Former Columbia mayor, White House adviser funds USC leadership scholarships, speakers

The University of South Carolina is naming its leadership center after former Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, who donated $1 million to his alma mater.

By: Jessica Holdman

Outlets: South Carolina Daily Gazette

Published: November 5, 2026

Words: 407

Last Updated: 4 days, 3 hours ago

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COLUMBIA — Steve Benjamin, the former mayor of South Carolina’s capital city and adviser to President Joe Biden, donated $1 million to his alma mater to promote student leadership and community service.

In response, the University of South Carolina named its leadership center, located inside the Russell House student union, in his honor. The center houses the school’s more than 700 student organizations and student government.

“As a student, I saw firsthand how mentors, service …

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