How I Go Columbia: Jack Claypoole

A native South Carolinian and USC graduate, Jack Claypoole became the executive director of My Carolina Alumni Association in the summer of 2012.

That followed just more than six years at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy under both the Bush and Obama administrations. In his role at the University of South Carolina, Claypoole helps coordinate outreach to more than 280,000 alumni while helping to integrate alumni support into today’s student experience.

On Oct. 15, during USC’s weeklong homecoming festivities, Claypoole and My Carolina will dedicate a new 60,000-square-foot, $26.4 million alumni center at Lincoln and Senate streets in the Vista.

Claypoole’s wife, Sandy, is an alumna of Carolina; his son Connor is a sophomore at the university and serves as “MicMan” on the sidelines of Williams-Brice Stadium.

EAT: When we’re in town, Mr. Friendly’s and Motor Supply tend to be regular stops for eating local and entertaining guests. Both are perfect, especially for our out-of-town guests, with outstanding food and a great atmosphere. For casual dining, Publick House and Hickory Tavern are regular stops. When we’re at home in Lexington, you can find us at Libby’s, Antai or Hudson’s Smokehouse.

DRINK: Hunter-Gatherer and Craft and Draft are great places to support our growing local micro-brew business and Keg Cowboy in Lexington offers some great selections for those looking for a local stop on the other side of the Congaree. I’m also looking forward to some great outdoor entertaining on the Gamecock Gates patio at the alumni center.

LISTEN: I thoroughly enjoyed Darius (Rucker) and Mark (Bryan) on the Horseshoe during their recent performance, and I’m an old-school Jim LeBlanc groupie, so we love to catch up with him when we can. I very much appreciate all that Tin Roof and Music Farm are doing in the Vista, as well as the great shows coming to Rhythm on the River – one of Columbia’s best places to catch an outdoor show. We also look forward to welcoming Brad Paisley to our alumni center grand opening street party on Friday, Oct. 16.

PLAY: With some of the most talented students in the nation on our campus, dance, music and theater are great options around campus. Gamecock athletics also gives us so many choices – there’s never a dull moment. While the big three get lots of attention, there are generous offerings of other varsity and club athletics that fill the bill. On the rare open day, a cruise on Lake Murray with close friends is the thing to do.

SEE: From Riverbanks Zoo to Congaree National Monument, Columbia is growing into its own as a destination. Sandy and I get the unique opportunity to host a number of guests to our city, and we’ve never hosted a guest who didn’t have enough to see or do while in town. We love being home at our alma mater.

This story was originally published October 8, 2015 at 2:21 PM with the headline "How I Go Columbia: Jack Claypoole."