Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Alumni, students and advocates of the University of South Carolina and its eight regional campuses are heading to the Statehouse to advocate on behalf of public higher education.

The Carolina Alumni Association is hosting the 10th annual Carolina Day at the Statehouse on Wednesday.

Association president Jack Claypoole says alumni have volunteered to meet with lawmakers to discuss legislation that might affect the state's colleges and universities.

Students and faculty are also hosting a display in the Statehouse to highlight university research and how its outreach programs affect communities across the state.

University President Harris Pastides is slated to address the group at a lunch at the Capital City Club following the Statehouse meetings.

(Copyright 2013, The Associated Press)