As one of the world’s leading wealth management and financial advisory organizations, Merrill brings extensive expertise in wealth planning, business transition, succession planning, investment management, and multi-generational family wealth stewardship鈥攁reas that are critically important to family enterprises as they navigate growth, continuity, and legacy.听

“We are honored to welcome McLeod, Clark & Associates as an Affiliate Partner of the Institute,” said Dr. Brad Bechtold, Executive Director of FEISC. “Family-owned businesses face unique opportunities and challenges that require thoughtful planning and trusted guidance. Merrill鈥檚 commitment to helping families preserve and grow both their businesses and their wealth makes them a natural fit for our mission. We look forward to collaborating with Chip and Tom and their entire Merrill team as we continue to equip family enterprises throughout South Carolina.”听

This partnership with FEISC reflects a shared commitment to supporting family business owners and helping them achieve both business success and family continuity.听

“We understand that family enterprises are about much more than financial performance鈥攖hey are about values, relationships, legacy, and the future of generations to come,” said Tom Clark, Financial Advisor. “We are proud to partner with the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 and support the important work being done to help family-owned businesses navigate growth, succession, governance, and long-term stewardship. We look forward to contributing our expertise and learning alongside the exceptional family business leaders who make up the Institute.”听

Chip McLeod, Financial Advisor, Resident Director, and President of Bank of America Upstate South Carolina emphasized the importance of investing in the region’s family-owned business community.听

“Family-owned businesses are the backbone of South Carolina’s economy and a driving force behind the vitality of our communities,” said McLeod, who has over 30 years of experience. “We are proud to support the Institute’s efforts to foster leadership development, strategic planning, and successful transitions among family enterprises. We believe strong family businesses create strong communities, and we are excited to be part of an organization that is making such a meaningful impact across our state.”听

McLeod, Clark and Associates joins a growing network of Affiliate Partners that support the Institute’s mission to help family enterprises thrive for generations.鈥� More info at .听

听

About The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina听

The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 exists to educate, connect, and inspire family-owned businesses through world-class programming, peer networks, and practical resources. The Institute helps family enterprises address issues such as succession planning, governance, leadership development, family dynamics, strategic growth, and business continuity.听

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Three of the听students advanced to the final round and placed in the top three. Jacob Sabella won first place in the Music Theater Upper Post-High School Tenor, Bass, Baritone Category. 鈥疍’Andre Hicks placed third in the Commercial Music Upper Post-High School Tenor, Bass, Baritone Category. Abigail Knight placed third in the Commercial Music Lower Post-High School Treble Category. All three students who placed are taught by Associate Professor of Music Dr. Seth Killen and were accompanied by Staff Accompanist Janice Wright.鈥�听

鈥淲e have had AU students as semi-finalists in almost every National Student Auditions since its inception in 2014, with the exception of the two virtual years during COVID,鈥� said Associate Professor of Music and Vocal Coordinator for Applied Voice Dierdre Welborn. 鈥淲e have placed finalists in most of these years. For the past four years in a row, we鈥檝e had students in the finals.鈥�听

鈥淭his represents an impressive performance on a national platform and reflects positively on the quality of our faculty and students within the Conservatory,鈥� said South Carolina School of the Arts Interim Dean Jer Nelsen. 鈥淚t is my hope that these accomplishments can be widely shared and celebrated, as they exemplify the excellence of the South Carolina School of the Arts, 91福利社, and our broader commitment to Great Academics.鈥�听

These students were invited to compete in-person at the National NATS Conference: 听

• Jacob Sabella, Senior Music Theater Major听
• D’Andre Hicks, recent Alumni Music Education major鈥攁 May graduate鈥�听
• Hunter Ballard, recent Alumni Music Theatre major鈥攁 May graduate听
• Jairus Wolfe, sophomore Music Education major听
• Will Sumner, sophomore Music Education major听
• Abigail Knight, junior Music major听
• Katelyn Cohee, junior Music Education major听
• Jude Collins, senior Music Theater major听
• Lydia Langley, accompanist听

The听National Student Auditions took place at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Conference July 2-6 in San Antonio, Texas.听

The students were supported for this trip by the 91福利社 Student Government Association (SGA). 听

Pictured from left: Lydia Langley, Will Sumner, Hunter Ballard, Jacob Sabella, Jairus Wolfe, D’Andre Hicks, Abigail Knight, Seth Killen, Katelyn Cohee, Janice Wright, Jude Collins.听听

About the Conservatory of Music听

The South Carolina School of the Arts Conservatory of Music at 91福利社 offers rigorous musical training in a wide variety of musical traditions, including Classical, Musical Theater, and Commercial Music.听

听

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BlueInc Strategies International, co-founded by Kenneth Fields and Johannes Mutzke, partners with organizations around the world to accelerate growth through strategic planning, innovation, leadership development, and organizational scaling. Their extensive experience with both global enterprises and entrepreneurial ventures uniquely positions them to help family businesses navigate complexity while preserving the values and legacy that make them successful.听

As a Strategic Resource Partner, BlueInc will collaborate with the Institute by sharing expertise, participating in educational programs and workshops, contributing thought leadership, and supporting FEISC members through best practices in strategic planning, innovation, succession, and sustainable growth. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening family enterprises and contributing to South Carolina’s economic vitality.听

“Family businesses face unique opportunities and challenges that require trusted advisors who understand both business strategy and family dynamics,” said Dr. Brad Bechtold, Executive Director of the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina. “Kenneth Fields and Johannes Mutzke have built an outstanding reputation for helping organizations achieve transformational growth while remaining true to their purpose and values. We are honored to welcome BlueInc Strategies as a Strategic Resource Partner and look forward to the tremendous value they will bring to our members across the state.”听

BlueInc’s approach centers on helping leaders answer three essential questions: What? (Strategy), and How? (Process), and Who? (Organization). Through this framework, the firm has guided multinational corporations, privately held family businesses, and emerging entrepreneurs toward long-term success.听

“We believe family enterprises are among the most important contributors to strong communities and thriving economies,” said Kenneth Fields, Co-Founder of BlueInc. “Joining the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute allows us to invest in leaders who are building businesses that will serve generations to come. We’re excited to share our experience, learn alongside fellow advisors, and help family businesses grow with intention.”听

“Our passion has always been helping leaders turn vision into reality through clear strategy, meaningful innovation, and disciplined execution,” added Johannes Mutzke, Co-Founder of BlueInc, “The Institute has built an exceptional community of family business leaders who genuinely want to learn from one another. We are honored to become part of that community and look forward to supporting its mission across South Carolina.”听

Strategic Resource Partners play a vital role in advancing the Institute’s mission by providing specialized expertise, educational programming, and thought leadership while fostering a collaborative environment built on trust, learning, and shared success. Through these partnerships, FEISC equips family enterprises with the tools and relationships needed to navigate generational transitions, strengthen governance, and sustain long-term growth.听

About the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina听

The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 serves as the state’s leading resource for family-owned businesses. Through peer learning, educational programming, executive development, governance resources, and strategic partnerships, the Institute helps family enterprises build stronger businesses, stronger families, and stronger communities for generations to come.听

About BlueInc Strategies International, LLC听

Founded by Kenneth Fields and Johannes Mutzke, BlueInc Strategies International partners with organizations around the world to unlock exponential growth through strategy, innovation, and scaling. Drawing on experience spanning Global 500 companies, entrepreneurial ventures, and family-owned businesses, BlueInc helps leaders create clarity, build momentum, and transform vision into sustainable growth.听

The post BlueInc Strategies International, LLC Named Strategic Resource Partner of the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina appeared first on 91福利社.

As a Strategic Resource Partner, SouthState Bank will play a vital role in supporting the Institute鈥檚 educational programming, peer learning initiatives, and advisory services designed to help family enterprises navigate governance, succession, and long-term continuity.听

鈥淪outhState Bank鈥檚 commitment to relationship-driven service and community impact aligns seamlessly with our mission to serve family enterprises across South Carolina,鈥� said Dr. Brad Bechtold, executive director of the Institute. 鈥淭heir deep understanding of closely held businesses and multi-generational families makes them an invaluable partner as we continue expanding our reach and impact statewide.鈥�听

SouthState Bank has a long-standing reputation for delivering personalized financial solutions and building trusted relationships with business owners and families. Through this partnership, the bank will engage with Institute members by sharing insights, supporting events, and contributing to the advancement of family enterprise success.听

鈥淲e are honored to partner with the Institute and support the important work being done to strengthen family-owned businesses across our region,鈥� said Jimmy Lindsey, Regional President of the Foothills Region for SouthState Bank. 鈥淔amily businesses are the backbone of our communities, and we are committed to helping them thrive across generations through meaningful relationships, sound financial guidance, and strategic support.鈥�听

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering resilient, well-governed, and forward-thinking family enterprises that contribute to economic growth and community vitality throughout South Carolina.听

听

About the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina
The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 exists to educate, connect, and empower family-owned businesses across the state. Through programming, peer networks, and expert resources, the Institute helps enterprise families navigate the complexities of business, family, and ownership and build enduring enterprises across generations.听

About SouthState Bank听

SouthState Corporation (NYSE: SSB) is a financial services company headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida. SouthState Bank, N.A., the company鈥檚 nationally chartered bank subsidiary, provides consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions to more than 1.5 million customersthroughout Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, Georgia, Colorado, Alabama, Virginia and Tennessee. The bank also serves clients nationwide through its correspondent banking division. Additional information is available at 听

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Titled Candles in the Darkness: Experiencing Advent with the Early and Medieval Church, the book features鈥痜aithful voices from many walks of life, including bishops and mothers, monks and nuns, priests, pastors and noblewomen.听

For each day of Advent and the Christmastide, this thoughtful devotional will connect you to the global and historical body of Christ, offering a new, deeper experience of the season through rediscovering treasures from Christians of long ago.听

The writers featured in鈥疌andles in the Darkness鈥痩ived throughout the early Christian world, from Scandinavia and the British Isles to Ethiopia and China. They include well-known leaders such as Augustine of Hippo and Francis of Assisi, as well as many largely forgotten figures.听

Each daily reading for Advent and the twelve days of Christmas includes a scripture text, an excerpt from an author from the second through thirteenth centuries, a devotional reflection, and a prayer.听

In the true spirit of 91福利社鈥檚 pillars of Great Faith and Great Academics, the Drs. Renberg have a heart for bringing their scholarly work to the church. They have found the voices of past believers to be encouraging, challenging and edifying to their own faiths, and hope that, through this devotional, others can likewise learn from and grow in their faith. 鈥淲e loved the process of researching and writing this devotional together. It let us bring our different academic fields into conversation in ways that encouraged us; our hope is that reading this feels a bit like sitting around our dinner table and having conversations about the people we get to learn from,鈥� said Dr. Lynneth Renberg.听听

Dr. Lynneth Renberg is associate professor of history in the Department of History and Political Science of the College of Arts and Sciences and associate director of the Honors College, and Dr. Adam Renberg is an assistant professor of theology in the College of Christian Studies. Both Drs. Renberg are also core faculty in the Honors College.听听

Candles in the Darkness: Experiencing Advent with the Early and Medieval Church is available for preorder now and releases on July 21, 2026. The book can be purchased fromIVP’s website, and retailers everywhere.听

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An 91福利社 graduate is spreading the word, 鈥淚f you can tap to pay, you can tap to pray.鈥�

Josh Cauthen, a 2007 AU business graduate, grew up in Anderson and decided to stay home and attend 91福利社. Cauthen describes his time at 91福利社 as a time of personal growth and forging lasting relationships.

Through a new leadership development program, Cauthen found his way into the aisles of Home Depot working as a field sales representative for TTI, a major manufacturer of power tools. He started in a sales role and then moved into the corporate office.

After 17 years of climbing the corporate ladder at TTI, Cauthen joined forces with Brian Hobbs, a former TTI colleague, at a company he founded, Versible. Using his years of experience from the ever-expanding power tool and outdoor equipment market, Cauthen is enjoying a new leadership role, marketing a wide variety of wearables鈥攖actical keychains, wristbands, jewelry and other items.

Cauthen credits his passion for his new career at Versible to serving out his Christian faith, but also to his wife Lindley and daughters Ramsey and Everly.

Versible鈥檚 products are stylish and cool, but their real beauty lies within.

He explains that when a user simply places their smartphone close to or over the tag on one of their items, up pops a prompt they can tap to access a daily Bible verse, prayer and other resources to help them strengthen their relationship with God.

Cauthen is quick to point out that Tap To Pray is easy to use and require no apps to download, regardless of the type of smartphone.

鈥淲e look at these products as kind of a fire starter. It鈥檚 not where someone can read the Bible cover to cover, but it could be a spark鈥攖hat starting point to encourage someone to pick up the Bible, get into a small group or build community. We ultimately want to create a daily habit of tapping and receiving a bible verse and prayer, incorporating NFC technology in products that are a part of your 鈥渄aily鈥� routine. Not everyone wears a bracelet, but you could carry a cup or water bottle with a Vinyl sticker, a magnetic wallet on your phone or even a lanyard with your ID that have Tap To Pray,鈥� Cauthen said.

The mission of Versible is simple鈥攈onor God, share Jesus and help others. Versible donates 20 percent of its proceeds from every Tap To Pray product sold, supporting organizations like the Tim Tebow Foundation in their fight to prevent, rescue and restore victims of human trafficking.

Versible also has a close relationship with Vida Plena, an organization that rescues human trafficking victims. Based in the Dominican Republic, Vida Plena helps human trafficking victims who come from Haiti to start new lives, offering daily classes, counseling, healthcare and scholarships. They also offer full-time work at more than double the market rate and help them become legal residents of the Dominican Republic. Through Vida Plena, Versible offers an array of jewelry items handcrafted by more than 60 women who were rescued from human trafficking.

Versible, whose warehouse is located in Anderson, is a local and family-owned B2B and B2C business with thousands of customers coast to coast.

To learn more about Versible, please visit .

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Set in the rugged Appalachian Mountains just before the Civil War, Haughey鈥檚 debut novel blends suspense, historical detail and psychological depth into a gripping murder mystery centered around Irish immigrant laborers carving a railroad tunnel through the Blue Ridge Mountains.听听

Haughey drew inspiration from visits he made to Stumphouse Tunnel, an unfinished railroad tunnel located in the mountains above Anderson near Walhalla, South Carolina. He was struck by the story of the many Irish immigrants who worked on the tunnel in the 1850s until the South Carolina Legislature stopped funding the project at the onset of the Civil War, bringing the work to a halt.听

鈥淚nitially, I was going to try to write a historical book about the immigrant community, and I got an essay out of it. I published it in The Journal of the South Carolina Historical Association,” Haughey said. 鈥淭he more I researched, the more I realized that I was going to hit a dead end pretty quickly. Most of the archival material that I read was pretty much about how they were building the railroad. It wasn’t about the actual people building the railroad.鈥�听

But when Haughey tried to find out more about the people, he found there was little information to go on.听听

鈥淭here were a couple of little mentions and some letters. There was a book published by a priest who mentioned going up to the mountain to say mass for the immigrant miners,” Haughey continued. 鈥淭he priest was living along the grounds of Belmont Abbey in North Carolina. And I thought, 鈥榃ell, here I go. I’ll just go to Belmont Abbey and see what they have in the archive.鈥� Well, it turned out that the priest鈥檚 cabin burned down in 1893 and all his records went with it.鈥�听

Haughey also found an account of a group of men who tried to burn down a chapel where the immigrant workers worshipped. The immigrants retaliated, killing one of the men.听听

鈥淚 was able to find the journal session records for that period鈥�1859. There was a transcript of the trial. It didn’t say much other than just who the indicted were. I discovered later that several of them were convicted of murder and were sentenced to be hanged. This is right on the eve of the Civil War. The governor at the time commuted their sentences to time served, and at the end of story, we don’t know what happened, where they ended up or anything else.鈥�听

Faced with little of substance to write a factual account in book form, let alone a chapter or two, Haughey pivoted to the idea of creating a fictional story.听

Working closely with an editor, Haughey came up with a manuscript for an historical novel and pitched it to various publishers. Historical fiction, Haughey explains, is a niche area that didn鈥檛 interest many of the publishing houses he approached. After a number of rejections, Haughey received an offer from Redhawk Publications, a publishing house in North Carolina that specializes in Southern literature.听

In The Broken Season, hundreds of Irish workers endure brutal conditions as they blast through granite in a remote Appalachian camp. Accidents, disease, alcohol, and violence haunt their daily lives. When a young laborer is sentenced to death for murder, a world-weary priest arrives to give last rites, only to discover there鈥檚 more to the story, leading him on a quest to seek justice for the accused man.听

Haughey said the novel allowed him to combine his love of research with the creative freedom of fiction.听

鈥淔or years, I wrote about other writers and their work, but I always wondered what it would be like to mix research with imagination,鈥� Haughey said. 鈥淲riting historical fiction gave me the freedom to create something entirely my own while still grounding it in history.鈥�听

Unlike the structured nature of academic criticism, Haughey adopted a more exploratory approach to crafting the novel.听

鈥淲ith academic writing, there tends to be a formula you follow,鈥� he explained. 鈥淏ut with fiction, I often let the story lead me. Sometimes I had to retrace my steps, but other times I discovered scenes and ideas I never could have planned ahead.”听

Haughey has previously published The First World War in Irish Poetry through Bucknell University Press and has spent nearly 30 years writing literary criticism. The Broken Season marks his move into fiction after six years of creative writing.听

The novel will appeal to fans of historical fiction and murder mysteries, especially those interested in 19th-century Southern Appalachia, Irish immigrant history, and the social tensions surrounding the Mexican-American War and the approaching Civil War.听

In describing Haughey鈥檚 novel, award-winning southern writer Ron Rash writes, 鈥�Morally complex and memorable, The Broken Season is a magnificent debut.鈥澨�听

More information about the author and the novel can be found at .听

The Broken Season is published by Redhawk Publications. The book, being released in July 2026, is available through the and other major online retailers.听

The post Professor鈥檚 Novel Explores Irish Immigrant Life in Appalachia on the Eve of the Civil War appeared first on 91福利社.

The camp, held June 15-17 at 91福利社,鈥痵howcased鈥痺hat it takes to become a nurse, spotlighting the fundamentals of nursing, patient鈥痵afety鈥痑nd medical terminology. Campers were further introduced to health assessment, vital signs, and importantly, communicating and collaborating as a team. In essence, Camp Nurse Life was designed to give participants a real-life view into the world or nursing, incorporating activities in the skills and simulations areas of the 91福利社 School of Nursing. 听

Dr. Cindy Cross, associate dean of the 91福利社 College of Health Professions and chief nursing administrator, sees nursing as a calling to鈥痜ulfill God鈥檚 greatest commandment to鈥赌淟ove your neighbor as yourself,鈥� found in鈥疢ark 12:31.鈥�听

鈥淓verything that makes a great nurse鈥攃ompassion, presence, advocacy, and courage鈥攆lows from this commandment,鈥� says Dr. Cross. 鈥淣urses are neighbors honoring those in need with unwavering compassion and resilience while being steadfast in service and nursing excellence. Nursing excellence鈥痠s providing鈥痶he best possible care to all who鈥痭eeded鈥痠t. Nursing excellence is a true act of love.鈥濃��听

Assistant Professor of Nursing Cindy Swaney and Dr. Cross developed the camp to help high school students who are investigating the nursing profession learn the skills involved working in the field. It鈥檚 also an opportunity for high schoolers to get a taste of college life. Students in the camp got to meet with the Office of Admission staff. They also experienced lunch in the 91福利社 Culinary Center, where they were joined by students attending other camps on campus.听

Before Camp Nurse Life was done, the students took a class for CPR certification, courtesy of the American Heart Association. Dr. Cross commented that learning CPR is something they can take with them and potentially save the life of a friend, a family member, or somebody they encounter in need.听

Dr. Cross and Swaney say that enrollment goals of the camp have been exceeded, and that the camp resonates with the 91福利社 pillar of Great Purpose.听

鈥淚n the听beginning, we only did 20 spots, and that filled up the听first听week. Every week we upgraded that number. Finally, we听had听to听cap听it at 45 because we only听have听48 seats.听So听43 out of the 45 showed up on Monday and that same 43听has continued听today,鈥� Swaney said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e听been听concentrating on communication and teamwork. They’ve gotten to see the simulation. Everybody got a stethoscope in their bag; we’ve learned how to use the stethoscope听to hear听respirations听and we even had an experience in the emergency room.鈥�听

鈥淢y personal goal of the camp was to make it informative,鈥� Dr. Cross said. 鈥淭hey are getting a birds-eye view of what we do so they can make an informed decision if nursing is really for them.鈥�听

Lexi Burriss, a rising senior from Pendleton, feels God has led her to pursue a nursing career. She enthusiastically recommends Camp Nurse Life to others.听

鈥�I’ve been loving all the communication and the teamwork aspects of this,听because as a nurse, you are听going to听be caring for a patient by yourself, but maybe you need someone to help you transfer (a patient)听or you need advice from somebody,” said听Burriss. 鈥淭eamwork is a big part of听nursing听and I love how听they’reincorporating that.鈥�听

With many family members working in healthcare, Ben Broome, a rising senior from Rock Hill, was encouraged to take part in the camp by his sister, who is a nursing major at Anderson. 听

鈥淭he sim labs have been cool to see and I learned how to give a manual blood pressure,鈥� Broome said. 鈥淭he professors and ladies running this camp have been helpful and hands-on with us trying to make sure we鈥檙e making the right decision in choosing nursing.鈥�听

When Amelia Freel, a camper from Middleburg, Florida and a rising senior, was seeking a nursing camp, family members in the Anderson area suggested she look into what AU offered. 听

鈥淕rowing up, I wasn鈥檛 really sure what I wanted to do,鈥� Freel said. 鈥淚 learned in church that I really wanted to serve others like Christ… I wanted something where I could impact people more than just working a regular office job.鈥�听

Dr. Cross continued,鈥赌淲e were so excited to see so many students come from so many鈥痙ifferent places.鈥疻e hope that we have sparked an interest in them becoming nurses, and that they walk away with an understanding of what it truly means to be a nurse. Nursing to me is a calling to love and specifically love our neighbor.鈥濃��听

College of Health Professions Dean Dr. Donald Peace said, 鈥淥ur inaugural Summer Nursing Bootcamp has made a significant impact, welcoming 43 enthusiastic attendees听who gained valuable insights into the nursing profession. Our dedicated nursing faculty and staff have done an outstanding job delivering鈥痑n exceptional,hands-on experience that exceeded expectations and fostered meaningful connections. This initiative not only highlights the strength of our program but also positions us to鈥痠dentify鈥痑nd inspire the next generation of AU nursing students.鈥濃��听

Dr. Cross is grateful to clinical partners from AnMed and Self Regional hospitals, whose nursing staff members met with the campers to听offer insights into nurse-patient interactions not possible otherwise.听

鈥赌�I’m thankful for each student who听came, each faculty member who has poured into them. And we are looking forward to doing it again next year,鈥� Dr. Cross said.听

For details on future camps, email cswaney@andersonuniversity.edu.听

The post New Camp Introduces High Schoolers to the World of Nursing鈥� appeared first on 91福利社.

Entering medical school is a highly competitive process, and fewer than half who apply are admitted. Fewer still are able to finish.听听

For those wanting to pursue a career in medicine, the cost and the rigor of medical school can be daunting. That鈥檚 why 91福利社 and AnMed, along with sponsorship from South Carolina Upstate AHEC (South Carolina Area Health Education Centers), established a partnership in 2022 which created an intensive two-week camp offering resources and advice to South Carolina undergraduate students to become better prepared to enter medical school.听听

Earlier this year, the was awarded a $50,000 grant from , the philanthropy of Corporation, to support the Upstate Pre-Med Bootcamp鈥�for the second year in a row.

The additional grant funds enabled the participants to receive stipends and assistance with the expenses associated with taking the MCAT. It also enabled the camp听to provide lunches for its participants, camp alumni volunteers, and the physicians who volunteered their time to serve on panel discussions. One of the camp organizers, Dr. Carrie Koenigstein of the 91福利社 College of Arts and Sciences, is grateful for this grant, commenting that financial constraints can prevent students from participating in opportunities like the Upstate Pre-Med Boot Camp. She commented that, even though the camp is offered to them for听free, students still lose time from their summer jobs and have to provide their own transportation and any food not covered by the camp activities.听

This year鈥檚 camp, now in its fifth year, benefited 24 college upper classmen from across South Carolina. The group represents a multiethnic population of individuals from urban and rural areas.听 听

In its four-year existence, the听Upstate Pre-Med Boot Camp听has opened the door of medical school for many students, helping them to stand out as candidates while instilling in them much-needed confidence.听

“This camp has been eye opening, inspiring, and has fueled my fire for my career,” said Ashka Raval, a Clemson University student. 鈥淚 was feeling very down about myself after the past semester, but being able to see what I fell into love with medicine for made me fall in love with it again.鈥�听

The Upstate Pre-Med Boot Camp, which took place in May on the 91福利社 campus, offered students hands-on experiences not often encountered outside of medical school鈥攁t no cost to them.听听

鈥淧re-Med Boot Camp was an amazing opportunity that made the dream of becoming a physician more real and attainable,鈥� said 91福利社 student Zoe Calloway. 鈥淜eeping the camp free and accessible has greatly helped me and my peers get a taste of medicine and has deeply grown my passion for the field.鈥�听

At this year鈥檚 camp, students shadowed AnMed medical professionals in multiple specialties, learning the day-to-day of a medical practice while working alongside other medical school-bound students.听听听

鈥淭his program connected me with some amazing people that I never would have met otherwise,鈥� said Adrienne Williams from USC Beaufort. Tommy O鈥橯uinn of Erskine College concurs, commenting, 鈥淭his camp has given me both applicable skills in a medical setting and extremely valuable information about med school applications and what the next years of my life will look like as I go down the path of becoming a physician.鈥澨�听

The听Upstate Pre-Med Boot Camp听gives students a realistic glimpse into the day-to-day life of a physician while offering valuable interaction all the way. Also valuable are skill-based workshops that cover suturing, reading EKGs, intubation, catheterization, joint injection, and working in the cadaver lab on the 91福利社 campus (cadaver labs are rarely encountered anywhere outside medical school).听听

The camp gave Kadine Beckford of Benedict College her first hands-on medical experiences.听听

鈥淚 have never shadowed, sutured, intubated or been in a cadaver lab,鈥� Beckford said. 鈥淭he camp helped me to be better prepared for and more sure of my passion and determination to pursue my dream.鈥�听

91福利社 student Stella Miller said, 鈥淒oing the SIM lab was extremely helpful because it gave me a sense of actually being a physician interacting with a patient instead of just observing when shadowing.鈥�听

There were also discussion panels with physicians, current med school students, and representatives from the admissions committees from the four South Carolina medical schools.听听听

鈥淭his camp not only helped me learn how important a physician鈥檚 life is but also helped me prep and be ready for the future,鈥� said Khushi Jain of the University of South Carolina, whose older sister, Rashi Jain, attended the 2025 camp and came back this year helping with the camp as a volunteer.听

Logan Bamonte, who attended the 2025 camp, also returned this year to work as a camp intern. She feels the Upstate Pre-Med Bootcamp was a game changer and is happy to help other medical school-bound students.听

鈥淭his camp gave me the opportunity to connect with other pre-med students across the state and form lasting, supportive relationships. It also gave me the confidence to continue pursuing medicine when I was still considering switching paths,鈥� Bamonte said. 鈥淚 think this program is so impactful, so I was thankful to get the opportunity to return to the camp as an intern and play a role in creating a supportive environment for more students.鈥�听

91福利社 student Emily Priest said, 鈥淚 came into the experience with a fire for healthcare, but the experiences and connections have shaped my motivation into a clear direction so I can pursue my goals with confidence and the necessary tools to be successful. I would make the decision to participate again in a heartbeat and hope that many more people can share in this unique adventure.鈥�听

Applications for the 2027 camp will be accepted from fall 2026 through mid-January, 2027. Information about the听Upstate Pre-Med Boot Camp听and an application can be found online here.听

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91福利社 Vice President for Community, Dignity and Inclusive Campus Family, Dr. James Noble, said, 鈥淭his year鈥檚 fellowship included faculty, staff and administrators from a few of the universities that were represented. These key stakeholders had an opportunity to experience first-hand the inspiring teaching sessions, community service opportunities, and the onsite cultural experience in Atlanta at one of its spectacular museums.鈥�听

This marks the second year of the Ambassador Andrew Young Fellowship at 91福利社, which has been named after, and endorsed by, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young as a reminder that participants embody the character, service and legacy of its distinguished namesake.听听

Young, who earned worldwide recognition as a champion of civil and human rights, helped ensure passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and later served as a member of the United States Congress, ambassador to the United Nations, mayor of Atlanta and as an ordained minister.鈥�听

Dr. Matt Daniels, who launched the Fellowship with Anthony Jones, former chair of the HBCU Committee of the College Board, says that the Ambassador Young Fellows are standing on the shoulders of giants like Dr. King and Ambassador Young and believes they will emerge as leaders in their own right.鈥�听

鈥淥ur 鈥�鈥痵eeks to train a new generation in the unifying and timeless principles of America鈥檚 founding as expressed in the work of Dr. King,鈥� Dr. Daniels said.鈥赌淎pproximately half of these students come from historically black colleges and universities, and the rest come from a wide array of other educational institutions from across the country.鈥�听

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