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"Andy is my homeboy" T-shirts, photo-ops with Cocky and free food were among the activities at a farewell celebration for USC President Andrew Sorensen and his wife, Donna, in the Russell House lobby Tuesday afternoon.
Jim Manning, a first-year math student, said it is unfortunate that Sorensen will be leaving.
"I think it's a loss for the university and we appreciate his years of service," Manning said. "The next president will have a lot to live up to."
Student Body President Andrew Gaeckle, a third-year international studies student, said students will miss Sorensen greatly.
"While we are sad to see him conclude his tenure as president, we can truly say that our university is a better place because of his friendship," Gaeckle said in a news release.
After he steps down as president, Sorensen said he plans to stay at USC as a distinguished university professor of public health and is very excited.
Sorensen said collaborating with the students has been successful.
"The support of the students was amazing," Sorensen said. "We worked together extremely well and the collaborative efforts have been extremely important."
Former student body president Nick Payne, a fourth-year economics student, said it was a pleasure to work with Sorensen during his presidency.
"Working with him was pitch perfect," Payne said. "He was a teammate and a remarkable leader."
Payne said Sorensen is an amiable person and easy to talk to.
"When you sit down with him he makes you feel comfortable," Payne said. "He was always very open to student ideas and the University will miss him."
Tommy Preston, who was also student body president under Sorensen's leadership, now serves in as Sorensen's coordinator of government and community relations.
"He has a true passion for students," Preston said. "Now, as an employee, I see it directly."
Preston said Sorensen has given him many opportunities and has been a great friend and mentor.
"[Sorensen] has helped me see all the wonderful opportunities in my life and has always been there to help me," Preston said.
Preston said Sorensen has a philosophy that "we wouldn't be here if it weren't for the students."
Sorensen said he feels that an excellent connection with the students is essential.
"It's silly for the university president to be fighting with students," Sorensen said. "It's important to find a common ground and I think we have gone above and beyond to achieve that."
During his tenure, Sorensen has contributed to the establishment of the Office of Undergraduate Research, the Capstone Scholars Program and the Gamecock Guarantee.
Sorensen holds a bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree from Yale University, a bachelor's degree from University of Illinois and a master's degree from University of Michigan.
He is the author of seven books and more than 100 articles and is a recipient of many distinguished awards, including the University of Florida Student Government Association's Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Government and Yale University Divinity School's Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Community Service.
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