Capstone Scholars: University of South Carolina

We are excited to introduce the Capstone Scholars Program’s new Faculty Director, Dr. Amanda Fairchild!

Dr. Fairchild is a full professor and Associate Chair in USC’s Department of Psychology. She joined the University of South Carolina in 2008, and has enjoyed mentoring and connecting students to research opportunities since. As a quantitative psychologist, her research focuses on advancing statistical methods in prevention science.

Dr. Fairchild and her pup, Ruthie Bee, are excited to connect with the Capstone Scholars community during the fall semester and beyond! 🐶♥️

Konnichiwa! 🇯🇵✨ Take a look through our Capstone Scholars’ digital scrapbook from an unforgettable Maymester experience in Japan.

Through RETL 592, taught by Dr. Kelly Kouchi, students examined retail, sport, service and tourism through an international lens, gaining firsthand insight into Japan’s unique practice of “omotenashi,” the art of intentional hospitality. From visiting the UNIQLO Headquarters to learn about the brand’s fast retailing philosophy to meeting with H.I.S. Co., Ltd, a travel agency, to discuss how Japan has adapted to booming tourism, scholars learned how the country is able to incorporate modern technology alongside historical Japanese artistry and traditions. 

In addition to hearing from industry experts, students embraced Japanese customs through activities such as a tea ceremony in a samurai house, wagashi and noodle making, a traditional calligraphy lesson, a sumo wrestling experience and hands-on indigo dyeing. Other highlights included a day trip to Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, guided tours of the Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace, and visits the serene temples of Kyoto. 

From cultural immersion to viewing hospitality through an international lens, this study abroad experience broadened scholars’ perspectives on Japan’s rich history and  innovative industries while creating lasting memories along the way.

Reminiscing on an incredible study abroad experience in Czechia! 🇨🇿✈️

As one of our two Maymester programs this year, Capstone Scholars had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Elise Lewis through ISCI 202, exploring how information is created, shared, and accessed. From visiting Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to city tours with local experts, students reflected on the power and responsibility behind how information is produced, communicated and understood across different global contexts.

Learning extended beyond the classroom as students immersed themselves in Czechia’s culture through traditional cooking classes, exploring the historic streets of Kutná Hora and Karlovy Vary, tasting local wines in Mikulov, exploring Lednice Castle, hiking through the Moravian countryside and venturing into the Punkva Caves.

Our Finals Fuel Station was a LDOC success! 🔥📚

From energizing bites and sweet treats to wellness smoothies and refreshing sips, our Capstone Scholars Ambassadors propelled our students into finals week with the power to finish the year strong.

Best of luck this exam season and thank you for a wonderful spring semester full of connection and impact!

Capstone Scholars is built on community, connection and relationships that last well beyond college. For the “Fresh Prince of Ball Air” kickball team, the friendships they formed while living together in the Capstone House residence hall have now evolved into a tradition of weekly, lighthearted competition on the field. 🏅

Katie O’Shields Free, USC Class of 2015, describes how the group has remained intentional about staying connected off the field as well.

“What makes our kickball team and these relationships so special is the longevity and inclusivity they’ve developed over time,” Katie said. “We’ve been playing together for years, and what started as a group of Capstone Scholars has grown to include other USC students and even new residents in Columbia.”

You never know where the relationships you make during your time as a Capstone Scholar will lead!

Calling all sophomores! 📢 You have the exciting opportunity to join the Capstone Fellows ranks.  
 
Capstone Fellows allows scholars entering their third year at USC to continue their involvement within the program. This distinction grants continued access to Capstone Scholars grant funding, professional resources, workshops and social events. 
 
Application closes May 31 at 11:59 P.M., so be sure to review all requirements before submitting, which can be found on the program’s website. 
 
Find the application link in our bio. We look forward to welcoming the newest class of Fellows this upcoming fall semester! 🤙🏻

Service represents a defining pillar of the Capstone Scholars Program experience. This semester, our scholars participated in a wide range of opportunities to put their passions into action, contributing 563.5 hours of meaningful impact to communities within Columbia and beyond. ♥️
 
Through 11 organized events, the Capstone Scholars Service Team, composed of dedicated undergraduate student leaders, planned initiatives for their peers to connect, give back and leave their mark. From traveling upstate to Greenville, South Carolina for a Day of Service with TreesUpstate to writing heartfelt cards for Letters Against Isolation and supporting the USC community at the Gamecock CommUnity Shop right here on campus, each experience deepened our scholars’ ties to their community and broadened their horizons. 

These moments reflect an integral core value of the Capstone Scholars Program and help students discover what it means to serve far beyond the classroom. Thank you to those who made these efforts possible, and we look forward to creating more meaningful change in the fall 2026 semester!