USC Upstate Plans Five-Year Initiative of Remembrance, Reflections of World War I

SPARTANBURG, SC – Beginning on September 23, USC Upstate will embark on a five-year commemoration and reflection of World War I culminating with the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. These five years are in commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of the war.

Although the United States did not enter World War I until 1917, the impact on the Upstate began long before then. Events are being planned throughout the next five years that will highlight the causes, myths, realities, and impact of the war, both in the Upstate and internationally, including films, displays, book clubs and reviews, presentations, symposia, and reflections of study abroad trips.

General topics to be explored include military ramifications, changes in medicine, roles of women, African Americans, and education.  Events for the 2014-15 academic year include lectures on the causes of the war, Upstate’s military installations and lost soldiers, American Women in the war, the impact of trench warfare and a panel discussion of the impact of the war on Germany.

Fall 2014 Presentations: International Causes, Local Effects

• How It All Began: Causes of World War I — Dr. Robert McCormick — Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 6 p.m. in the J M Smith Board Room
• Spartanburg WWI Veterans I — Frieda Davison — Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 12 p.m. in the Campus Life Center, Rooms 309 and 310

• Selected Views of WWI — Tammy Pike and USC Upstate students — Friday, September 26, 2014 at 12 p.m. in the University Readiness Center Atrium & Great Room

• Women and Warfare: The Experience of American Women during WWI — Dr. Carmen Harris — Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 12:15 p.m., in the Campus Life Center, Rooms 309 and 310

All events are open to the public.