HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award: Sara Wingate Bako

Sara Wingate Bako earned her degree in retailing from the University of South Carolina in 2004. Today, she serves as president of London Times for Maggy London – a women’s designer apparel brand specializing in dresses. Throughout her distinguished career, Bako has remained engaged with her alma mater – providing mentorship and career development opportunities for students and serving on the Industry Advisory Board for the Department of Retailing.

HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award: Scott Harriford

Willie Lloyd “Scott” Harriford IV is a 2016 alumnus of the University of South Carolina and earned his undergraduate degree in hospitality management. He has gone on to utilize his background in event management to build a prestigious career in the political campaign arena and is now a principal of Hilltop Public Solutions based in Washington D.C. Harriford is a Columbia, S.C. native and has participated in numerous alumni functions with the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management throughout the years – helping to shape the future of the college.

HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award: Casey Sparks

Casey Sparks began her career while still a student at the University of South Carolina, as a marketing intern opening the Colonial Life Arena in 2001. She is currently vice president of Oak View Group Austin and assistant general manager at Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The $375 million dollar venue was built on The University of Texas campus and opened in April of 2022, quickly becoming one of the top 5 venues in the country. Sparks earned her bachelor’s degree in sport and entertainment management in 2002.

HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Casey Sparks

Rebecca Norberg graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s in sport and entertainment management in 2014 and will earn her Master of Human Resources and Organizational Design from Eastern Michigan University in April 2023. As a student she served as student director of the SEVT Conference, participated in volunteer opportunities and built relationships with faculty and fellow students. She took the program’s focus on internships to heart, working with the Greenville Drive, Carolina Panthers, Koger Center, and worked as a resident mentor for the Sport Management Living and Learning Community and as a student assistant in the Athletic Department.

HRSM Distinguished Service Award: Frank and Sally Roach

Frank and Sally Roach have played an important role in the success of the sport and entertainment management program within the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

Frank Roach spent 12 years as a senior lecturer in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina where he developed and taught courses in event management, live entertainment, and venue management. During that time he made an immeasurable positive impact on students that is still being felt today.

Frank Roach holds a masters of public administration degree from Golden Gate University and a bachelor of arts from the College of William and Mary. He has been a member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) since 1976 and has served in various leadership roles. Career awards include the IAVM’s Distinguished Allied Member Award (2002), the Harry E. Varney Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award (2005 and 2012), Feld Entertainment’s Barnum Award (2010) and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the SEVT Conference (2016).

Sally Roach constantly stood beside Frank to support the College of HRSM. As executive director of the Township Auditorium, she served as a guest speaker in classes, offered internships for students and gave students a firsthand look at a massive venue renovation. She also mentored numerous students over the years, helping them find internships and jobs and offering support along the way.

Today, Frank and Sally Roach are “gainfully retired” in Bluffton, South Carolina and involved in various community endeavors.

HRSM Distinguished Friend of the College Award: Contemporary Services Corporation

Established in 1967, Contemporary Services Corporation, CSC is the world leader in crowd management and event security. CSC’s esteemed clientele base includes more than 180 stadiums, arenas, and theaters, over 110 universities and scholastic institutions, nearly 50 convention centers, and numerous clients within the professional ranks of MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, and NASCAR.

CSC has also provided services for the world’s most prestigious special events, including Collegiate Bowl Games, NCAA Final Four Tournaments, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, Kentucky Derby, 32 Super Bowls, 10 Olympic Games, 5 Presidential Inaugurations, 4 Papal Visits, and 2 FIFA World Cups.

CSC operates 49 branch locations throughout the United States and Canada and has a long-standing partnership with the University of South Carolina. Numerous South Carolina graduates are currently working in various managerial positions with CSC. CSC provides South Carolina students with unique opportunities to gain event experience at the largest sporting events, including the Super Bowl, MLB All-Star Events, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Players Championship, Presidents Cup, Kentucky Derby and many more.

HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award: Peter Wallace

Peter Wallace is the director of ticket operations for the Durham Bulls, the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. 

After earning his B.S. in sport administration in 1999, Wallace has distinguished himself for more than two decades in professional sports. He has also served as a mentor to numerous people in the industry and remained a strong supporter of the College of HRSM. He and his wife currently live in Cary, N.C., with their two precocious sons.

HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Aaron Henderson

Aaron Henderson is a certified NFL and NBA agent and director of football strategy for Vanguard Sports Group. 

Henderson earned his B.S. in sport and entertainment in 2013, followed by an MBA and MSA from Ohio University in 2015 and a J.D. from Southwestern Law School in 2019. He currently lives in Los Angeles, and has remained a strong supporter of the College of HRSM.

HRSM Distinguished Service Award: Catherine Gustafson, PhD, CCM, CHE  

A legend in the College of HRSM and a mentor to countless club management professionals, Catherine Gustafson’s influence is beyond measure.

Gustafson was awarded the title of professor emerita in July 2021 after 26 years in the College of HRSM and 34 years at USC. She continues teaching in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in that role.

Distinguished Friend of the College Award: The Isdell Family Foundation

The Isdell Family Foundation has been a strong supporter of the College of HRSM for decades, since Cara Isdell Lee (now an Isdell Family Foundation trustee) was a student at the college.

The foundation has given more than $134,000 in annual support to the College of HRSM. The foundation has also supported the Dean’s Circle of Friends and been a member of the President’s Society of the University of South Carolina since 2006.

HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award:  Mamee Groves

Mamee Groves is regional vice president of food and beverage at ClubCorp, the largest owner and operator of private clubs in the United States. She oversees the food and beverage operations for 46 private golf, business and country clubs in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Groves earned her master’s degree in international hospitality and tourism management in 2004 and was a national champion track and field student-athlete as an undergraduate at the University of South Carolina. Her career began after meeting a regional director for Hyatt Hotels at a career fair on campus.

She worked for Hyatt for 12 years, starting as an assistant restaurant manager and working her way up to director of operations at the Hyatt on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Moving to ClubCorp in 2016, she served as a regional director of food and beverage before earning promotion to regional vice president in 2019.

While with Hyatt she was a three-time manager of the quarter and served as chair for Women@Hyatt and Hyatt Black Diversity initiatives. She is also a certified sommelier and a member of the Women in Food Service forum and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Groves has remained involved with the College of HRSM, serving as a mentor and professional development champion for students. She has given numerous guest lectures, supported scholarship fundraisers and assisted students and fellow alumni with career networking.

HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award:  Ava Jones  

Ava Jones is the director of operations with Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC) Louisville. CSC is a crowd management and security company serving more than 200 cities in the United States and Canada.

As Louisville director of operations, Jones serves as event security director for Churchill Downs. She manages all security needs for the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, Thurby and other events, leading teams of more than 1,000 people.

Jones emerged as a star in her first year at the University of South Carolina, earning a job at the London Olympics. She also completed a student internship with USA Triathlon, earning a promotion to membership services coordinator. While on campus, she served as director for the Sport Entertainment and Venues Tomorrow (SEVT) Conference and volunteered her time as an HRSM ambassador.

Since graduating magna cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in sport and entertainment management in 2014, Jones has risen quickly in the industry. She began working with CSC in 2017 and made a name for herself in Miami, running Miami Marlins games, Florida Atlantic University athletics events, and BB&T Center events.

She helped launch the Spokane branch of CSC in January 2019, then accepted her current role at Churchill in October of the same year. In 2019 alone, she helped run 626 events, including seven in a single day.

During her still-young career, she has already worked the Olympics, two Masters tournaments, two Indy 500 races, national governing bodies national and world championships, games in the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB along with many NCAA events, the Super Bowl, arena and stadium concerts, Broadway shows, political events including the Democratic National Convention, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (one of the largest events of its kind in the world).

Due in part to her work, CSC Spokane earned the company’s Branch of the Year Award in 2019.

Jones has been quick to help the sport and entertainment program as an alumna, serving as a Case Cup judge for two SEVT conferences and as a young alumni panelist.

HRSM Distinguished Service Award:   Barney Allman  

Barney Allman is a legend in the College of HRSM. Now retired, the former senior instructor and assistant chair in the Department of Retailing taught more than 10,000 HRSM students over more than two decades of service.

Allman, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from South Carolina, was a first-generation college graduate. His father worked in a sawmill and his mother in the cotton fields.

While at the College of HRSM, Allman taught management classes which were required for all HRSM students, spreading his influence far beyond his department. He was known for drawing on his personal experiences and work as a business owner (of Skateland USA in Columbia and Florence) for his lectures.

Allman was recognized for his teaching excellence with the USC Advisor of the Year Award and the College of HRSM Harry E. Varney Teacher of the Year Award. Since retirement, Allman has supported the college as a donor and as a mentor and friend to countless alumni, faculty and staff.

He credits his success to “wonderful people who helped me along the way,” mentioning Dean Harry E. Varney, John Duffy, Pat Moody, Richard Clodfelter and Linda Norris. He also says he looks back fondly on many students who were a pleasure to teach, adding that he would list them all if he could.

Allman is currently enjoying retirement with his wife, Helena, who is an assistant professor at the University of West Florida, and their daughter Margaret, who will soon turn 4. He also has an adult son, Jason, and baby granddaughter Alex. His brother, Rocky, is also his business partner.

Distinguished Friend of the College Award:  Statler Foundation  

The Statler Foundation has played a transformational role in the education of College of HRSM students, providing generous donations over the last three years to support scholarships and initiatives in the college.

The foundation, based in New York and created in 1934, continues to honor the wishes of the late hotelier Ellsworth Statler as expressed in his will. The foundation’s ongoing goal is to support the growth of the hospitality industry. E.M. Statler once said “The only way to success is by hard work, thrift and service to others.”

The foundation continues Statler’s legacy by providing grants and scholarships to hospitality students and programs all over the country. Students in the College of HRSM have been the beneficiaries of the generous fund which has supported travel scholarships to study in the Galapagos islands as well as general academic scholarships. The Scholarship of Excellence program rewards the best and brightest students, including HRSM alumni Parker Coggins (2018) and Florencia Laber (2019).

Grants awarded in 2018 and 2019 from the foundation also funded much needed renovations and improvements to the historic McCutchen House, the college’s student-run restaurant and management laboratory. Thanks to the generosity of the foundation, McCutchen House recently added upgraded kitchen equipment and dramatically improved the dining space throughout, providing an enhanced experience for students and visitors.

 

HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award Karen O’Neill, 1997

Karen O'Neill is president of the Americas market for Knowcross, a global hotel management software and technology intelligence provider for the hospitality industry. She is a 1997 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. O’Neill is a thought leader and hospitality industry veteran with 20 years of experience working with top-tier hospitality and restaurant clients. She has climbed the ranks of the hospitality technology sector, becoming one of the few female VPs, and one of the youngest, for a $1 billion software company along the way. Originally from Maryland, O’Neill was one of the only students from her high school to attend USC. She began her career with MICROS Systems (now ORACLE) after securing an interview at a job fair she attended while she was in college.

She worked for MICROS for 15 years where she held various positions in project management, major account management and sales and strategies. In her last role, as vice president of hotel sales and strategies, O’Neill worked closely with leading global hotel chains, independent properties and management companies on technology strategy, system selection and deployment. O’Neill helped grow the company from $500 million to more than $1 billion, positioning the business for a strategic sale to technology giant, Oracle.

O’Neill went on to found KnockOut Hospitality Consulting, LLC, in 2013. She then joined StayNTouch, a property management software system, as the vice president of sales and marketing where she managed the company’s global sales and marketing initiatives. In 2017, O’Neill was recruited to serve as president, Americas for Knowcross, where she leads the company’s growing operations and sales initiatives across North America.

HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award Meghan Azevedo, 2008

Meghan Azevedo is a 2008 alumna of the University of South Carolina and earned her bachelor’s degree in sport and entertainment management. Azevedo went on to earn her MBA from the University of Virgina and has worked hard to advance her career path that began while she was a student at USC working for Gamecock Athletics. As an undergraduate student, she stood out to her professors for her determination and keen knack for finance.

She began her post-graduation career in ticketing and corporate sponsorships for the Baltimore Ravens and went on to work with Under Armour for more than seven years. Her knowledge and leadership is clearly demonstrated by her rise through the ranks at Under Armour to the position of senior manager and chief of staff to the CFO. In 2018, Azevedo joined T. Rowe Price global investment management firm as a senior finance manager. In her current role, she works closely with businesses, providing both financial and strategic support for short and long-term initiatives.

In addition to her career success, Azevedo has been a strong advocate for the College of HRSM and has shared her time and talent to help the next generation of students. From securing donations that support student scholarships, to hosting a delegation of USC visitors at Under Armour Headquarters over fall break, she has helped her alma matter grow and provide enriching opportunities for students.

HRSM Distinguished Service Award Michele Braddock-Beagle, 2007

After a successful banking career, Michele Braddock-Beagle returned to college to complete her degree at the University of South Carolina. With the help of faculty member Harriet Hurt, Braddock-Beagle made the most of her experience at USC and gained valuable career connections made available to her through the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.

After graduating from USC with her degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2007, Braddock-Beagle relocated to Atlanta to work for the Atlanta Falcons as the stadium event coordinator. She was part of the original WNBA Atlanta staff, which became the Atlanta Dream, and was a key part of the first WNBA arena sellout event. She has extensive experience in event management and fundraising, working in various capacities for three NFL teams, the Masters, the Hootie and Blowfish Monday after the Masters Tournament, and more.

Braddock-Beagle goes above and beyond to dedicate herself and her time to service. She volunteers extensively with the George Rogers Foundation, planning the annual Heisman Golf Tournament and Gala weekend event each year as well as additional fundraising events for the Foundation. She served on the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Board, Georgia PTA Board and is a member of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Team in Training, and National League of Junior Cotillions.

While event planning is what she is best known for, the University of South Carolina is Braddock-Beagle’s passion. She has great institutional knowledge about the university, and she helps students in all majors and walks of life by providing information and mentorship to help them on their path to personal and professional success. She currently serves as president of the Atlanta Gamecock Club and Atlanta My Carolina Group, and loves supporting Gamecock events with her husband, also a Carolina alumnus.

Her nominator had this to say about Braddock-Beagle: “Michele goes above and beyond to help any future students with information about the College of HRSM and helps current students with internship and job placements. Her knowledge of and passion for HRSM is what landed me in the program I am in today.”

Distinguished Friend of the College AwardDarlington Raceway

Darlington Raceway is a pillar of sport, entertainment and tourism in South Carolina and has become ingrained into the degree programs and learning experiences of hundreds of University of South Carolina students.

Established in 1950, Darlington has become famously known as the "Track Too Tough to Tame" and contributes more than $64 million in annual economic impact to the state of South Carolina. With 111 different NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winners in 65 years of racing, legends such as Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, Dale Earnhardt, David Pearson and Jeff Gordon have made their marks at Darlington.

The historic and thriving raceway is an invaluable friend to the College of HRSM and the University of South Carolina — impacting the education and lives of students, alumni and faculty. Hundreds of students gain career experience each year at Darlington through unique opportunities to work at signature events like the Bojangles’ 500. Every semester, the organization opens its doors and makes time for students studying the business of NASCAR. The custom course was once taught by then Darlington President Jim Hunter, who would be proud to know that a legacy and relationship he helped build has prospered and grown since those early NASCAR marketing courses.

The organization’s support is also felt across campus, as it played an instrumental role in founding the Thomas H. Regan Lecture Series, sponsored by NASCAR, which gives students and the broader Carolina community the chance to hear from prestigious industry leaders. Many of these students go on to work in internship and full-time roles with Darlington, providing a direct pathway from sport management education to career — all right here in South Carolina.

Sean Celia Potter, ’04, ‘05, Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management

Sean Potter is the recipient of the 2017 HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award. He graduated from University of South Carolina with his Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management in 2004 and his Master of Science in Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management the following year.

Potter founded Southern Valet and Transportation in 2005, and has grown the company into various markets throughout South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina with a wide variety of parking and transportation services. Currently, Southern Valet and Transportation has 132 employees throughout the state and is optimistic of future growth.

In addition to his success as an entrepreneur, Potter has invested his time and passion as a key member and ambassador for the HRSM Alumni Society. He has served as a board member since its inauguration in 2006 and also served one term as its chair. He said being involved in the organization has helped him maintain close ties to his alma mater.

Sean lives in Columbia, S.C., with his wife, Melissa, their twins, Claire and Thomas, and their dog, Charlie.

Sallie Hook Boggs, Retired Retailing Faculty

Sallie Boggs is the recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Service Award. Her name is well-known to countless HRSM alumni. For almost two decades prior to her retirement in 2017, Boggs taught classes in the Department of Retailing's Fashion Merchandising track, inspiring and guiding student after student to successful careers in the fashion world and elsewhere. She is a three-time winner of the HRSM Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, an award nominated and voted on by students. Boggs is also a three-time USC graduate, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marketing and her doctorate in marketing education. She wrote her dissertation on the assessment of store image in retail fashion institutions.

During her time at HRSM, Boggs helped establish Fashion Board as one of the most active student organizations on campus, and the group continues to be a recruiting and promotional boon for the retailing department and the college and university as a whole. With Boggs as its first advisor, Fashion Board grew from less than 20 members to more than 200 in less than three years.

Boggs has left a legacy of education, mentorship and career success at HRSM and continues to be most admired, appreciated and respected by her colleagues and former students. She and her husband live in Columbia. Their daughter, Creighton, is a 2016 USC graduate and currently in law school at the University of Richmond.

Sarah Olivia Haile, ‘13, Sport and Entertainment Management

Sarah Haile is the recipient of the 2017 HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award. She is a 2013 USC graduate and earned her B.S. in sport and entertainment management with distinction and a B.A. in public relations.

Haile is now the Motorsports marketing manager for Comcast, where she is responsible for the day-to-day management and strategy of Comcast's NASCAR partnership, including its entitlement of the NASCAR XFINITY Series and its presence in the sport as the Official Entertainment Provider of NASCAR.

Before joining Comcast, she spent time working in the agency world at GMR Marketing on their Comcast account, as well as at Octagon on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entitlement. While an HRSM student, Haile spent time interning for the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation, Spire Sports and Entertainment and Darlington Raceway.

Haile is a Charleston native and now lives in Philadelphia.

E.L. “Bert” Pooser, Jr

Bert Pooser is the recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Friend of the College Award. He has been in the hotel business for 50 years and has developed, owned and/or operated over 50 hotel properties. IMIC Hotels, the company he founded in 1981, currently operates 14 hotels in four states with Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham and Choice franchises.

Pooser has been an incredibly loyal supporter of the University of South Carolina as an alumnus since earning a marketing degree in 1960. He established the HRSM Pooser Bicentennial Scholarship in 2001 to assist students in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management who had a financial need and also have a scholastic commitment to academic excellence and outstanding achievement. This scholarship has benefitted more than 40 students and counting.

Pooser served as Chairman of the HRSM Dean’s Council from 1999 to 2002 and served on the University of South Carolina’s Educational Foundation Board. He developed the Inn at USC Wyndham Garden, which IMIC now manages, as part of a joint venture with the USC Development Foundation in 2005. He was appointed as one of two appointees by the Lexington County Council to the Midlands Convention Center Authority Board and additionally was chairman of the Design Committee for the Convention Center.  He was chairman of the Lexington Medical Center Foundation Board for three years and continues to serve on the board. He’s former chairman and president of the South Carolina Hospitality Association, and served on the National Hotel Advisory Board, the Wingate Inns Presidents Advisory Council, and Choice Hotels’ Comfort Inn Advisory Board, Ramada Inns’ RINA Executive Committee. 

IMIC Hotels is continually listed as one of the top hotel management companies in the United States, as one of the top annual revenue producing hotel companies in the United States. Pooser has received the following additional honors:  Hospitality Association of South Carolina 2001 Hotelier of the Year; USC School of Hospitality and Tourism Management 2002 Hospitality Industry Leader of the Year; USC Darla Moore School of Business 2002 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year; Lexington Medical Center Foundation Stilwell Award for Achievement in Philanthropy; South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Distinguished Service Award. 

Bert is married with three children, two of whom are also active in the family business.

Myles Boer Solomon ’99, Sport Administration

Myles B. Solomon is the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award. A 1999 alumnus of the Department of Sport Administration, Solomon is the principal at Element Sports Group and the president of Solomon Sports Management, LLC. He earned his law degree from USC in 2003. Based in Atlanta, he is currently a member of the Georgia Bar and specializes in sports law and contracts, including agent representation for NCAA Division I athletic directors, football and basketball coaches, as well as NFL coaches. He has served as an adjunct professor in the SPTE department and previously worked as an attorney for Bassi, Edlin, Huie & Blum LLP in San Francisco, an attorney for Coca-Cola in Atlanta, and as a law clerk for the Law Offices of Craig Kelly in Columbia.

Nirjary Mukesh Desai ’03, Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management

Nirjary Desai is the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Young Alumni Award. Nirjary is a 2003 alumna of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She is the founder, owner and principal project manager of KIS (cubed), an exclusive destination event management and special event planning company. Born in Ndola, Zambia, she grew up in South Carolina and later moved to London to pursue her MBA in International Marketing and Management. Her distinctive vision and business acumen have garnered features on Bravo TV, the Wedding Channel, Harpers Bazaar Bride India, Huffington Post and Glambitious Magazine. She can be seen making a guest appearance in the film Meet The Patels. Conde Naste Brides Magazine has voted Nirjary as one of the Top 50 destination wedding planners in the world.

Thomas M. Jackson, Sr.

Tom Jackson is the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Service Award. Jackson is a 1958 graduate of USC where he studied business and retailing. He began his career working with Pet Mile Company for eight years in St. Louis. Following that, Jackson returned to South Carolina where he opened the first Icee franchise in the state and served as general manager for the next 31 years. In 1998, he bought Palmetto Candy and Tobacco in the Vista and ran it until retiring in 2010. He has served as president of the Columbia Sales and Marketing Association, is a member of the Columbia Rotary Club and is an adamant supporter of the Gamecocks and higher education. He is the College of HRSM’s longest standing board member and is also an active member of My Carolina and the Gamecock Club. He is married to B Jackson and together they have six children.

Ragsdale Family

The Ragsdale family is the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Friend of the College Award. Proud supporters of USC with a family full of Gamecocks, the Ragsdales recently left an estate gift to benefit the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Office of Student Affairs, where both Charles and Emily serve on the Parents Advisory Council. Charles is a 1987 alumnus of the college, with a B.A.I.S. degree, while Emily earned her associate degree in retailing in 1976. One of their daughters, Schall, graduated in August, 2015, with an HRTM degree from HRSM, while their younger daughter, Emily, graduated from USC in May, 2016, with a minor in HRTM.

Carolee Ettline Moore ’93, Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management

Carolee Ettline Moore is the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award. A 1993 alumna of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Moore is the vice president of sales and marketing for Crestline Hotels & Resorts. She is based in Crestline's Virginia Beach office and currently oversees the sales efforts for Crestline's portfolio of upscale branded and independent hotel properties that span 74 locations with nearly 12,000 rooms in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Moore has more than 20 years of hotel and travel industry experience. Before joining the corporate Crestline team, she led the group sales team at the Emory Conference Center Hotel, an independent conference center hotel in Atlanta.

James C. Scott, II ’01, Retailing

James C. Scott, II, is the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Young Alumni Award. A 2001 alumnus of the Retailing program, he is the owner and operator of Jamie Scott Fitness in Columbia. Scott owns two exercise venues (including an indoor cycling studio) with a third location on the USC campus set to open in the fall of 2015. A former defensive back on the USC football team, Scott started his fitness career as a football team trainer at Hammond School and later developed an in-house fitness and wellness program for the Washington, D.C., office of commercial real estate developer Edens.

Richard Clodfelter, Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Richard Clodfelter is the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Service Award. Clodfelter was a professor in the Department of Retailing from 1988 until he retired in 2012. He taught courses in retail buying, Internet retailing and entrepreneurship. His specific research interests have included scanner pricing accuracy, e-commerce and retail buying. Richard received the Distinguished Researcher and Scholar of the Year Award from the College of HRSM in 2001. The South Carolina Business Education Association (SCBEA) has honored him as Collegiate Teacher of the Year and Teacher Educator of the Year. His book on retail buying is in its fifth edition and is currently used in the Department of Retailing.

James T. Pearce, Sr., Distinguished Friend of the College

James T. Pearce, Sr., is the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Friend of the College Award. A World War II combat veteran, Pearce and his brothers turned a third-generation family grocery business into a regional restaurant food supplier that was eventually bought by Sara Lee Corporation. They also later sold what had been the largest Anheuser-Busch beer distributorship in the Southeast. A 1942 graduate of USC, Pearce is an avid supporter of higher education and the University. He and his late wife, Kit, created a $1 million Carolina Scholar endowment several years ago. Pearce honored his late son, William, a 1972 USC graduate, by creating a $1 million endowment for the William McFall “Mac” Pearce Professorship in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management earlier this year.

Rasheed Muhammad,’95, Retail Management

Rasheed Muhammad is the 2014 recipient of HRSM's Distinguished Alumni Award. A 1995 alumnus of the Retail Management program, Muhammad is the senior vice president for SunTrust Bank's Private Wealth Management / Sports and Entertainment Specialty Group. A singer and songwriter at heart, Rasheed pioneered a new entertainment practice designed to serve the financial services needs of the Atlanta entertainment industry.

Alex Berberian, ’08, Sport and Entertainment Management 

Alex Berberian is the college's 2014 Distinguished Young Alumni Award recipient. A 2008 alumnus of the Sport and Entertainment Management program, Berberian currently serves as manager of consumer products sales and operations for Feld Entertainment, Inc., in Ellenton, Fla. Feld is the world's largest producer of live family entertainment including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Feld Motor Sports, Disney on Ice and Disney Live.

Dr. Patricia G. Moody,College of HRSM Dean Emerita

Patricia "Pat” G. Moody, Ph.D., is the College of HRSM's 2014 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Moody served as dean of the College of HRSM at USC for 9 years and was a professor at USC for more than 30 years. During her tenure as dean, the college made significant progress in growing the student body, attracting high-level research faculty members, building the college's endowment, establishing the International Tourism Research Center, the Alfred P. Sloan Center for Tourism Research, initiating land mark tourism studies and opening program agreements with several Chinese institutions as well as other international universities.

Dee Hust, Distinguished Friend of the College

Dee Hust is the College of HRSM's 2014 recipient of the Distinguished Friend of the College Award. Earning Managing Partner of the Year in 2009, 2010 and 2012, Dee has been managing partner of the Bonefish Grill in Harbison since 2008 and has been with the company overall for 11 years. The connection made between Bonefish Grill and HRSM has been a special one for Hust and he looks forward to further collaboration and partnership in the future.

Scott Reynolds, Distinguished Friend of the College

Scott Reynolds is the College of HRSM's 2014 recipient of the Distinguished Friend of the College Award. A managing partner locally at the Bonefish Grill on Forest Drive, Reynolds has been with the company for more than 10 years and has developed a strong bond with HRSM. Reynolds, who grew up working with a strong hospitality industry background in Myrtle Beach, is proud of the partnership with the college and feels a personal point of pride in its continued development and progress over the years.

Haissam Baityeh
, ’89, Hospitality Management

Haissam Baityeh is the 2013 recipient of HRSM's Distinguished Alumni Award. Originally from Lebanon, Baityeh graduated from the USC School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in 1989. He is a past recipient of the Manager of the Year Award presented by the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), and currently serves as executive vice president and COO at Bent Tree Country Club located in Dallas, Texas.

Nate Bredeweg, ’07, Integrated Information Technology

Nate Bredeweg is the college's 2013 Distinguished Young Alumni Award recipient. A Columbia, S.C., native and 2007 alumnus from Integrated Information Technology, Bredeweg currently serves as a senior enterprise technical release manager at Lowe's Home Improvement in Charlotte, N.C. Lowe's is a Fortune 100 company with 1,750 stores serving more than 14 million weekly customers. Bredeweg is also founder of Renee & Company, Inc., a North Carolina-based technology consulting firm.

The Richardson Family

The College of HRSM's 2013 Distinguished Friends of the College Award is presented to the James C. Richardson family. Based in Hickory, N.C., the Richardson family maintains strong ties to the University of South Carolina. Recently, the family completed a significant family endowment in support of the SmartState Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development. Led by USC international tourism expert Dr. Simon Hudson, this center will be the go-to resource for tourism research in the State of South Carolina. The Centers of Excellence were established in 2002 by the South Carolina General Assembly to provide jobs and new research throughout the state.

Dr. Donald Earl Stowe 
’72, Higher Education Policy and Leadership

Donald "Don” Earl Stowe, Ph.D., is the College of HRSM's 2013 Distinguished Service Award recipient. Stowe spent nearly 31 years at the College of HRSM as an administrator, advisor and faculty member. He helped launch the University's bachelor's degree for the Interdisciplinary Studies program (B.A.I.S.), home to more than 5,500 USC graduates. Dr. Stowe is past president of the Association for Integrative Studies (AIS), a national organization that promotes interdisciplinary curricula and degree programs similar to USC's B.A.I.S. degree. Today Dr. Stowe serves as an education associate and consultant for the South Carolina Department of Education Division of School Effectiveness.

Vickie Cox Neighbour, ’01

Vickie Cox Neighbor is a 2001 graduate from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.I.S.) program. She currently serves on the board of directors for Cox Industries, Inc., an Orangeburg, S.C.-based manufacturer and distributor of outdoor wood products. Cox retired in 2008 after 16 years with Cox Industries, Inc., most recently as its vice president of international business development. She is a 2001 graduate of Leadership Columbia, S.C., holds an MBA from Kennesaw State University, and has completed the Cambridge Institute for Global Learning in Amman, Jordan. She is active with the Richland County Foster Care Review Board, among other local philanthropic causes.

Moe Baddourah, ’86, ’99

Moe Baddourah holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. A Columbia, S.C., native, Baddourah is the owner of Moe's Italian Grapevine Restaurant located on Rosewood Drive in downtown Columbia. In July 2012, he was elected to Columbia's City Council representing the District 3 Rosewood community. Baddourah's extensive community involvements include serving as a volunteer firefighter and as chairman of the Rosewood Crawfish Festival.

Matt Hudson, ’00

Matt Hudson is a 2000 alumnus from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's program in Integrated Information Technology. Hudson currently serves as owner of Mindlash, a leading website development firm in Columbia, S.C., chief creative director at the public relations firm CarterTodd and Associates, Inc., co-founder of the tech company Palmetto Computer Labs; head graphic designer for Columbia Home & Garden magazine, and creative director for the Internet startup company Voterheads. For his professional achievements and philanthropic involvements—led by his support of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind and its annual "Wine, Dine and Design” fundraiser—Hudson was named to The State newspaper's coveted "20 Under 40” list in 2011.

Salina Vieira Neuhaus, ’00

Salina Vieira Neuhaus is a 2000 graduate from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Department of Retailing. She serves as vice president and director of sales and account services for Market Group Connect (MGC), a New Jersey-based division of Randa Accessories. Randa is a privately held, global leader in lifestyle accessories. The company has 20 offices in 12 countries, and projected 2012 sales of more than $625 million. Neuhaus oversees various key business aspects for MGC, including business growth strategies, gross profit, and new business planning. Under her guidance and strategic planning, Randa has become the world's largest manufacturer of men's lifestyle accessories.

Joe P. Sobieralski, ’01

Joe P. Sobieralski is a 2001 alumnus from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. He currently serves as vice chancellor for business and finance and chief financial officer for the University of South Carolina Aiken. In this position, he oversees a $55 million institutional budget and a number of the university's strategic business functions, including human resources, purchasing and contracted services. Prior to being named vice chancellor at USC Aiken, Sobieralski served as director of business and finance for auxiliary enterprises and university life at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. From 1999 to 2003 he served as the assistant to the associate athletics director for business with the USC Athletics Department. Sobieralski also holds a master's degree and bachelor's in accounting from USC's Darla Moore School of Business.

Elizabeth Smith, ’95

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.I.S.) | First-Year English Program Coordinator | University of South Carolina

Kristie Santora Rasheed, ’02

Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management | Regional Director of Reservations and Revenue Optimization | Wild Dunes Resort, Destination Hotels and Resorts

Ken Godwin, ’02

Bachelor of Science in Technology Support and Training Management | Vice President and Business Systems Consultant Manager | Wells Fargo

AnnaBelle LaRoque, ’05

Bachelor of Science in Retailing | Designer and Owner | LaRoque

Kristy McPherson, ’03

Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management | Professional Golfer | LPGA Tour | 2011 Outstanding Service Award Winner

Cliff Arthur, ’86

Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management | Alumni Society Chair | Bonefish Grill Joint Venture Partner

Katherine Brown, ’99

Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management | Alumni Society Chair-Elect | USC Athletics Associate Director of Compliance

Molly Britt, ’94

Molly Britt graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1994 with a degree in Hotel, Retail and Tourism Administration. In 2004, Britt launched MollyAnna, a maternity clothing line inspired by her own pregnancy with her daughter, Anna. Since then, the clothing line has gained popularity with Hollywood’s celebrities and has been featured in more than 30 publications. Britt also spent time working in Los Angeles in television production and finance. She currently resides in Atlanta, Ga.

Mike DeMaine, ’95

Mike DeMaine received his Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration from the University of South Carolina in 1995. He is the general manager of the Greenville Drive and has also worked with the Frisco RoughRiders Baseball Club, the Charlotte Checkers and the West Coast Hockey League. DeMaine currently resides in Greenville, S.C., with his wife, Jamie, and their three children—Grace, Sophie and Lacie.

Frankie Marion, ’01

Frankie Marion graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2001 with a degree in retailing. He is currently self-employed and has worked with several outdoor and fishing companies. In 2002, he launched Pescador Brand Clothing, a company that produces fishing gear. He is also a member of the College Alumni Society Board.

Stacey Tarpley, ’98

Stacey Tarpley received her Bachelor of Science in Information Management from the University of South Carolina in 1998. She now works as an enterprise project manager for Wachovia Corporation. She currently resides in Charlotte, N.C., with her husband, Keenan, and children, Kevin and Kelly.

Gary Thomas Baker, ’86

Gary Thomas Baker received his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.I.S.) in 1986. Gary has a 30-year career in retailing and is currently employed by Target Corporation as the store team leader at the new Lexington, S.C., store. Prior to Target, he spent 25 years in store management with the Kroger Company. Gary credits professor Colonel John Lenti for inspiring and equipping him with the tools needed to do “whatever it took” to be a successful businessman.

"I totally enjoy working with all the cool people I've had a chance to meet and influence in [Target] retail. And I'm driven by the challenges and opportunities I get to tackle here.” These new people include Target employees all over the country as Gary is sent periodically to various destinations in the United States to help open new stores.

Gary grew up in Columbia and currently resides in Lexington, S.C., with his wife, Lori (B.A.I.S., 1985), and their children, Andrew, Hannah and Joe.

Elizabeth "Libby” Shelton Floyd, ’86

Elizabeth Shelton Floyd received her Bachelor of Science in Retailing with an emphasis in fashion merchandising from the University of South Carolina in 1986. She is the national television host for ShopNBC. The show is seen by more than 65 million people each day.

Libby is a former Miss Greenville, Miss Teen South Carolina All-American, and has worked as a professional model in New York. Her previous work experiences include the management training program at Bullock's Department Store in Los Angeles, television host for a basketball show on The Sports Channel / Los Angeles, lead singer in her own band, host of her own radio show in Pomona, Calif., talent agent for Wilhemina in Beverly Hills, Calif., published author of two books, guest host of The Shopping Channel in Canada, and national TV host of Shop at Home.

"My retail classes were very informative with Mrs. Kitty Strickland,” said Libby. She credits her diverse successes in her career to the diversity that comes with studying retail management and the flexibility to expand the degree by taking electives in other areas.

Libby grew up in Greenville, S.C., and is married to Tony Cane-Honeysett. They currently reside in Minneapolis, Minn.

Kevin M. Ayres, ’97

Kevin M. Ayres received his Bachelor of Hotel Administration in 1987 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and his Master of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management from the University of South Carolina in 1997. He is the owner / president of State Street Snacks located in Lexington, S.C. His previous employment experiences include general manager with Sodexho (University of South Carolina) and multi-unit manager with Marriott. He currently serves as an allied board member of the National Association of Collegiate Concessionaires, is a member of the National Association of Concessionaires and has spent 11 seasons as a youth league coach in soccer, baseball and basketball. He received the Marriott Pinnacle Achievement Award in 1991.

Kevin is an adjunct professor in the School of HRTM and has published refereed journal articles in College and University Foodservice as well as presented at a student research conference on Hospitality and Tourism at the University of Houston.

He and his wife, Jill, have two children, Brendan and Bonnie, and reside in Columbia, S.C.

Sam J. Piccione III, ’98

Sam J. Piccione received his Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management in 1998 from the University of South Carolina.. He is the director of corporate sales for AEG, the largest sports and entertainment provider in the world, and is responsible for developing corporate partnerships. His previous work experiences include director of sports sales for NBC Sports Station Group and director of business development for Telemundo Station Group and NBC Station Group. Sam also spent seven years with the Anaheim Angels Baseball Club and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in sales and promotions. He was a part of the 2002 Angels World Series Team. Many of his family members are Gamecock alumni as well, including his sister Gianna, who is a sport and entertainment alumna, currently working for the Arizona Football Club in sales and servicing.

"[My time at the University] was truly the best four years ever and sport and entertainment management, led by Dr. Guy Lewis and Dr. Tom Regan, gave me the direction to succeed in the sports business world from day one!”

Sam currently resides in Manhattan Beach, Calif., and works in Los Angeles.

Ernest M. Pringle, ’92

Ernest M. Pringle received his Bachelor of Science in Office Information Systems (now Technology Support and Training Management) in 1992 and Master of Public Administration in 2004. He is employed by the University of South Carolina as the assistant dean for information technology at the USC School of Law. Previously, Ernest was the associate director of Student Development and University Housing, where he provided strategic leadership and direction for all information technology services, including the planning, delivery and management of academic and administrative network and telecommunication support services for University Housing at USC. His previous employment experiences include network operator with Policy Management Systems Corporation, and network administration with the College of Applied Professional Sciences at USC.

Ernest is president of the USC Black Faculty and Staff Association, serves as an assistant T-ball coach with Richland County Recreation Commission, and was nominated by USC president Andrew Sorensen to participate in the United Way 2005 Blueprint for Leadership. He grew up in Charleston, S.C., but currently resides in Columbia, with his wife Tamila (Retailing,1990) and their two children, Kelsey Brianna and Trey Austin.

Elizabeth "Beth” Ann Haltiwanger Hinshaw, ’84

Elizabeth Haltiwanger Hinshaw received her Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (now Technology Support and Training Management) in 1984. Elizabeth is a sales executive with Strategic Products and Services (SPS). SPS is a premier business partner for Avaya Telecommunications. Beth's previous work experiences include IBM, where she achieved golden circle status, (top 5% in the world), Black Box Network Services where she achieved millionaire's status (125% retainment), and Avaya / Lucent Technologies / AT&T where Beth led the regional team to 149% attainment. Beth credits her mentor, Dr. Pat Moody, for teaching her to set goals and go for them. Moody also gave Beth practical advice like, "don't ever carry a pocketbook and a briefcase at the same time!”

Beth is a member of SCTMA, Church Council at Christus Victor Lutheran Church and is a youth leader with Mt. Horab Lutheran Church – catechism.

She is a Columbia native, but now resides in Chapin, S.C., with her husband Frank and their children, Trenton Addison and Elizabeth Ashleigh.

Deborah Chandler

Deborah Chandler is the senior assistant to the CEO of IMI, a real estate marketing and sales company out of Greenville, S.C. When the CEO of IMI, Mike Collins, became the chairman of the Dean's Partnership Board, Deborah joined him at the meetings and quickly became a valuable asset to the board and College. Deborah's corporate experience in marketing and event management have been instrumental in the development of HRSM's Garnet Jacket Classic Golf Tournament and Classic Party and Ultimate Auction. Through Deborah's direction and vision, the Garnet Jacket Classic has become the premiere golf tournament in the Midlands in just a few years and has raised thousands of dollars for scholarships for HRSM students.

Deborah has not only contributed her time and talents to the tournament, but she also recruited a very special student who is now a very special alumnus. Deborah's son, Jonathan Murray, is a 2006 sport and entertainment management graduate already finding success in the music promotion industry.

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management appreciates the time and support of this loyal supporter and is pleased to recognize her with our highest honor, "Honored Friend of the College.”

Jim B. Owens, Jr.

Jim Owens has served on the Department of Retailing's National Partnership Retail Advisory Board for several years and has provided astute leadership and been an excellent supporter of the College and the Department.

Jim joined The Biltmore Company as vice president of retail operations and winery guest services in September of 2001.

Mr. Owens' business background is quite extensive with more than 30 years of senior management experience. Between 1974-84, Mr. Owens worked as vice president of revenue at Sea World of Florida, revenue vice president at Sea World of California, and vice president-general manager of Sea World's Florida Festival. In 1985, he was appointed to the position of assistant to the chairman of Harcourt, Brace and Jovanovich, Sea World's parent company, focusing on acquisitions and expansion. His tenure with Sea World was followed by 13 years as president and CEO of SRI Enterprises, an apparel company specializing in theme park / tourism fashions, and managing his own tourism-consulting firm with clients that included major theme parks, international resorts, and regional attractions. From 1998 to 2001, he served as senior consultant to EnterCitement, LLC, a leisure destination development and management company.

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management appreciates the time and support of this loyal board member and is pleased to recognize him with our highest honor, "Honored Friend of the College.”

Clifton Steven Arthur, ’86

Cliff Arthur received his Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration (now HRTM) in 1986. In the last 20 years, he has risen through the ranks of restaurant management to be promoted in 2002 to joint venture partner of Bonefish Grill for North and South Carolina.

Cliff has developed more locations for Bonefish Grill, an upscale restaurant, than any other joint venture partner since the company's inception. Prior to his work with Bonefish Grill, Cliff's achievements included becoming general manager of a Steak and Ale Restaurant at age 22. He went on to win their general manager of the year award for three straight years, beginning in 1989.

Within a year after moving to the Outback Steakhouse organization in 1992, he became managing partner in their Charleston location. He later became managing partner in Wilmington, N.C., a position he held for four years.

Since coming to Bonefish, he has become responsible for 10 locations, with ownership in 4 others in North and South Carolina. Cliff was on the board of directors for the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association in 1994-95, and is now on the Board of Directors of the newly-organized HRSM Alumni Society.

He has been married, since 1986, to the former Rosemary Gatlin, a 1985 Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies graduate. They have two daughters, Mary Ashley, nearly 10, and Megan Ann, six and a half.

Ron Caplan

Ron Caplan is the 2006 recipient of the College of HRSM's Friend of the College Award. Ron Caplan is the president of the PMC Property Group and is known back in Philly as not only one of the largest property owners in town, but also as a quiet, reserved man who pays attention to the details and likes to keep a low-profile. In 1978 Caplan bought several single-family homes which he was able to expand into a collection of multi-unit housing ventures located throughout Philadelphia. In 1981 Caplan founded PMC Property Group when the number and size of his holdings had grown extensive enough to require the services of a management company. Caplan also assembled a general-contracting division within PMC Property Group, making the company a full-service developer focused on adaptive-reuse projects spanning the East Coast.

Pamela Suber Gaither, ’96

Pamela Suber Gaither earned her Bachelor of Science in Administrative Information Management (now known as Technology Support and Training Management) in 1996 and completed her Master of Business Education at Winthrop University in 1998. She is involved in the youth ministry at Providence Road Church of Christ, where she assists with the infants' bible classes and children's worship classes.

Professionally, Pamela taught business education as a middle school teacher in the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system for three years prior to joining Bank of America. She is currently vice president of supply chain management, enterprise access / desktop services and leasing with Bank of America in Charlotte. As the sourcing manager in the supply chain management division at the bank, she manages a group of associates who source software and negotiate with suppliers in support of global technology services and fulfillment within the company. Despite recently assuming additional responsibilities in the area of college recruitment, Pamela makes time to be actively involved in volunteer work through her employer.

A native of Clinton, S.C., she now lives in Charlotte, N.C., with her husband Reginald and son Clayton, nearly 15 months old.

Matt Homan, ’99

Matt Homan received his Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration (now Sport and Entertainment Management) in 1999. A native of Pennsylvania, he lives in Des Moines, Iowa, where he is employed by Global Spectrum as general manager of the Iowa Events Center.

Active in Sport Club while at Carolina, Matt worked in several positions related to events and event facilities, including a stint as box office ticket seller at the Carolina Coliseum and Wachovia Complex (Philadelphia), group sales rep and later assistant manager of group sales at the Wachovia Complex, event manager at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, N.J., and assistant general manager of the University of South Carolina's Colonial Center where he often gave tours of specific operational areas.

While in Columbia, he maintained ties to his alma mater by being a guest speaker in various sport and entertainment classes on facilities management, sport and entertainment event management, public assembly facilities, and facilities programs and sales.

Frank Roach, a sport and entertainment management faculty member with expertise in the event management field, noted that he did not "know of another major complex in the country with a GM as young as Matt.”

A singular accomplishment has been Matt's inclusion on Billboard's "30 Under 30” list in the company of such stars as Kanye West and Lindsay Lohan. This recognition honors not only Matt but the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, and the University of South Carolina.

He and his wife, the former Paige Raines and a 1998 SPTE alumna, are the parents of one-and-a-half-year old Caroline Walker Homan.

James D. Norman Jr., ’88

James D. Norman, Jr., earned his Bachelor of Science in Retailing in 1988. He is from Lexington, S.C., where he and his wife, the former Karen Johnson, a 1990 graduate in retailing, are raising their three children, Hannah, 8, Trey 6, and Harper Grace, 2. Since his graduation, James has been active in sales, formerly with R.L. Bryan, then Diagnostic Health Care, and now with Synthes, USA, a company based in Paoli, Penn. In his present position as sales consultant, James has represented spinal implants for orthopedic and neuro spine surgeons for the past 12 years.

During his career, James has been honored for being in the top 5 of all sales consultants in the company, which has more than 350 consultants in the U.S. alone. He has also served as the Southeast trainer for consultants.

A quota achiever for all 12 years with Synthes, USA, James was elected sales senator for the Southeast for 6 years running.

Clarke Thompson, ’86

Clarke Thompson received his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.I.S.) in 1986. He grew up in Rock Hill, S.C., and currently lives in Columbia, but his career path has allowed him to travel the world.

Clarke began his career as a data management research analyst for the S.C. Budget and Control Board for three years. He then became assistant manager, labor research information, for the S.C. Department of Commerce, assuming the additional title of assistant manager for international trade, from 1991-1997. Also a graduate of the Economic Development Institute (EDI) at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Clarke received his International Trade Specialist certificate at the American Graduate (Thunderbird) School of International Management in Glendale, Ariz.

As director of export development and foreign relations at the S.C. Department of Commerce, Clarke and his staff assist companies in identifying new overseas markets and customers. Clarke has traveled extensively on behalf of the South Carolina government, as well as to small- and medium-sized businesses, leading trade show excursions and trade missions around the world.

Over the years, Clarke has held numerous memberships on South Carolina government and industry boards dealing with international and world trade, exports, international cooperation and agreements, economic development, global strategies, and regional and Southern development initiatives. In 2005, he served as general chairman of the 32nd Annual South Carolina International Trade Conference. He has garnered numerous awards and honors for his efforts, including the distinguished service award, S.C. Department of Commerce in 2005. The department's export program has been honored at the national level with the State Export Trade Program Gold Award by the Council for Urban Economic Development (2000), and the U.S. Department of Commerce's President's E-Award for Export Service. When not busy identifying international markets, Clarke supports the community by participating in activities such as Habitat for Humanity, Families Helping Families, and the MDA Lockup.

Married to Neyle Scoggin Thompson, the couple have two children, Emily, 14, and Stuart, 12.

The Pearce Family

The Pearce Family is the recipient of HRSM's Friends of the College Award.

The Pearces established The Marnie Walker Pearce Professional Development Fund. Created by Marnie’s two daughters, Anne Pearce Baroody and Jean Pearce Rentz, the fund supports the development and delivery of intensive professional development seminars and practical field experiences for students who will soon be graduating and entering the working world.

The hope of the Pearce family is that this fund and the subsequent course that evolved from the endowment will provide prospective graduates with the professional skills needed to sharpen their professional images, compete for the best jobs, and excel in on-the-job performance.

Renee Wilder, ’84

Renee Wilder received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.I.S.) in 1984. Renee lives in Chapin, S.C., with her husband, Eddie — who is also an award recipient — and their three children, Robert, 17, Bradham, 14, and McCauley, 12. While at the University of South Carolina, she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Renee currently serves as a State Farm Insurance agent in Chapin. Prior to her current position, she was a manager at State Farm as well as an agency field consultant. She has received many awards throughout her career for excellence in her field, including the Legion of Honor Award, Ambassador Agent, Bronze Tablet, and Silver Scroll Agent.

Eddie Wilder, ’84

Eddie Wilder received his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.I.S.) with an emphasis in Business Management in 1984. While at the University of South Carolina, he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and a student government senator. Eddie serves as the president and founder of ERA Wilder Realty. He is a member of the S.C. Association of Realtors and the Greater Columbia Board of Realtors. He has received numerous awards in his field, including the Circle of Excellence Award for the Greater Columbia Association of Realtors and the #1 Sea Island Broker Council. Eddie is also a member of the ERA Leaders Circle. Additionally, ERA Wilder Realty has been ranked in the 3 three of Real Estate Companies of South Carolina Midlands and in the top 15 of ERA International. Eddie is a member of the Lions Club and Rotary Club, and holds officer positions in the Jaycees, Williamsburg County Development Board, MDA, and the Administrative Board of Chapin United Methodist Church. He is also the founder of the Dutch Fork Wild Turkey Federation.

Scott Vigil, ’86

Scott Vigil received his Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management in 1986. He currently serves as partner and owner for Pipeline Equipment Resources Company and sales director for Mulcare Pipeline Solutions, Inc., in Boonton, N.J. Prior to his current position, Scott was an assistant and general manager for Steak and Ale Restaurant Corporation, and a sales director for At-Your-Service Software, a restaurant software development company. Scott is active in his church where he is a fifth grade Sunday school teacher, men’s ministry committee member, and co-leader for a Bible study. He is also involved in his local country club, is chairman of the volleyball league, and is a social committee member of the Vahalla Civic Association. Throughout the year he coaches lacrosse, roller hockey, and baseball. Scott lives with his wife, Vickie, and their children, Taylor, 15, and Alec, 10, in Montville, N.J.

Kevin Carroll, ’86

Kevin Carroll received his Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management in 1986. During his time at the University of South Carolina, he worked alongside another award recipient, Chef John Peduzzi, at culinary events. Kevin currently serves as the regional vice president of operations for Chili’s Grill and Bar, where he worked his way through the organization, starting in 1990 as an assistant manager. During his time with Chili’s, Kevin has led the annual national fundraising event that benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Over the past two years, the event has raised more than $5 million to help find cures for children with cancer. Prior to working with Chili’s, Kevin was general manager for the Steak and Ale Restaurant Corporation, and general manager for Applebee’s. He lives in Frisco, Texas, with his wife, Marsha, and their three children, Brantley, 14, Walker, 11, and Meredyth, 9.

Shawn Nelson, ’93

Shawn Nelson received his Bachelor of Science in Retailing in 1993. While at the University of South Carolina, he was a writer for The Gamecock, and a member of student government and the international community (NADA). He was chairperson of the concert committee for The Carolina Program Union and a volunteer orientation leader for the college. He is currently a freelance writer covering retail in Washington, D.C. Prior to his current position, Shawn was assistant editor for The National Retail Federation’s STORES magazine, writer and managing editor of the Public Broadcasting Report, features writer of fashion and style for The Florence Morning News, and regional merchandise coordinator for Colours by Alexander Julian. Shawn was awarded the 1998 Atrium Award for outstanding work in fashion journalism and received an award for best lifestyle section from the S.C. Press Association in 1998. He participated in Hands on D.C., volunteers for many grassroots political organizations, and is a member of DC for Democracy.

MaryRuth Hughey, ’94

MaryRuth Hughey received her Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management in 1994. While at the University of South Carolina, she was president of the Sport Administration Club. She has participated in the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education and the NFL Program for Managers. MaryRuth currently serves as the director of ticketing for the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium and the New England Revolution. Prior to her current position, MaryRuth was a box office manager and director of ticketing for the Tampa Bay Lightning. MaryRuth lives with her husband, Mark Briggs, in Foxboro, Mass. She also has two step children, Shiarn, 21, and Aaron, 19.

Aaron Seekford, ’95

Aaron Seekford received his Bachelor of Science in Office Administration, now known as Technology Support and Training Management, in 1995. While at the University of South Carolina, Aaron was awarded the Jesse Pratt Scholarship and was on the dean’s list. He is currently a realtor and owner of three realty companies, including Casa Realty in Virginia, and is in the top five percent of realtors in his area. He is also the primary owner of Locals Bar in Columbia’s Five Points. He is a member of the Carolina Alumni Association, Virginia Association of Realtors, and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and is a Certified Real Estate Specialist. He contributes to the March of Dimes, Red Cross, and Children with Cancer. He lives in Falls Church, Va., and plans to marry his fiancee, Ayda Argueta, in Spring 2006.

John Peduzzi

Honored Friend of the College, Chef John Peduzzi, holds both respect and admiration from faculty, staff and students. Peduzzi served as an instructor and chef for the College in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management from 1978 until 1995. Prior to his time with the College, Peduzzi served in the Italian Army. A native of Italy, he was drafted to serve in World War II and was stationed at a POW Camp in Italy as a translator because he spoke French, English and Italian. When the Allies invaded Sicily and swept through Italy, Peduzzi went AWOL and joined the British Army, where they put him in charge of a kitchen after learning he was a chef. Once the war ended, Peduzzi wanted to return to the U.S. where his family spent time when he was a child. He obtained a job as a chef and later a manager at the Piedmont Club in Spartanburg where he worked for 29 years until retirement in 1999. Peduzzi currently lives in Lexington, S.C. He was a founding member of the local chapter of the American Culinary Association. He also served in many capacities with the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Midlands Chapter and has been honored as Chef of the Year by the organization. He was recently inducted into the American Academy of Chefs, the most prestigious honor for ACF chefs.

Eric Cuthbertson, ’93

Eric Cuthbertson, has been honored as the Outstanding Alumni Award recipient for the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in the College of HRSM. Cuthbertson is a 1993 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration. In addition to working for Global Spectrum as the assistant general manager of the Sovereign Bank Arena, Cuthbertson was also the assistant director of North American Tours for Feld Entertainment, the producers of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney On Ice from 1998-2003. Cuthbertson is a member of the International Association of Assembly Managers and he also graduated from the IAAM/ Oglebay School of Facility Management in 2001. Eric currently resides in Morrisville, Pa.

Zachary Dryman, ’00

Zachary Dryman, senior technical specialist for the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, has been honored as the Outstanding Alumni Award recipient for the Department of Technology Support and Training Management in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. Dryman is a 2000 graduate of with a Bachelor of Science in Information Management. In addition to his experience with the Challenger Center, Dryman was also the distance learning coordinator for The Brown Mackie College from June 2001-July 2003. Zachary currently resides in Lee's Summit, Mo.

Cindy Spain-Green, ’92

Cindy Spain-Green, leasing manager for Americas Mart in Atlanta, has been honored as the Outstanding Alumni Award recipient for the Department of Retailing in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. Spain-Green is a 1992 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Retailing. She was previously the senior buyer relations manager for Americas Mart. She is responsible for 300,000 square feet of exhibit space with an annual revenue of approximately $12 million. Spain-Green is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Georgia Association of Realtors, and the DeKalb Board of Realtors. She and her husband, Antonio, have one son and currently reside in Lawrenceville, Ga.

LeRoy DesChamps, ’81

LeRoy DesChamps, regional human resource manager for CVS Pharmacy, has been honored as the Outstanding Alumni Award recipient for the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. DesChamps is a 1981 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. He has been the regional human resource manager since 1983. He was named Regional Trainer of the Year in 1990 and received the Outstanding Performance Award in 2002. DesChamps is the vice president of the Gentleman's Club of Columbia and the founder of the Louie A. DesChamps Scholarship Fund. He and his wife, Cynthia, currently reside in Blythewood, S.C.

 

Front row from left: Jerry Odom, USC Provost and Friend of the College; Byron Yahnis, Outstanding Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Alumni; Bridgette Smith, Outstanding Retailing Alumni; Bobby Williams, Jr., of Lizard's Thicket and Friend of the College

Back row from the left: Craig Curtis, Outstanding Sport and Entertainment Management Alumni; Taj Troy, Outstanding Administrative Information Management Alumni; Rex Galloway, Outstanding Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Alumni