The 2026 Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Awards celebrate excellence, leadership and service among the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management community. The winners will be recognized March 20 at the “Return to the Roost: Honoring 25 Years of HRSM Excellence” event. Below are the stories of each honoree, highlighting their professional accomplishments and continued commitment to making a difference.
HRSM Distinguished Alumni Award
Duane Scott II., '11
Duane Scott II is a 15-year venue management veteran and current vice president of booking and event operations at Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets. He oversees third-party live entertainment and gameday operations, generating more than $60 million in revenue. Previously, he held leadership roles at the University of Houston and Shell Energy Stadium.
He began his career with Global Spectrum at Colonial Life Arena, supporting Gamecock Athletics. A native of Irmo, South Carolina, he proudly earned a bachelor’s degree in sport and entertainment management from USC. He has continued to support the College of HRSM by speaking virtually to classes, mentoring students and hosting faculty and students at the facilities he manages.
HRSM Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Caroline Manning, '10
Caroline Manning is director of hospitality for Augusta National Golf Club. She oversees hospitality strategy and operations for the Masters Tournament and Masters Tournament Foundation events: the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, Latin America Amateur Championship, Augusta National Women’s Amateur and Drive, Chip and Putt.
A 2010 hospitality management graduate, Manning began her career through an internship with the Masters Tournament while a student. Over 14 years with ANGC, she has helped develop and elevate several of the organization’s most visible hospitality programs.
Manning served on the HRSM Alumni Society Board and continues to mentor students. She is proud to support the next generation of leaders and to give back to the program that helped shape her professional path.
HRSM Distinguished Service Award
Vincent L. Dell'Osa
Vincent Dell’Osa joined the Department of Retailing in fall 2024 as executive in residence, bringing more than 40 years of retail experience and a deep commitment to mentorship. He spent over 20 years at Ralph Lauren, ultimately serving as president of Ralph Lauren Retail, North America, where he expanded profits and led innovation across diverse channels.
A transformational leader, he has guided 13 departments and navigated nine major business shifts with resilience and foresight. Dell’Osa serves on multiple boards, including at the University of South Carolina, and is NACD certified. He champions adaptability, technology, and DE&I while preparing future leaders to thrive in a changing industry.
HRSM Distinguished Service Award
Dilip Patel, '95, '02
Dilip Patel is managing partner of Best Holiday Inc., founded by his father in 1979. Raised in South Carolina, he has more than 45 years of hospitality experience, beginning in his family’s motel business. A two-time graduate of the University of South Carolina, he earned degrees in hospitality management and sport and entertainment management.
Patel has served on numerous industry boards and was named South Carolina Hotelier of the Year in 2014. He remains actively involved with USC, mentoring students and supporting HRSM programs. He served on the USC Board of Visitors and currently serves on the HRSM Dean’s Advisory Board and School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Advisory Board.
HRSM Distinguished Service Award
Wm. A. "Bill" Sutton
Bill Sutton is a sport management scholar with more than 34 years leading programs at Robert Morris University, Ohio State University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida.
He co-founded the Sport Marketing Association and served as an NBA executive under Commissioner David Stern. A longtime columnist for Sports Business Journal and author of several textbooks, he has delivered 500+ global presentations.
In 2022, he joined HRSM’s David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management as a professor of practice. He and his wife of 55 years, Sharon, now live in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
HRSM Distinguished Friend of the College Award
Dawn Staley
Since thrusting South Carolina into the national spotlight when she was hired in May 2008, Dawn Staley has made the Gamecocks a constant contender for SEC and national championships. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee as a player is one of five head coaches with at least three women’s basketball National Championships and the only Black basketball head coach with multiple national titles, and the first Black head coach of the USA Basketball Senior National Team.
Coach Staley has been a frequent guest speaker in HRSM classes,most recently “Lessons in Leadership: The Dawn Staley Way,” a leadership class using her book, Uncommon Favor, as the text.