Sorensen Service to be held at USC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Andrew Sorensen, former president of the University of South Carolina and sitting president of Ohio state University will be remembered at a special service Tuesday, April 26 at the Koger Center.

The 10 a.m. memorial will celebrate the life of the “Bow Tie” President.

Sorensen passed away at his home on Saturday.

He had been serving as Senior Vice President for Development and President of the Ohio State University Foundation.  He was President of the University of South Carolina from 2002-2008. He was 72.

News of his sudden death shocked many in the Midlands and across the state Monday. ABC Columbia News spoke with three people with whom Sorensen spent much time.  They each share different stories about Sorensen with one common theme.  They say he was was a transformer.

A statement from Ohio State University read, in part,

“One of the country’s most distinguished leaders in higher education, Dr. Sorensen joined Ohio State last September. He brought enormous energy, wisdom, and wit to his work, and his passion for public higher education made him an uncommonly effective advocate for the University. Dr. Sorensen’s leadership of our advancement effort was particularly strong, aligning the interests of our alumni and friends with the work of our students, faculty, and staff.”

To hear more about the legacy many believe Sorensen leaves behind, click to view the story.  A memorial service is planned in Ohio; talks are underway about a commemoration at USC.