people, and Starting his own business had long insurance job, Camargo would take a
“Making everybody feel welcome, everything I saw here in South been a dream of Camargo’s. His initial day to roast coffee, deepening his
making them feel that everything we Carolina, especially in Greenville,” he idea was that he’d work for a company, knowledge of all the variables in the
prepare is done with care, is a special recalls. learn the trade, then look for process. As graduation neared, he was
part of what we do,” he says. “When The move was not without risks. The opportunities to strike out on his own. offered the opportunity to open a shop
we serve anything, we want to be sure country was in the midst of a He also wanted to do something that at Poe West, a former mill in Greenville.
people are getting our best.” recession, and jobs were scarce. But, related back to Colombia. His thoughts It was a bigger step than he’d
Unlocked Coffee reflects Camargo’s Camargo says, he didn’t feel any naturally led to coffee. anticipated taking, but the economy
love of both his native country and special ties to Connecticut. “I never “People in Colombia are really looked good and he wasn’t sure he’d
adopted one. Camargo grew up in Calí, had a chance to feel connected to the passionate about coffee,” he says. get such a chance again.
a city surrounded by lush mountains culture at all,” he says. “So it was a “Everything is around coffee. Even our Because Camargo had focused on
and rivers and noted for its salsa clubs. chance to be in a different place and soccer team is called Los Cafeteros – economics at Upstate, he knew coffee
But in the 1980s, the city also became have different connections.” the coffee people.” was a fairly recession-proof business.
synonymous with drug cartels and After arriving in the Upstate in 2011, A coffee-related business also fit Far from hurting business, periods of
violence, and Camargo’s family was he got a job as an insurance agent. It well with another goal of Camargo’s: economic downturn are often good for
concerned about their safety. His was then he began thinking about connecting with the community. “You coffee shops, he says. “When you can’t
parents decided the family should college again. “It was always there, my can do that in many ways, but I think go out and afford a big dinner, you can
immigrate to the United States. dream of going back to college,” he coffee shops and coffee are a source still give yourself a good cup of coffee,”
So in 1999, Camargo and his older says. “It’s something that will always of great connection with people,” he he explains. He felt his new business
brother moved to Connecticut, where have a value in your life and on your says. “Coffee shops are the perfect could likely ride out any rough
extended family members lived. family long term.” place to have meetings, study, have a economic times ahead.
16 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 17Visit Unlocked Coffee at Poe
West, 556 Perry Ave. Suite
B116, Greenville, or online at
unlockedcoffee.com.
Unlocked Coffee offers a range of coffee drinks and breakfast items. Carlos Andres Camargo takes pride in his Colombian roots. Even Unlocked’s cups were designed in Colombia
especially for the cafe.
But as with many small business particularly for a new business that In September, Unlocked held a
owners, Camargo had no way of hadn’t yet built up a loyal client base. staggered-hours grand opening,
anticipating the impact of a pandemic. “I’m still adjusting, still trying to figure it complete with coffee giveaways and a
He was just getting ready to officially out every day,” he says. “We have days latte art throwdown. After so many
open the café at Poe Mill in March when we have good traffic, and we feel setbacks, it was good to finally have
when almost everything in the state like, oh, we’re ready, next week is something to celebrate, Camargo says.
shut down. going to be really busy again. Then What the coming year holds is
It was devastating, Camargo says. next week, no one comes.” uncertain, but Camargo dreams of
While he fully supports keeping people Camargo has instead focused on opening more coffee shops eventually,
safe, he says the state rules what he can control, which is making especially in Upstate cities that may
disproportionately hurt the food his shop as welcoming and not have many options. It’s important,
industry, which had to rely solely on comfortable as possible for people he says, to have places where people
curbside or delivery service. Big box looking to get out of the house and can come together – and maybe learn
stores, many of which initially did not relax. His wife, Rocío Salazar, who is a little bit about Colombia, too.
require masks, were deemed also Colombian, has been critical to “We’re that point of connection
“essential” and allowed to remain that effort, using her marketing between our country and people here,”
open. expertise to create a website, promote he says. “It’s like a bridge between two
Even when restaurants got the green the shop on social media, and design countries, and we’re in the middle
light to reopen, at 50 percent capacity, the logo. “The personality of the brand facilitating. Unlocked Coffee is located in Poe Mill in West Greenville.
it still wasn’t enough, Camargo says, comes from her work,” Camargo says.
18 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 19“The majority of professors
I've had want you to pass,
they want you to succeed,
but the most important
thing is, they want you to
learn.”- Sharanda Simmons
All in the Family
USC Upstate ties cross generations in many households.
I
t’s not uncommon for the faculty, relations with a minor in women’s and “Coming to Upstate, being in
staff and students who live, work gender studies, seeing the campus Spartanburg, and being on a smaller
and study at a university to during her older sister’s freshman campus and having that community
describe the campus community as a orientation left a lasting impression. was great,” says Shayla Simmons.
family. In some cases, though, it “I loved how green it was,” she
literally is. recalls. “It was really refreshing Connie Gilbert and
Over the years, USC Upstate has compared to the other schools I had Brandon Harrison
welcomed multiple generations of visited.” Brandon Harrison was drawn to his
families to campus: alums whose Sharanda Simmons says she initially grandmother’s stories about being a
children attended Upstate, older and planned to stay close to the family’s nurse, but he was hesitant at first
younger siblings, even some home in Charleston and attend about a nursing career.
grandparents and grandchildren. While Charleston Southern. But she loved the “I was interested in it after high
the university name has changed idea of being close to her sister, who school, but I wasn’t 100 percent sure
between some of those generations – was living and working in Greenville that’s what I wanted to do,” the third-
from USC Spartanburg to USC Upstate after graduation. year nursing student says. “The main
– family members share the same Shayla Simmons was thrilled. thing that scared me away from it was I
affection for their alma mater. “Because I had such a great heard about how tough nursing school
experience at Upstate, I was happy to is, how competitive it is.”
Shayla and Sharonda know that she was going somewhere Harrison’s grandmother Connie
Simmons that was familiar, so if she had any Gilbert (then Threadgill) already had
Shayla Simmons, ’18, always questions she could ask me who to experience when she entered nursing
thought she’d attend the main contact, or I could introduce her to school at USC Spartanburg. She had
University of South Carolina campus in faculty and staff I know,” she says. been a practical nurse for 12 years,
Columbia. Then she toured USC Sharanda Simmons shares her and was a mom to three children, when
Upstate. sister’s enthusiasm for Upstate. “I just she decided to return to school and
“The staff, the campus, something really love the school,” she says. “It’s fulfill a goal. She received her
about it just felt right,” she recalls. “I so family oriented – everybody is associate degree in 1978.
went back home and told my parents I connected, everybody is trying to help “My mother always encouraged me,
didn’t want to go to Columbia each other.” because that was her desire, to be a
anymore.” When she struggled with a math nurse,” Gilbert says.
Simmons had taken some business class early on, professor Charles Harrison joined the Navy when he
classes in high school and really McGill went the extra mile to help her, finished high school, and then worked Shayla, ‘18, and Sharanda Simmons
enjoyed marketing, so Upstate’s Sharanda Simmons says. And in real estate. He also got married – his
business administration program, throughout the pandemic, her wife, Stephanie, ’18, is the daughter of Harrison looks forward to caring for When Harrison talks to Gilbert, he that shaped their choice of major. But
which offered a concentration in professors have offered support, she Donette Stewart, vice chancellor for others, something he says has always often shares with her the things he’s their minors reflect creative interests
marketing, was a good fit for her. She says. enrollment services. But all the time, meant a lot to him. “Just being able to learning in school, which he says she’s that remain important to them.
also appreciated the real-world “The majority of the professors I’ve he says, the idea of nursing “just sort help people whenever they’re always excited about. While nursing Both siblings majored in business
experiences her professors shared in had want you to pass, they want you to of grew on me.” When he told his vulnerable and having rough moments school has been tough, “As long as the administration with a concentration in
class, which helped prepare her for her succeed, but the most important thing grandmother he had decided to pursue would be special,” he says. dedication is there, it’s definitely accounting, but Zanzi Robinson initially
current job with the corporate offices is, they want you to learn,” she says. nursing, she was elated. Gilbert says those were some of her possible,” he says. was tempted to pursue her first love,
of Krispy Kreme in Charlotte. Though the sisters grew up in “He’s following in my footsteps, and favorite things about being a nurse, too English literature. Even after deciding
For Sharanda Simmons, a junior Charleston, they both loved the more that really makes a grandmother – “communicating with the patients, Zanzi and Yusef Robinson on business, she took 21 credit hours
majoring in communications and public intimate Upstate environment. proud,” Gilbert says. working with families in difficult Siblings Zanzi, ’18, and Yusef of English classes.
situations,” she says. Robinson, ’19, have practical streaks Yusef Robinson, too, toyed with a
20 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall/Winter 2020-2021 | 21Meg Cheshier already had a good principal at McCracken Middle School But Sam Cheshier was certain he
idea of what she wanted to study in in District 7. Bob Cheshier is a longtime was making the right choice. “I just
college. During high school, she’d physical education teacher at Monarch looked at it from the perspective of
assisted teachers in elementary school Elementary School in Union County. overall happiness,” he says. “Were my
classrooms, and really enjoyed the Both Cheshiers love being parents content? Were they happy?
experience. “I felt like I’d always been educators, despite the challenges. “I And they were.”
drawn to kids, from volunteering at still have students that I keep up with,” The Cheshiers’ younger son, Max, is
church and vacation bible school. I says Meg Cheshier. “Anybody can nearing completion of his degree at
liked kids,” she says. come into a class and teach, but to USC Upstate, but after taking a few
For Bob Cheshier, the discovery was me, it’s a gift to be able to meet these education classes, he decided the
a process. Initially a business major, he young people and build a whole child. family profession wasn’t for him, says
found his calling with physical It’s not just educating them, it’s getting Meg Cheshier. And that’s OK, she
education after he helped lead some to know them and shaping them and says, since you have to love education
youth soccer camps. encouraging them.” if you’re going to be committed.
Although Bob Cheshier was in Bob Cheshier enjoys the energy and Sam Cheshier definitely does. He
mostly upper-level classes by the time enthusiasm of his young students. teaches 10th-grade physical science
his future wife started at the university, “They’re a joy, they don’t see any and chemistry at Chapman High
the two became friends. Meg Cheshier negativity, they’re excited and School, where, he says, “I have a
recalls he was one of the “very big men positive,” he says. “You know you have hundred victories a day.”
on campus back then” because of his some kind of meaning in their lives, “Whether it’s small, like just getting a
success on the soccer pitch – for 11 and you’re helping them in a positive kid to understand a simple concept, or
years, he held the campus record for way.” I’m getting my whole class to
all-time leading scorer, and his record Nevertheless, the couple says they participate, it is very rewarding – not
for assists went unbroken for 17 years. were not enthusiastic at first when their just education-wise, but building
The couple, who married in 1989, older son Sam, ’18, told them he had relationships with these kids and
have more than 60 years of teaching switched his major from nursing to having a direct impact,” he says.
experience between them. Meg education. They worried he didn’t fully “Whenever a kid comes back and
Connie Gilbert, AA ‘78, and Brandon Harrison Yusef, ‘19, and Zanzi Robinson, ‘18 Cheshier worked for many years in understand the kind of sacrifices that says, ‘Man, Mr. Cheshier, I loved your
Spartanburg District 3, but for the last would be involved, even after seeing class,’ I honestly can’t put into words
different path. A cellist, he seriously “I’ve always loved travel,” she says. But equally important are the four years has been the assistant how his own parents had struggled. how great it feels.”
considered attending Furman “It’s the culture, I love food, I really like interpersonal skills he’s learned from
University to pursue music. “It was the language.” engaging with professors, which he
opposing forces – the wants and then While Zanzi Robinson says she says have helped him become more Bob, ‘86, Meg, ‘87, and Sam Cheshier, ‘18
the needs,” he says. In the end, “wasn’t much for business” when she independent. “Even though I wasn’t
however, pragmatism won out, and he started at Upstate, she found she liked technically a professional at that
chose Upstate for its business the thought process involved with moment, seeing how they interacted,
program. accounting. Her instructor, Michael and also them interacting with me as if
Still, the siblings continued to Wooten, encouraged her to consider a I were on the same level, helped me
explore their other interests. Both are concentration in the subject, which she navigate workplace dynamics better.”
native Spanish speakers, and while at says proved to be great advice. “It was
Upstate, Yusef Robinson earned a a puzzle, it was fun,” she says. The Cheshier family
minor in translation and interpreting. Also a revelation was how valuable The Cheshiers are not only an
Some of his favorite memories involve her English minor was in her career. All Upstate family, they are a family of
the experiences he had putting his the research papers she’d written educators as well.
skills to use. For spring break one year, came in handy when she was looking Meg, ’87, and Bob Cheshier, ’86, met
he did a study trip to Costa Rica into account issues. “I have been able at USC Upstate back when it was USC
through the business school, acting as to apply those skills, those techniques Spartanburg. Meg Cheshier was the
a secondary interpreter for the group. I learned, into resolving problems,” first in her family to attend college, and
“It was good because I was able to she says. chose USC Spartanburg because it
see entrepreneurship firsthand from Yusef Robinson says he benefited was close to home and she could
people who really didn’t have anything both personally and professionally easily commute. Bob Cheshier, on the
and were able to start businesses from from his experiences at Upstate. There other hand, moved clear across the
the ground up,” he says. were the classes, which introduced country, from Seattle, Washington, so
Zanzi Robinson, an avid traveler, did him to the skills and functions he uses he could play soccer on the
a summer study abroad program in in his job now as accounting manager university’s inaugural team.
Peru, where she taught English to for the ETV Endowment. Career fairs at “My dad said I either have to work
adults. She also spent two weeks in the school helped him polish his my way through college or I have to get
Germany and Spain as a trip assistant interviewing techniques and get more a scholarship,” Bob Cheshier recalls.
for a business school student trip. comfortable in stressful situations. “My coach found USC Spartanburg,”
22 | UP Magazine uscupstate.edu/magazine Fall 2020 | 23You can also read
