GSSM Honors the South Carolina Department of Commerce at the 31st Annual Townes Award Celebration

HARTSVILLE, S.C., March 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) was awarded the prestigious Townes Award by the South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) on Wednesday evening. S.C. Commerce was celebrated for leading transformative growth in South Carolina. From large corporations to entrepreneurs and from life sciences to advanced manufacturing, S.C. Commerce is helping to advance the economy and create opportunities for all South Carolinians.

In front of a packed ballroom at 1208 Washington Place in Columbia, S.C. Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III and Deputy Secretary Ashely Teasdel accepted the award during the 31^st annual Townes Award Celebration.

"The South Carolina Department of Commerce is honored to receive the prestigious Townes Award," said Secretary Harry Lightsey. "S.C. Commerce works to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, and this award highlights our ongoing efforts to embrace the future to ensure the state's sustainable advantage for years to come. We greatly appreciate the support and recognition of the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics."

Through collaborations, partnerships, and a historic $10.27 billion in announced capital investment in 2022, followed by $9.22 billion announced in 2023, S.C. Commerce, under the leadership of Secretary Lightsey and Deputy Secretary Teasdel, has achieved historic growth and secured some of the largest economic development deals on record.

"GSSM proudly honors the Department Commerce for their unparalleled efforts in attracting businesses to South Carolina and supporting their growth," said Danny Dorsel, GSSM president. "Our research programs, which make GSSM a national leader in STEM education, depend on many companies to provide internships for our students and career opportunities for our alumni.  We are grateful to partner with the Department of Commerce in making South Carolina a great place to live, learn and work."

Since 1993, GSSM has presented the Townes Award to honor individuals, businesses, or institutions that have transformed South Carolina and the world. Dr. Charles H. Townes (1915–2015) was a native South Carolinian, Furman graduate, and Nobel Laureate in physics. In 1964, Dr. Townes received the Nobel Prize for his pioneering research in quantum electronics, leading to the invention of the laser.

Applications to GSSM's residential program are being considered on a space-available basis. Interested students can apply at www.scgssm.org/admissions/apply-residential.

Applications to GSSM's GoSciTech summer STEM camps are also open, offering students three options: a residential camp in Hartsville, day camps at locations across the state, and virtual camps accessible from anywhere. Interested students can apply at www.scgssm.org/summercamps.

For more information on GSSM, visit www.scgssm.org or call 843-383-3900.

About the South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
The South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is a nationally ranked top 10 public high school that exists to bring world-class STEM education to students across the state. Founded in 1988 by Gov. Carroll Campbell, GSSM is a state resource that offers a variety of programs including an intensive 2-year residential high school, a challenging virtual engineering program, summer camps, and in-school experiences for students in 3rd through 12th grades. At GSSM challenge is viewed as a gateway to opportunity. Learn more about how we help students realize their full potential by visiting www.scgssm.org.

About the South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics Foundation
The GSSM Foundation advocates for GSSM and provides funds and support to enhance its programs and students' educational endeavors. The Foundation connects GSSM with a broad community and showcases GSSM's contribution to quality of life and economic prosperity of South Carolina and beyond.

SOURCE South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics