The University of South Carolina’s College of Engineering and Computing has a new name. It is now called the University of South Carolina Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. The renaming was announced on June 6 during a ceremony at the Swearingen Engineering Center.
The new name reflects the vision and generosity of the Molinaroli family. Seven family members have graduated from USC since the 1930s. Another will start this fall.
Their engineering impact spans from the Charleston Navy Yard to the South Carolina Department of Transportation and Johnson Controls. Alex Molinaroli and his wife, Kristin Ihle Molinaroli, made a $30 million investment. Alex is a 1983 alumnus.
The investment will establish the college as a leading educational and research institution in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. It will contribute to South Carolina’s economic growth. USC President Michael Amiridis expressed his gratitude for the Molinaroli family’s generosity.
With this extraordinary gift from Alex and Kristin Molinaroli, we are embarking on a new era for the College of Engineering and Computing,” Amiridis said. Their generous commitment will enhance the college’s academic stature and potential for exceptional education, research, workforce development, and economic impact in South Carolina and beyond.
This marks the university’s fourth academic unit named for a donor. The others are the Darla Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health, and the Joseph F.
Molinaroli family’s transformative $30 million gift
Rice School of Law. “A degree from the University of South Carolina can change your life and provide generational change for your family,” said Alex Molinaroli.
It is a privilege for my family’s name to be associated with the College of Engineering and Computing as it supports the next generation of Fortune 100 CEOs and successful entrepreneurs.”
Alex Molinaroli has been a strong advocate for his alma mater for many years. The former CEO of Johnson Controls has played a pivotal role in offering valuable insights and guidance to college leadership. He has contributed to innovation and student advancement.
The current gift will support the creation of new high-demand programs, student and faculty recruitment, facility and equipment enhancements, and research startups. It honors multiple generations of the Molinaroli family, including Alex’s father, Adrian (’51); his uncle, Remo (’34); his aunt, Elenora (’33); his brother, Raymond (’91); and his cousins, Charles (’65) and Marion (’69). We are grateful for the Molinarolis’ extraordinary generosity and shared vision for our college’s role in shaping a better future for our state, region, and nation,” said Hossein Haj-Hariri, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing.
“Their gift will enable us to enhance our educational, research, and partnership efforts to transform our state.”
Founded in 1909, the college offers high-quality education through 40-degree programs. These include the state’s only aerospace, biomedical, and graduate nuclear engineering programs, as well as numerous computing and AI options. Nearly 70 percent of students are South Carolinians.
Many alumni choose to apply their skills within the state’s borders. The college’s academic and research excellence continues to drive economic growth and spur social mobility in South Carolina. The college is a leader in energy systems, advanced manufacturing, and intelligent infrastructure research.
It is set to receive over $70 million in sponsored awards in fiscal year 2024.
