The Bulldog Wire
SC State Alumni Newsletter — Keeping the Legacy Alive
"So Hard"
SC STATE 20| FURMAN UNIVERSITY 17
From heartfelt condolences to another 1-0 road victory, Bulldog Nation continues to stand together in faith, pride, and purpose
To start, we extend our sincere condolences to Coach Chennis Berry and his family on the loss of his mother. On behalf of The Bulldog Wire and Bulldog Nation, we want to keep Coach Berry and his family lifted in prayer. That is where we will lead off this week’s Wire.
It is hard to transition into anything after that. However, after listening to Coach, I believe he is going to grieve, but his trust remains in God. As the scripture reminds us, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
For those who would like to show support through a bereavement donation, contributions may be sent via Apple Pay, Cash App or Zelle to 919-796-2587.
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This weekend felt like an extension of Miami. We were on Furman’s campus as if it were our own. The air was full of Bulldog pride — the confidence of a people whose football program does not simply define them, but transcends into a culture of greatness.
Being ranked No. 1 in all of FCS college football is a testament to Coach Berry’s relentless commitment to excellence. The “Chop Wood, Carry Water” philosophy did not just start here. Coach has been on this journey for quite some time. Although some may miss it, I have come to learn that it is not about the destination — it is all about
the journey. Trusting the process and surrendering to the outcome is beyond a phenomenal concept; it is a true art to adopt and live by. Salute to you, Coach Berry, for all you do to help take boys to men and lead them to Christ.
The last time SC State and Furman were both ranked in the Top 25 FCS college poll was 1982. SC State was ranked No. 7, and Furman was ranked No. 6. We won that matchup 17-0.
Saturday’s victory was tough, as we had to hold on. As Coach says, we can only control the controllables. We had too many S.I.N.’s — self-inflicted negatives — and the refs kept it interesting, to say the least. Nonetheless, the team found a way to go 1-0.
Now we are on to Daytona to take on Bethune-Cookman Wildcats — this Saturday, Sept 26 at 7 p.m. in Daytona Beach. The colors for this week and all subsequent away games will be Garnet and Blue.
LIFE AFTER SCSU — EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Champagne Dancer to Entrepreneur & Global Strategist — Joyce Dawkins Larkins
In this Life After SCSU Exclusive, The Bulldog Wire sits down with Joyce Dawkins Larkins, a South Carolina State University alumna whose journey has taken her from the Champagne Dancers and accounting classrooms of SC State to corporate banking, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and global business strategy.
Joyce reflects on attending South Carolina State University from 1987–1991, her time in Manny Hall, South Campus, and “the Dollhouse,” and the unexpected decision to try out for the Champagne Dancers despite having no formal dance training. She also shares how the discipline and expectations of squad leader Patrice Linder helped shape the woman and professional she would become.
Her career journey is just as dynamic. From banking and mortgage lending to selling internet services in Charlotte and Atlanta, Joyce continued reinventing herself and creating new opportunities. She later founded Lashes and Mustaches, a luxury executive entertainment experience centered around premium cigars, whiskey, and a distinctive vintage Airstream concept.
Bulldog Legacy Honored in Florence
Harry Carson’s Name Will Live On at Freedom Florence Recreation Complex
Another proud moment for Bulldog Nation.
The Florence City Council has approved resolutions honoring four football standouts with ties to the city, including a special recognition for legendary South Carolina State Bulldog and Pro Football Hall of Famer Harry Carson.
As part of the recognition, the football complex at the Freedom Florence Recreation Complex will be named in Carson’s honor—a lasting tribute to his remarkable football career, leadership, and impact beyond the game.
From South Carolina State University to the highest levels of professional football, Carson’s journey continues to represent the excellence, determination, and legacy associated with being a Bulldog.
Congratulations to Harry Carson on another well-deserved honor. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog. 🐾❤️💙
The Bulldog Wire — Celebrating the people, stories, and legacy of South Carolina State University.
bulldog wire poll results
The Verdict Is In: Spaghetti Is a Side
Bulldog Nation has spoken. After a week of heated replies, family group chat screenshots, and at least one unfriending, the results are official: spaghetti at the cookout is a side — right next to the meat, not standing alone as the main event.
Thank you to everyone who voted, argued, and defended their grandmother's recipe in the process. This is exactly the kind of Bulldog Nation energy we love to see.
🍗 SIDE WINS. THE DEBATE IS SETTLED — FOR NOW.
bulldog wire poll
What Diet are You Following?
Now that the spaghetti debate is settled, let's talk about what's actually on your plate these days. Bulldog Nation, tell us — What diet are you following?
Click any option to cast your vote via email — or reply directly to the Wire. Every response helps us settle the debate!
MUST READ
Book of the Week: Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Becoming Great
by Joshua Medcalf
Guided by "Akira-sensei," John comes to realize the greatest adversity on his journey will be the challenge of defeating the man in the mirror. This powerful story of one boy's journey to achieve his life long goal of becoming a samurai warrior, brings the Train to be Clutch curriculum to life in a powerful and memorable way.
TAKE ACTION
Get Involved,
Bulldog Family
Your support keeps the legacy alive — every action counts.
NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
National Alumni Association
South Carolina State University National Alumni Association
Stay connected, get involved, and support your alma mater through SCSUNAA. Log in to your chapter portal, update your membership, and stay in the loop with everything happening across Bulldog Nation.
DORCHESTER COUNTY CHAPTER SCSUNAA
The Ultimate Bulldog Road Trip Raffle!
SCSU vs. Charleston Southern — October 10, 2026. One winner receives 4 game tickets, 4 Bulldog t-shirts, and a hotel room for the weekend! 📅 Ticket Sales: July 7 – September 30, 2026 • 🎉 Raffle Drawing: October 1, 2026. Every ticket purchased helps provide scholarships for deserving SC State students.
SEASON TICKETS
The State Club
Lock in your seats and pack the stands with Bulldog pride all season long.
2026 FOOTBALL SEASON
TV Schedule
Mark your calendars! Catch every Bulldog game on ESPN+, ESPN, and ESPNU all season long.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
SC State $41M HBCU Athletics Campaign
President Conyers has set audacious goals and we are behind him 1000%. We can’t just talk about it — we have to be about it.
FORMER ATHLETES
SCSBFAA 2026–2027
Come back and give back. Only $60/year. Goal: 100 new members by end of summer.
Zelle:
SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS
Pack the Pantry
Help lift our Bulldogs higher! Donate everyday essentials — towels, toothpaste, snacks, cleaning supplies, and more — directly through Amazon.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Willie Jeffries
Tournament
Tee it up for a legend and support Bulldog athletics. Grab your spot before it fills up!
CONNECT WITH US
Stay Connected,
Bulldog Nation
Every Bulldog story matters — share yours or stay in the loop every week.
SHARE YOUR STORY
Tell Your Story
Every Bulldog has a story worth telling. Whether it’s life after SCSU, a moment that shaped you, or something you’ve accomplished — we want to hear it. Click below and share your story with the Wire family.
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The Bulldog Wire is written with love for the SC State family — past, present, and future
So Hard!
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