Sponsored Content

Meet 7 Greenville-based University of South Carolina alumni making an impact

Sponsored by
Man checking on a vat of beer inside brewery

Brian Cendrowski checking on a vat of beer at his brewery | Photo via Fireforge Crafted Beer

Table of Contents

In addition to the 50,000+ students who currently attend the University of South Carolina, UofSC has an impressive roster of alumni who have gone on to become notable leaders in communities across the country.

7 of those Gamecocks call Greenville home — here’s who you need to know:

Brian + Nicole Cendrowski

Brian and Nicole Cendrowski have traveled a circuitous route to owning Fireforge Crafted Beer. What started from a “not awful” batch of beer in January 2007 has turned into a brewery, taproom, and kitchen in downtown Greenville. Meet Brian and Nicole.

Tracy Swartout

Geography alumna Tracy Swartout, who works for the National Park Service, is the first woman to be charged with leading the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway. Meet Tracy.

Brody Glenn

With the Camperdown development project, business administration graduate Brody Glenn is taking his hometown to the next level. Meet Brody.

Mandy Elmore

Three-time alumna Mandy Elmore is helping train the next generation of engineers as a dean at Tri-County Technical College. Meet Mandy.

Regan Freeman

After a personal reckoning with his hometown’s history during a study session at UofSC, political science graduate Regan Freeman is working with a local minister and his congregation to advance racial justice in Laurens County. Meet Regan.

Bodequia Simon

From a Facebook group made on a lunch break to a national organization for social workers, Bodequia Simon found a way to translate her passion for community and social work into a career. Meet Bodequia.

Lauren Johnson-Cummings

With 20 years of experience in hospitality management and event planning, Lauren Johnson-Cummings could go anywhere. But the psychology graduate is dedicated to Greenville, which she is committed to making the top destination for corporate events. Meet Lauren.

More from GVLtoday
The sweet informal holiday has been celebrated for 55+ years.
This summer, Stone Cottage will open on Main Street with Reedy River Falls views, but we want your help tracking down a mystery artist.
As snow fell Friday, Jan. 30 and stayed through the weekend, you shared your snow day photos with us.
To help make your entire process at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking to details on the airport’s nonstop flights.
Nominate a student, educator, or school staff member that we should highlight as our Fantastic Scholastic.
Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ is bringing its kitchen showdown to the Carolinas, with Season 23 filming in Charlotte and spotlighting Greenville’s rising food scene in several episodes.
SCDOT’s rehabilitation on the Church Street Bridge began in spring 2025 and just hit the halfway point in early 2026.
Leave it to Greenvillians to find the fun, even when it’s not quite a “snow day.”
We’re following headlines from officials as the ice storm hits Greenville.