USC Renames College of Engineering and Computing after $30 Million Gift from Alumnus

USC Renames College of Engineering and Computing after $30 Million Gift from Alumnus

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. – The University of South Carolina renamed the College of Engineering and Computing following a significant monetary gift from an alumnus. The college is now officially known as the University of South Carolina Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing after receiving a $30 million gift from the Molinaroli family. The naming ceremony took place at 10 am at the Swearingen Engineering Center.

The Molinaroli Family’s Commitment

The Molinaroli family has a strong connection to South Carolina and a deep commitment to the university’s future. Seven family members have graduated from USC since the 1930s, with another family member planning to start their journey in the fall. Their engineering contributions have impacted institutions such as the Charleston Navy Yard, SCDOT, and Johnson Controls.

Empowering the College

The $30 million gift was initiated by 1983 alumnus Alex Molinaroli and his wife Kristin. This investment aims to position the college as a leading educational and research institution in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, playing a key role in driving economic growth in the state.

USC President’s Gratitude

During the event, USC President Michael Amiridis, previously the college’s dean from 2006 to 2009, expressed his gratitude. “With this extraordinary gift from Alex and Kristin Molinaroli, we are entering a new era for the College of Engineering and Computing,” said Amiridis. He emphasized that this generous commitment will enable the college to elevate its academic standing and realize its full potential in providing exceptional education, research, workforce development, and economic impact in South Carolina and beyond.

This marks the fourth academic building at the university to be named after a donor. The Darla Moore School of Business was named after alumna Darla Moore in 1998, the Arnold School of Public Health after Norman J. Arnold in 2000, and the Joseph F. Rice School of Law after alumnus Joe Rice in November 2023.