Hero Awards 2012

On March 21, 2012, the University of South Carolina recognized exemplary members of our campus community whose actions had a tremendous impact on the lives of another.

These Heroes went above and beyond to help friends, classmates, coworkers or complete strangers.

We honor them for their compassion, empathy and dedication to others, for making the right choice and making a difference in our campus community.
The Hero Awards support Stand Up Carolina, a campus-wide initiative that is fostering bystander accountability and making the University of South Carolina a safer place to learn, live, work and play.

Join the movement at www.sa.sc.edu/shs/savip/stand-up.

Our Heroes

Dustin Struble

Dustin Struble has led initiatives this year challenging men of his residence hall to look beyond the hetero-centric view of masculinity. His efforts to get the Men of McBryde to redefine and reframe society’s view of a “real man” has led to a series of talks called “Man Chats.” The Man Chats’ attendees have included students, faculty and campus partners, the issues covered at the chats include: Masculinity, Mental Health, Fraternity Membership, Dating and Relationships, etc. The Man Chats have seen steadily increasing attendance and have even spread to other residence halls on campus. While spearheading all these initiatives, Dustin also took on the role of substitute house director for Lambda Chi Alpha. As a proud member of the fraternal community, Dustin took this responsibility very seriously and upheld his personal and professional values when having the unfortunate experience of reporting alleged hazing incidents in the house. With the Greek Community being near and dear to Dustin’s heart, the decision to report the hazing took a toll on him. His bravery in reporting the incident is a testament to his character and integrity.
Dustin understood that he had a responsibility to serve and protect not only the men of Lambda Chi Alpha but also the other men at the University of South Carolina. Dustin’s work with Lambda Chi Alpha and the gentlemen of McBryde has been inspiring for all males at the university and his steadfastness with the reporting of unethical behavior has been nothing short of heroic.

Joshua Lynch

A student came into my office very flustered and rather loud and upset. Joshua was an accountable bystander in this situation and made sure to check that the situation was okay and that this student was not causing harm to me. While it was a false alarm, I feel much better about the world knowing Joshua is always willing to offer up support and step in when a situation seems questionable!

Robert Bartlett

On the evening of March 2, 2012 around 11:45pm a car accident occurred outside of Bates House. Robert, Jacob, and Daniel were outside at the gazebo and witnessed the incident. While a RM called the police, these residents ran over to the car and pulled a young man who was injured out of the car. When Robert saw the young man's injury he instantly took off the shirt that he was wearing and tied a tourniquet around his arm to help stop the bleeding. Jacob ran into Bates House to get water to keep the young man hydrated, while Daniel just kept asking the young man questions to keep his awake and alert. Robert, Jacob and Daniel are true heroes for stepping in and helping someone who was in true need - someone whose life was at stake. These young men did this without thinking twice and expected nothing in return.

Jacob Jacobson

Jay Menees

Resident Mentors Jay and Alex became aware of a resident on their floor in Columbia Hall who appeared intoxicated and upset. Jay was concerned about the resident’s state of mind as he was very distressed over an issue with his girlfriend. The resident went back into his room to “sleep it off. ” Jay and Alex's instincts told them that they needed to check on him again. They found the resident attempting to harm himself and speaking of not wanting to go on any longer. If Jay and Alex had not trusted their instincts the resident could have succeeded in harming himself.

Alicia Bervine

The other day, I found out my grandfather died. I was very upset and crying and Alicia just gave me a hug and held me. She literally provided me a shoulder to cry on. She held me and helped me during my initial shock. Because of my emotional state, she helped me figure out what to do next. Alicia told me not to worry about work right now and figure out my plans to see my family. She then advised me to contact my professors to tell them I wouldn't be in class. Alicia got my entire office to help out with my responsibilities for the day because I was unable to meet with students. Alicia went and spoke to other members of my office about what happened so I could have time alone. I don't know what I would have done without her help. I am so lucky to have such an amazing supervisor that went above and beyond her role when I really needed help and acted like a mother.

Frank Breland Miley

Breland is a friend of rare quality who at a moment’s notice came to the aid of a close friend who was in a crisis situation. His friend, feeling very unappreciated and marginalized by his roommate and others in the USC community, over indulged in alcohol as a coping mechanism and was ready to do serious harm to himself. Breland prevented his friend from being dealt with by law enforcement and stayed with him throughout a long night, including a trip in crisis to the emergency room. Better yet, Breland has stayed in close contact with his friend to support him as he navigates through counseling and the development of healthier coping strategies. Breland is not only this young man's hero but mine as well!

Patrick Nickles

As Patrick's instructor, I received a call from his mother stating that Patrick had been in the ER overnight because he had taken an action to help someone and had paid the price. She was also clearly shaken as she told me the story of how Patrick happened upon a young woman who was being pushed around and verbally abused by a man.

Patrick stepped in—in a courageous act of bystander accountability, Patrick told the man, "That's no way to treat a woman." The guy wheeled on Patrick and told him to mind his own business and knocked him to the ground, kicking him in the head. Fortunately for Patrick, he was on the phone with his mother at the time, and the police and ambulance were called. Patrick was transported to the ER where he was treated for his injuries.

Meggie Patton

Meggie Patton, a graduate assistant at Green Quad, is a USC Hero. Her energy and enthusiasm are assets to everyone she encounters. Meggie embraces the ideals of promoting a healthier, more sustainable planet while encouraging students to find those same ideals in themselves and among each other. Meggie has always brought out the best in people through her positive attitude, sense of duty and concern for others, leadership capabilities, unwavering curiosity and excitement for life, and uncanny ability to make people laugh. While she continuously assists students who come to her in distress, she also helps other, somewhat more forgotten members of society. While oftentimes someone will not intervene because of the time commitment, Meggie did not hesitate to adopt a two day puppy she found when the animal shelter told her the puppy was too young to accept. She spent three months feeding, bathing, and mothering the abandoned puppy who required constant care. Meggie always steps up when she is needed the most and her actions have a positive impact on our campus.

Jonathan Peterson

I recommend Jonathan for his heroic acts last fall when he intervened with someone, almost a complete stranger, that lived on his floor. This individual came home highly intoxicated one night and proceeded to throw up all over everything, including Jonathan's belongings. This individual was extremely distraught and of greater concern was his intent to put himself in a very dangerous situation. Jonathan took immediate action to control the situation and insure the safety of his colleague. He literally wrestled this young man in an attempt to prevent a tragedy for USC and everyone that lived in this residence hall. What a blessing to have students that care so much about each other that they are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect a fellow student.

Samantha Young

Samantha Young was headed home after a late night in the office, when she noted two clearly intoxicated students walking down the street. The male student began yelling at his female companion and Samantha decided to confront the situation. As she walked toward the two students, the male proceeded to grab the female by the arm and Samantha decided to intervene. She ran to the students and demanded that the male student release the woman. The man was belligerent and kept repeating how angry he was at the woman. Samantha directed the man to return to his residence hall and encouraged the woman to find a safe ride home. The students then departed but, Samantha had a feeling in her gut that the issue was not resolved. Samantha caught up to the two only to discover that the young man was again yelling at the woman and had her physically restrained. She alerted a nearby security guard for help and proceeded to contact the campus police. While waiting for police to arrive, Samantha separated the two and made sure that neither ran away. Along with the police, Ms. Young discussed with the two the seriousness of the issue and the consequences for domestic abuse. Samantha Young is a hero because she intervened when other bystanders would have just shrugged the incident off and walked away. Her desire to do what was right and promote student safety may have prevented domestic abuse that evening. Further, by collecting the students'
information and completing an incident report she ensured that the male student can seek help for his anger and alcohol issues.

Alex Reiney

Lauren Stitzlein

Lauren Stitzlein works as a resident mentor in Capstone. Through this job she has had to deal with many students, primarily freshman, who are dealing with many different and difficult issues. She always has a smile and a word of encouragement when they are in crisis and need help. She always listens and provides a shoulder for them to cry on. She tries her absolute hardest to help and support them in anything that can help them grow, be happy and succeed in life. She has dealt with alcohol abuse, mental health issues, emotional problems and everything else under the sun. She is a hero on USC's Campus!

MaryJane Hicks

MaryJane Hicks is the case manager for psychiatry in Student Heath Services. MaryJane is the calming voice that helps extremely distressed students hold on for just a while longer until they can see their doctor. She provides lifesaving interventions daily for our most vulnerable students. Mary is always kind, patient, wise and steady when students need this the most. As a counselor at CHDC, I know first hand how valuable to she is to our students. When it has not been possible for some of my clients to access me or their psychiatrist in a moment of crisis, they have gone to the 3rd floor of Thompson where they know they can find MaryJane who will comfort them and find them a place to sit and be safe until they can be seen. I don't believe it would be an overstatement to say that MaryJane has saved more than one life.

Austin Eubanks

Austin Eubanks, resident of Bates House is a life saver. While doing the right thing can be difficult, Austin stepped up at a time that was literally critical to another USC student. Austin’s heroic efforts to take care of one of his hall mates and call for emergency responders helped save another Carolina student’s life. Austin found his neighbor passed out in the hallway suffering from extreme alcohol intoxication and was able to watch over the student until emergency personnel arrived. USC is honored to have students like Austin Eubanks in our community and I am sure he will continue to be a service to our institution for years to come.

Dr. Mary Baskin Waters

Dr. Mary Baskin Waters, an adjunct faculty member in the Women's & Gender Studies Program and the Masters of Public Administration Program at USC, deserves a HERO award for her work with students through a service-learning course she teaches each semester. A strong female role-model with an incredible awareness of issues affecting our state, Dr. Waters' students connect their globally-focused academic studies with service to an organization in the local community that works in the areas of sexual health, domestic or sexual violence, LGBTQ issues, minority and economically disadvantaged access to healthcare, youth incarceration, and child abuse and neglect, oftentimes where bystanders are needed most. She is training our students to be advocates for those most in need and it is inspiring to watch Dr. Waters encourage and rally her students to arm themselves with good knowledge and a sense of altruism as they carry forward. Dr. Waters has been a strong mentor to me as well, encouraging me to not accept intolerance and to be proud of the ways I can contribute to a more productive and accepting society.

Daniel Carton

Joseph Welsh