GSSM Speaks
The official blog
Welcome to “GSSM Speaks”, our new blog dedicated to sharing the story of GSSM straight from the people who know it best: our students, teachers and alumni. We'll have guest bloggers throughout the year to give you the inside scoop on campus life (and beyond). Stay tuned - you never know who will show up!
You will hear from:

Alison Mann, Marketing Director and “Blog-master” - Alison is the person in charge of corralling all of the bloggers, and she's always looking for someone to contribute a blog post or photo. (Have an idea? Send it in!) While she didn't attend GSSM, Alison has been part of the behind-the-scenes marketing for the past six years. She joined the team as Marketing Director in November 2012. Now at the helm, she is having a field day promoting all of the awesome stuff that goes on at GSSM. While not at work, Alison is spending time with her husband, son (1yr), step-daughter (7yrs) and cat. She is also a classically-trained double bassist – so you may see her in an orchestra near you!

Pam Altman, Alumni Relations Manager – Pam (GSSM, class of 2001) knows 'all things GSSM' - past, present and future! She'll be providing regular posts about what's going on AFTER high school with our very active alumni community. Let's just say Govies don't get enough time with each other in the two years they spend living and learning on campus. They are always having reunions, ‘reconnects’ and thinking of ways to assist future Govies. Pam, married to Wally (GSSM, class of 1998), is also very active with her church, bakes amazing desserts, enjoys playing with her two puppies and is an avid reader. If you ever have a question about grammar, she’s got the answer!
Students - We'll have regular contributions from our students as they experience life on (and off) campus. They will cover topics ranging from Interim to SPRI, as well as “full disclosure” about dorm rooms and cafeteria food. Have a topic you want to hear from the student perspective? Just ask!
Faculty and Staff – GSSM has the most motivated, caring and inspiring faculty and staff around. They are always excited to share what they are working on with their current students, their thoughts on the past and future of the school, and field trips they take.
Alumni – The GSSM alumni community is a very tight and active group. They have reconnect dinners throughout the year, reunions in the summer, and stay in touch via email and Facebook on a daily basis. Most importantly, they want to give back to the school that has given them so much. They are always willing to share their stories of GSSM with current and future students, as well as answer any questions. Have a question? Let us know!
Working with slime bags and worms
Friday, June 14, 2013 - 3:57pm
Dr. Zaria O'Bryant, GSSM's Accelerate program administrator, Sonja Taylor, GSSM's diversity recruitment manager, and Jomia Mack, Gear Up STEM Coordinator, worked with campers at the SC State Museum's STEM camp for girls. Sounds like these ladies got their hands dirty!
Read moreMessage from a Graduate
Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 12:17pm
Tobias Holden, now an alumni of GSSM, looks back on his time at the school and shares the highlights and his plans for the next phase of his life.
Read moreMoving Experience at NSBE Augusta Alumni Breakfast
Monday, May 20, 2013 - 10:05am
Dr. O'Bryant shares her experiences at the National Society of Black Engineers Augusta Alumni Extension annual Awards Breakfast - visiting with GSSM alumni and being inspired by future engineers. Attending students were awarded scholarships, laptops with software and printers, and back packs.
Read moreGuiding the Way to College
Thursday, May 9, 2013 - 3:10pm
As GSSM's class of 2013 heads off to college next year, many wonder how 100% of the student body manages to complete college and scholarship applications without their parent's constant support. The answer: GSSM's Guidance Department! Learn how they do it!
Read moreIntroduce a Girl to Engineering Day
Wednesday, May 8, 2013 - 12:53pm
Dr. Zaria O'Bryant attended Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day at USC Aiken on May 4. Read her blog about how she worked with her sister, also an engineer, to introduce engineering to 30 middle school girls! Nice work!
Read moreGet the scoop on how the record was broken!
Saturday, April 20, 2013 - 9:09am
Four months of planning, 430 gallons of ice cream, 10 dedicated committee members, 160 amazing govies and 1 Chef JJ all came together to create the world’s longest ice cream sundae. Committee member and GSSM junior Khayla Williams shares how they pulled it off!
Read moreCongratulations to the Outstanding Alumnus Award Winner: Eddie Nance, '00
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 - 10:28am
The Outstanding Alumnus Award is presented annually by the GSSM Alumni Association to an alumnus who, through their post-GSSM education, work, and personal endeavors, has exemplified the success one can achieve through the foundation of a GSSM education. The GSSM Alumni Association is proud to announce that the 2013 Outstanding Alumnus Award will be presented to Eddie Nance, Class of 2000.
Read moreColumbia Urban League STEM Expo
Friday, March 22, 2013 - 11:58am
GSSM staff teamed up with the Columbia Urban League for a STEM Expo with approximately 200 middle school students. Dr. Zaria O'Bryant, Accelerate program administrator, shares the highlights from the day.
Read moreStudent Perspective of the Townes Dinner
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 - 12:40pm
Everything we do at GSSM involves our students, and the Townes Award Dinner is no exception. Each year, GSSM juniors help out at the event and seniors present their SPRI research. Senior Joey Wilson and Junior Madeline McHugh share their experience attending this amazing event.
Read moreCongratulations to the 2013 Townes Award Recipient!
Thursday, March 14, 2013 - 12:44pm
GSSM Foundation CEO Kim Bowman shares her thoughts on how GSSM and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville have the same dream and why the school was chosen as this year's Townes honoree.
Read more