SC State’s Passport Fair has record turnout

Jan. 30, 2023

For immediate release

Representatives from the Charleston Passport Center help SC State students get new passports.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – On Thursday, South Carolina State University’s Office of International and National Student Exchange Programs (OINSEP) had a record turnout at its Passport Fair.

Approximately 96 people from SC State and the Orangeburg community came out to renew or apply for their passports.

OINSEP collaborated with the U.S. Department of State Passport Agency to make the initiative a success and to encourage students to study abroad. Participants from the fair were excited to have the opportunity.

“This is my way of giving back to the university,” said Katrina Greene-Gathers, a customer service manager at the Charleston Passport Center. “A lot of minorities don’t know or even understand the passport process and the ability to fly internationally. So, I’ve been coming back to the university for the past five years to promoting and issuing passports for the university and community.”

Greene-Gathers is an SC State alumna who values giving back to her alma mater in any way that she can. Participants shared how grateful they were to have access to the fair.

Comments from Passport Fair participants

Craig Nelson Jr., a senior criminal justice major and a cadet in the ROTC program, stated that he wanted a passport "to see the world and visit old friends."

Herman and Teffeny Prince, two alumni from SC State who came with their forms pre-filled to renew their passports, were pleased that the process took only 10 minutes. Herman noted that students should get passports to "be prepared for the opportunity to travel anytime for business or pleasure.”

Joseph Grant, from Blythewood, South Carolina, took advantage of the opportunity to expedite the renewal of his passport for an upcoming trip. He was very pleased that the process only took 15 minutes. He pointed out that students should get passports because "you never know when you need to go, to travel outside the country ... it could be for a family emergency."

Willie Glover's advice to students is "Get out and travel and see the world."

ZainDasia McNeil, a junior physical education major who transferred to SC State, noted that students should get passports because they are important in securing overseas internships. "If you wait until the last minute, you can't take advantage of the opportunity," McNeil said.

Edwin D. Cheatham III, who was born in Japan into a military family, came with his wife and son from Santee to renew their passports because they have plans to travel to Europe. Edwin was stationed overseas during his time in the military.

Alante Snell was happy with the 15-minute processing time. He encourages students to get their passports because it provides "more opportunities to study abroad."

Allan Garmendia, who traveled all the way from Charleston, was very pleased with the customer service at the Passport Fair. He described the staff as "very friendly and the process as "quick". He pointed out that having a passport was important because "you never know when you might need it ... to see the interconnected world we live in." He also noted the benefits of not having to renew the passport for 10 years.

Jordin Harris, a first-time freshman political science major, summed up the benefit of having a passport succinctly: "It makes the world more accessible!"

Similarly, O'Quan Cross, a senior nutrition major who has traveled to Canada, Spain and the Bahamas, noted that a "passport gives you access to the world and opens your eyes to a bigger place than what you know." The benefit of international travel, he said, is that it "broadens your horizon." He encourages students to travel with the caveat that they need to have an open mind to food, culture, and music.

Edward David, a National Student Exchange student from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, appreciated the short time it took to process his application to renew his passport. He renewed his passport because he has family overseas and wishes to visit them. He encourages students to get their passports to "have a good understanding of different cultures and see so many beautiful places."

Jamon Hall, a community guest, indicated that this was his first time applying for a passport to "travel the world and get a larger perspective on life."

Dr. Ruth Hodges, dean of SC State’s Miller F. Whittaker Library, described the process of renewing her passport at the fair as "easy and fast."

“Getting a passport is important because there's a lot to see in this world and you can learn a lot from different cultures," SC State student A'Sydney Robinson said. “Further, getting a passport helps students explore the great unknown and allows for international travel which expands your diversity."

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Media Contact

Allie Harris-Beeks

Communications Specialist

South Carolina State University

aharrisb@scsu.edu

803-747-4098 (Cell)

About South Carolina State University

Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers’ college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.