July 10, 2006

The National Consortium for Academics and Sports annually honors college athletics programs with “Outstanding Degree Completion Program” and “Outreach and Community Service Program” honors. The University of South Carolina was recently honored in each of these categories signifying that they are among the most outstanding of the NCAS member institutions based on the 2004-2005 year data.

The degree completion recognition points to the success of the Athletics Department’s Carolina Academic Resources and Enrichment Services (CARES) program. The continued support to former student-athletes who competed in revenue and non-revenue producing sports and were unable to complete their degree requirements has led to this recognition as a leader among America’s institutions of higher education.

The outreach and community service award recognizes the efforts of “Team Gamecocks,” the Athletics Department’s community service program, as one of the best among member institutions. Since 2002, USC student-athletes have averaged participation in more than 100 different outreach programs and volunteering more than 3,000 hours of service annually.

For more information, contact Collin Crick at 803-777-8704.