TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE JORY FLEMING OF COLUMBIA AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON BEING AWARDED A RHODES SCHOLARSHIP.

Whereas, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and most prestigious international fellowship award, and recipients are chosen for their outstanding scholarly achievements, character, leadership potential, and commitment to others and the common good. Well-known Rhodes Scholars include former President Bill Clinton, former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, astronomer Edwin Hubble, entertainer Kris Kristofferson, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, former U.N. ambassador Susan Rice, and political commentators George Stephanopoulos and Rachel Maddow; and

Whereas, Jory Fleming, a senior at the University of South Carolina, was named one of thirty-two U.S. winners of the Rhodes Scholarship, chosen from among eight hundred eighty-two nominees. He will study in Oxford University in England for two years; and

Whereas, Fleming, who has autism, credits his service dog Daisy, along with university professors, advisers, and classmates, for his success; and

Whereas, at Carolina, Fleming has been involved in a wide range of research, working with marine science and geography faculty mentors. He volunteers with Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services and Cocky's Read Express, the university's mascot-led literacy program; and

Whereas, Fleming is the most decorated national fellowship winner in USC's history, having been awarded the Rhodes, Truman, Goldwater, and Hollings scholarships; and

Whereas, Fleming is the tenth University of South Carolina student to be awarded the Rhodes Scholarship, the most from any school in the State. At USC, he is pursuing a double major in geography and marine science with a minor in geophysics and is focused on GIS and mapping data as a method of oceanic communication; and

Whereas, the USC Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs assists university students competing for national fellowships and scholarships such as the Rhodes. Since the office was established in 1994, Carolina students have earned eight hundred national awards totaling more than $24 million; and

Whereas, in 2015-16, fifty-seven Carolina students were awarded national scholarships and fellowships, including Truman, Goldwater, Hollings, and Fulbright awards; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the pride and recognition that Jory Fleming has brought to his university, State, and nation and look to hear of his continued success in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor and recognize Jory Fleming of Columbia and congratulate him on being awarded a Rhodes Scholarship.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Jory Fleming.