May 26, 2014Russell House Room B/C

On October 7, 2013 Steven Hughes witnessed an escalating incident between an off-duty police officer and a female patron. The escalation of events became verbal and physical as the off-duty police officer physically restrained the patron against her will. Steven was able to intercede on the female patron’s behalf by videotaping this incident, and then assisting the responding police with information that supported the female patron's complaints of being abused physically. The videotape of the incident was shown locally and then nationally on the news as it became evidence in the case against the off-duty police officer. Steven had multiple interviews after the incident, with a variety of media outlets, and in each interview he did a great job of representing himself well, and of course advocating for the patron that had been assaulted. If Steven had not interceded this woman's rights would not have been protected! Steven is a great role model for the College of Nursing, USC, and of course the military where he is employed as a helicopter/aircraft mechanic.Steven Hughes

Allison Ryan is the definition of what a Gamecock is and should be. She puts everyone before herself. Allison rises up and stands for her classmates, friends, coworkers, and complete strangers. There have been multiple accounts of Allison coming into contact with potential dangerous situations. For example, she witnessed a suspicious person near President Pastides's house. Come to find out, that person wasn't supposed to be on campus and had stolen thing from the University before.In another account, Allison saw a man that was unresponsive. Therefore she called USC Police and the ambulance came also. Allison believed something was legitimately wrong with this man; however, the ambulance drivers told Allison that she was wasting their time, etc. Allison is a hero. If she sees something that isn't right, she lets people know. I believe this is what a hero is; putting others higher than themselves. Allison Ryan

Scott Prill went above and beyond the call of duty to help a former USC student get connected to mental health counseling and drug abuse treatment. By reaching out to the family of our former student, Scott was able to assist his family in making sure he received treatment that is potentially lifesaving. Our campus and community would not be as safe and healthy if it were not for people like Scott with such caring hearts.

Scott Prill

In early October a man attending a spin class with College of Nursing Faculty member, Erin McKinney, at a local health club had a cardiac arrest. She used the club’s AED and performed compressions. He began to respond after two rounds of compressions and was taken to the hospital via EMS. A day later, on his 60th birthday, he received a pace maker/defibrillator. He is now participating in a cardiac rehab class and doing well.

Erin McKinney

“I have been sort of suicidal and depressed since I came to the University of South Carolina. It has been a stressful time for me as I am a male to female transgender student who has struggled with bouts of gender dysphoria, transphobia, and at my current stage depression. She unbeknownst to her has truly stood by me in this struggle and hardship. The small first deed of interaction was she donated some of her old clothe to me, which was not only a sign of compassion and love for a fellow stranger, but it would initiate a dialogue that would slowly begin to cheer me up profusely. She would provide shelter for me as my family decided they would rather not have me at home, and even if they wanted me it would be a very transphobic and hostile environment. She has gone out of her way to make sure I succeed, stay focus, have food, and am able to maintain a healthy and supportive life style on campus. She has helped me through bouts of suicide, bouts of depression, and has been there for me every step of the way. This is why Jesse Menard is a hero to me.”

Jesse Menard

“I am nominating James Prince because out of the years that I have been working, he has proven to be one of the best supervisors I have ever had. There are some individuals in the work-place that have the "crab in the barrel" mentality and don't want their employees to succeed or do greater works than them. I must say that since I have come to be employed at Carolina, he has supported every endeavor that I have desired to partake in. He allows me to use my brain to enhance the services that Upward Bound provides and he is very personable. I believe his leadership style works well with us in the department because we don't just call him "boss" but he is also a confidant and a friend who goes above and beyond to fight for his staff. That has been very rare to find, but he has provided a way for me to have hope as young man striving greatness in the realm of higher education.”

James Prince, Jr.

Dr. McKenzie is a great mentor and advisor to his patients in addition the outstanding care he provides as a physician. He consistently goes beyond the health care needs of his patients and provides guidance and mentorship to enable his patients to grow and learn from their mistakes and/or change behavior that will enhance their life. He has faith in all of his patients even when the patients have lost faith in themselves or has behaved in a manner in which it would be difficult to maintain faith in them. Here is just a sample of the many letters from patients and parents we receive at Student Health Services concerning Dr. McKenzie. We are proud to have him as our Medical Director at Student Health Services. Thank you for all you do and the steps you take to ensure quality! You are our students Hero in many ways.  

Dr. Mike McKenzie

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Michael Gore oversees operation of the Machine Shop in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience at the USC School of Medicine.  During the past year one of Mike’s fellow employees became ill with a serious form of cancer and endured a long regimen of chemotherapy.  Mike went out of his way to support his co-worker during this difficult time and also maintained normal operations of the Machine Shop.  When the co-worker had recovered to the point of being able to return to work, Mike did everything possible to facilitate a smooth transition.  Throughout this process, Mike displayed professionalism combined with a deep concern for the health and well-being of his co-worker.

Michael Gore

Evangeline practices love and acceptance in her daily acts and works.  She bring joy to other's lives with her peaceful presence and works everyday to come closer to God.   She brings comfort to all and has a special sense of knowing when someone needs her help or prayers.  Evangeline is small, but so mighty, and she is one of the most deserving people I know of the title "hero".

Evangeline Nelson

This student has remained a constant resource for other students who have been coping with mental health issues. With reoccurring issues happening in her setting, Noelle Chasmar has not only been a passive ear or caring shoulder, but has been able to have some of the more difficult talks, offer to accompany peers to on-campus resources, and has been a support not just for the students in crisis but also the support groups for the student. She is truly a role model for wellness and resiliency.Noelle Chasmar

I first began drinking back in high school. Coming to college was an exciting time for me because honestly, all I could think of was how much fun I was going to have. Looking back on my fist semester of college however, there were many things I wish I could have done differently. My RM Sango thankfully cared enough to pull me aside one night and express his concurs about my alcohol abuse. Sango not only help me come to terms with my problem, but he also helped in my recovery by referring me to the right people. He was always there when I needed someone to talk to and constantly went out of his way to check up on me. I am especially grateful that he spent some of his own Friday and Saturday nights staying in with me just so I wouldn't get the temptation to go out and party. In college, most people are kind of left alone to face difficult problems like the ones I have faced. But having a friend/RM like Sango, who generally cares about people is a blessing and something I will never take advantage of. I'm doing a lot better now, my grades are improving, I don't drink as often, and I overall feel a lot better this semester. I know that none of this would be possible if I didn't have Sango as a RM, and I thank him every day for it.

Sango Asante

“I am nominating Ashton because of the decision he made that could have impacted someone. One evening, Ashton stumbled upon a few pieces of paper with awful phrase on them that talked negatively about a friend of his. He knew his friend had been talked about negatively by a group of people and he knew the affect this had on his friend. Ashton threw the pieces of paper away to avoid them falling into the wrong hands and he immediately contacted his supervisor so that she could handle the situation. Without the actions of Ashton, if the situation would have planned out accordingly, his friend could have become depressed or worse.”

Ashton Peterson

On February 23, 2014, Anthony Nguyen was a bystander who got involved after hearing a female screaming for help. Anthony saw a male running away from a female and chased after him. The male made it to his vehicle and Anthony tried to stop him from leaving the area before the police arrived. The male drove off dragging Anthony a short distance in the process causing injury to Anthony's wrist and leg.  Anthony didn't hesitate in stepping up and should be recognized for his actions.

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Anthony Khoa Nguyen

“Henning did not know me when I walked into the language lab where he worked crying and anxious. I had just been released from the hospital (after two hospitalizations in two weeks due to suicide attempts) and my roommates had vacated the premises. They had given me 15 days to pack my stuff and leave. Nobody of my former "friends" was there but when Henning heard about the predicament of being evicted he offered his home right away. A few days later I put all my belongings into storage and moved in with him. (for 6 weeks!) He had taken me to the hospital for treatment multiple time, getting up early and switching his routine around completely. He came to doctors appointments with me when I was incoherent or couldn’t drive. My psychiatrist knew to call on him when I could not make decisions for myself. Living with bipolar disorder is hard but having someone like Henning in your life makes it a little bit easier. When my friends had abandoned me a stranger was there to help and offer his home as temporary shelter. He is a hero to me because he saved my life although he was a complete stranger.”

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Henning Liese

Adrienne is definitely a soft-spoken Hero.  Adrienne always devotes her time to students and doesn't hesitate to "keep it real".  While Adrienne has many responsibilities, she still has that time to make an impact.  Back in November, I was involved in a serious car accident that ended in the vehicle being totaled and glass everywhere!  Adrienne offered help the next day, offering to take me to the doctor or help with anything that I needed. As an involved student and employee - I wondered how I was going to get around.  Also, I lived at home in Irmo, approximately 30 minutes from campus.  Without hesitation, Adrienne stepped up and provided transportation for me and made sure that I was taken care of.  She would drop me off at work, bring me to campus, and even take me back home to Irmo - late at night after I finished my student organization meetings and when she got out of class.  I'm not sure how I would have continued working or getting to campus without Adrienne's help.  Adrienne's willingness to give of herself shows why she's a hero in her own right.

Adrienne White

SAVIP offers support and advocacy services to students who are survivors of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault and/or interpersonal violence. The services provided include:• 24-hour, on-call services to assist students, faculty and

staff• Academic assistance• Medical accompaniment• Safety planning• Temporary alternative housing and/or permanent

relocation• Legal advocacy• Referral assistance

Location:Thomson Student Health Center1st Floor(Entrance is on the Bull Street Garage side of the building)1409 Devine St. Columbia, SC 29208(in the back of the Russell House)Fall & Spring Semester Hours:Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Maymester & Summer Hours:Monday - Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. 

For more information, please call (803) 777-8248 or visithttp://www.sa.sc.edu/shs/savip