Horticulture President Gives USC First Lady Tour of Garden

Aiken, SC (05/05/2019) — Before a reception honoring her and her husband, the first lady of the University of South Carolina System toured USC Aiken's community garden, located in the heart of the on-campus housing complex.

Public health professional, Patricia Moore-Pastides, explores ways to incorporate organically grown produce into USC events and has taken a personal interest in the growing effort at the university in Aiken. The USC Aiken gardens, whether the one she visited or the one outside the student cafeteria, aim to provide fresh produce for USC Aiken students and events as well.

Allison Swiecki, president of the USC Aiken Horticulture Club, walked Moore-Pastides through the garden the Pacer leader, fellow students and faculty members maintain. The system's first lady provided a grant to USC Aiken, which helped underwrite the initial costs of the effort.

"Health is her top priority," according to the USC website. "She enjoys promoting health and wellness throughout the various USC campuses and the region.

"Patricia Moore-Pastides pursues her passion for health through teaching, cultivating organically grown produce for events and the Healthy Carolina Farmers Market, conducting cooking demonstrations, cooking classes and lectures, and collaborating with campus partners to promote meditation."

The wife of Dr. Harris Pastides, current president of the USC System who retires this summer after 10 years in this role, has written three books: Greek Revival: Cooking for Life (2010), Greek Revival from the Garden: Growing and Cooking for Life (2013), and At Home in the Heart of the Horseshoe.

During their visit to Aiken, Moore-Pastides and her husband were recognized for their service to the USC System, particularly the couple's support of USC Aiken Pacers.

Media Attachments