The University of South Carolina was established in 1801 and has been home to hundreds of thousands of students. 

The Russell House has served as the center of campus life for 70 years. It’s known for being a gathering point for students, a dining hall and a place to buy textbooks. 

USC students and staff on Tuesday gathered on Greene Street to celebrate the 70-year milestone. The 100 or so gathered enjoyed a DJ, guest speakers and refreshments, and the Russell House squirrel mascot even made a guest appearance. 

“The Russell House provides a place for members of our campus community to meet, create, get involved and have fun while making memories to last a lifetime,” according to the Russell House’s home page. 

The celebration was nothing short of another memory students can add onto their experience. The singing of the alma mater was followed  up with the cheers of sparkling grape juice and smiles. 

“It always has a good vibe,” said USC junior Drew Surratt. “It’s a good time to have fellowship with classmates or people you live with and it’s a fun place to relax a little bit.” 

Surratt was walking through the celebration dressed in his best suit and tie. He had just come from a career fair inside.

The Russell House, along with the Thomson student health center, is undergoing about $300 million in renovations to create more dining options and accommodate the student body’s continued growth. The work will be done in two phases.

Constructed in 1955 with students in mind, the building brings together thousands of students each day.

“The vision was that there would be a building solely focused on students, and a place where students can gather, be social, eat, engage, live, learn, lead, etcetera” said Russell House Director Kim McMahon. “That has been a constant priority and deliverable for the department for 70 years.”