Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning

Join us in celebrating Dr. Brooks Herring, this year’s Distinguished GLD Alumni. He’s a U.S. Navy veteran, physical therapist, and award-winning songwriter who uses his platform to mentor others and promote wellness. Brooks combines his clinical training with his art to support performers, students and communities across the country.

His story reflects the impacts of integrative learning. Thank you for considering CIEL during and offering your support so more students can pursue experiences that lead to meaningful careers like Brooks’.

We’re proud to recognize William Smyly as our Palmetto Distinguished Alumni. WIlliam is a dedicated educator who is shaping the future of financial literacy in South Carolina. From building invaluable Personal Finance programs in the classroom to helping develop statewide standards, William lives to strengthen students and better communities.

His work shows how transformative hands-on learning can be. As continues, we hope you’ll support CIEL so more students can access experiences that prepare them to lead and serve like William.



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We are thrilled to celebrate Sydney Womack, our Young GLD Alumni Award recipient! From defending her dissertation to earn her PhD in Biomedical and Biological Sciences to mentoring future veterinary scientists, her journey embodies curiosity, leadership and confidently stepping into new opportunities.

Sydney continues to make an impact wherever she goes. Stories like hers remind us why experiential learning matters. As continues, we hope you’ll support CIEL so more students can access opportunities that shape futures like Sydney’s.



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Experiences shape futures. That’s why we’re all in for Give 4 Garnet! Your support fuels hands‑on learning, reflection and opportunities that help every Gamecock grow. Let’s do this together! 🤝✨

CIEL is thrilled to celebrate our own Lauren Epps for receiving the 2026 Provost Staff Excellence Award this afternoon. Lauren serves as the Staff Director and co-director of the QEP, and we are so lucky to have her leadership. Please join us in congratulating her on this honor!

The GLD Distinction Alumni Award Nominations are now OPEN!✨ Know a GLD alum making waves and leading with purpose? Nominate them today through Feb. 15th and help us celebrate excellence beyond graduation!🐓🎓
Link in bio 🔗

Welcome back, Gamecocks! 🐓🎒 We hope you had a restful winter break and are ready to get back at it! 💪
You can find both of these applications through the links posted in the comment section below! 🔗

That’s a wrap! 🎉 We hope everyone crushed their finals this week. To celebrate, here’s a recap of our Fall Cording Celebration featuring some headshot highlights of our newest GLD grads!🎓✨ CIEL is so proud of all you accomplished!🐓

The Fall 2025 GLD Showcase did NOT disappoint 😍 CIEL is so proud of each and every person pursuing GLD who presented on Friday. Stories were shared. Experiences were celebrated. Impacts were felt. ✨

Not sure if you want to pursue Graduation with Leadership Distinction? Hear from our GLD alumni and get some insight how to graduate with more than just a diploma. 🎓✨
Visit CIEL’s website (sc.edu/gld) to schedule an appointment with an advisor!📆🙌🏼

We hope you had a restful fall break, Gamecocks!🍁
Congrats on making it half-way through the semester!💯🤓 We wanted to remind you to keep pushing, and you can still schedule an appointment today! 📆
👉 sc.edu/gld