USPS News: Philatelic Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 26, 2001 Stamp Release No. 01-039 Postal Service Issues Postal Card Honoring University of South Carolina's 200th Anniversary COLUMBIA, S.C. — The U.S. Postal Service today commemorated the 200th anniversary of the founding of the University of South Carolina by issuing a postal stamped card as part of the university's bicentennial celebration. The 52nd stamped postal card in the Postal Service's Historic Preservation series, the University of South Carolina stamped postal card was dedicated on the university's campus, in front of the Faculty House on the Horseshoe, at a first day of issue ceremony. The 20-cent stamped postal card is available today at Columbia post offices. Starting tomorrow, the stamped postal card will be available at other South Carolina post offices and at Postal Stores and Philatelic Centers across the country. "The University of South Carolina stamped card pays tribute to one of our nation's best preserved and most historic learning institutions," said Joyce Carrier, U.S. Postal Service Director, Public Affairs, and an alumna of the University, who was the dedicating official. "The U.S. Postal Service's commemoration of the University of South Carolina's bicentennial is indeed a tribute to the university, for it not only honors our heritage, but also recognizes the contributions that this university has made to our state and our nation," said Dr. John M. Palms, president, University of South Carolina. Also participating in the ceremony were Columbia's postmaster Lawrence Jordan who served as master of ceremonies; Reverend Dr. Donald L. Jones, Professor of Religious Studies and Chaplain, University of South Carolina; Dr. Walter B. Edgar, Neuffer Professor of Southern Studies and member of the Bicentennial Commission; the Honorable Robert D. Coble, Mayor, City of Columbia; and the Honorable John E. Courson, South Carolina Senate and member of the University of South Carolina Bicentennial Commission. Honored guests included the Honorable Othniel H. Wienges, Jr., Chairman, University of South Carolina Bicentennial Commission; Mr. Corey Ford, President, University of South Carolina Student Government Association and Larry Jones, U.S. Postal Service District Manager, Greater South Carolina District. Chartered as the South Carolina College on December 19, 1801, the University of South Carolina will celebrate its bicentennial in 2001. Rechartered as the University of South Carolina in 1906, the school prides itself on being the first institution of higher learning funded entirely by a state. Today the University of South Carolina at Columbia offers 350 degree programs and serves more than 24,000 students from 50 states and more than 100 countries. This stamped card designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD features a detail of a circa 1820 painting by T. Ulor that depicts the historic Horseshoe district on the main campus in Columbia. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the "Old Campus District," this site is the original campus of the university. To see preliminary images of forthcoming 2001 stamps and stationery, visit the Postal Store at www.usps.com and select "Stamp Release Schedule." To see previous releases, select "Index of Stamp Issues." All current stamps and other philatelic products, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available by calling toll free 1 800 STAMP-24. A selection of current stamps and gift items are available online at the Postal Store. # # # How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamped cards at their local Post Office; (via 1 800 STAMP-24, the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com or PO Box 7247, Philadelphia, PA 19101-7097); address the stamped cards (to themselves or others); and place them in an envelope addressed to: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA STAMPED CARD, POSTMASTER, 1601 ASSEMBLY ST, COLUMBIA, SC 29201-9991. After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the stamped cards through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. Deadline for all requests is May 26, 2001. # # # TECHNICAL DETAILS Issue: University of South Carolina Item Number: 220200 Denomination & Type of Issue: 20-cent Stamped Card Format: Stamped Card Series: Historic Preservation Issue Date & City: April 26, 2001, Columbia, SC 29201 Artist: T. Ulor, painting courtesy University of South Carolina Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD Engraver: N/A Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD Modeler: N/A Manufacturing Process: Offset Printer: Government Printing Office (GPO) Printed at: GPO, Washington, DC Press Type: Offset Stamps per Coil/Pane: N/A Print Quantity: 6 million stamped cards Paper Type: 22-lb. bright white Gum Type: N/A Processed at: GPO, Washington, DC Colors: Magenta, Yellow, Cyan, Black Card Orientation: Horizontal Image Area (w x h): 2.187 x 1.3 in./55.55 x 33.02 mm Overall Size (w x h): 5.5 x 3.5 in./139.59 x 88.83 mm Full Pane Size (w x h): N/A Plate Size: N/A Plate Numbers: N/A Marginal Markings: © 2000 USPS Recycled logo followed by "recycled" Catalog Item Number(s): 220240 Stamped Card - $0.22 220261 Card w/First Day Cancellation - $0.32