Building for the Future
Our New Website is Coming Soon
We are currently updating our digital presence. As the Foundation continues to serve SCSU students, we are building a new website to better facilitate your support and share our impact.
Our mission remains the same, but our look is changing. While we work behind the scenes to launch a refreshed website that aligns with our vision, our core work of supporting educational excellence continues without pause.
We invite you to continue your support of our vital scholarship programs via the link below, and we look forward to unveiling our new look and expanded vision very soon.
Get In Touch
Questions? Contact the Foundation Today
Foundation News
SC State University Foundation’s 2026 Gala
Thank You for Standing with Our Students
Thank you for your support of the 35th Annual Scholarship Gala & Tribute.
Because of your generosity, we will fund $60,000 in scholarships for our Shining Stars this year. We’re deeply grateful for your role in making that possible.
This year’s event took place in a more complex environment than in the past, including unexpected competition in the marketplace. While attendance and engagement were strong, event related costs impacted the overall proceeds available for scholarships. Throughout, our priority remained clear, protecting student support and stewarding resources responsibly.
At the same time, the evening allowed us to honor our Shining Stars and, for the first time, celebrate two North Star women honorees, while bringing our community together in meaningful support of our students.
As we look ahead, we are committed to clarity and focus. All gifts made in response to this outreach will be directed exclusively to student scholarships, supporting students as they enroll, persist, and graduate.
If you’d like to build on your support, we welcome your partnership in helping expand scholarship opportunities for our students. DONATE HERE
Honoring Our Legacy.
Building the
Building the
Future.
Future.
At The South Carolina State University Foundation, we support the university’s vision of becoming a leading public institution distinguished by excellence in academics, student life, research, and public service. We recognize the responsibility that comes with this mission and are deeply grateful to the donors and partners who entrust us to grow and steward their gifts in support of our students and community.
Our mission is to build and maintain outstanding programs at SCSU. Gifts to our foundation help us to support a variety of programs at the University through faculty and student aid programs.
50 Years
of Helping Our University Prosper
Every year, the South Carolina State Univesity Foundation gathers friends of the foundation to celebrate our organization’s rich history and heritage in our annual gala. This year, we celebrated our 50th anniversary and recollected all that the foundation has achieved over the past five decades.
Our
Mission
The South Carolina State University Foundation’s mission is to activate and engage the University’s community of supporters by securing, managing, and distributing philanthropic investments to serve and support South Carolina State University’s interests and priorities.
Help Us Become a
A Legacy of Excellence
At The South Carolina State University Foundation, we are dedicated to ensuring that SC State’s legacy of excellence continues into the future. With a focus on academics, student life, research, and publish service, SC State equips its students with what they need to compete and win in the global marketplace. We are thankful for those who partner with us to support the vision and mission of this institution.
Our Board of
Directors
Treasurer
Ms. Vernell J. Brown, '71
Staff
About
the South Carolina State
University Foundation
The South Carolina State University Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entity organized solely to promote the welfare and future development of South Carolina State University. Chartered in 1971 to support the University’s educational goals, the foundation receives, manages, and distributes restricted and unrestricted endowment gifts, annual gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, and other ongoing fund-raising programs — all aimed toward building and maintaining outstanding programs here at South Carolina State University. Gifts to the foundation support and build the academic, research, and public service programs of the University through faculty and student aid programs.
The foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of business and community leaders who support South Carolina State University’s mission to prepare highly-skilled, competent, and socially aware graduates for a dynamic global society. The Board of Directors works to identify, engage and cultivate potential donors and to honor South Carolina State University’s many benefactors for their generous support.
2026 Shining Stars
The South Carolina State University Foundation proudly presents the 2026 Shining Stars—exceptional students selected by their colleges for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.
This year’s honorees are celebrated as part of the 35th annual Scholarship Gala & Tribute, a cornerstone event that has united alumni, partners, and supporters for more than three decades. For over 20 of those years, the Gala & Tribute has directly funded scholarships for deserving SC State University students, helping remove financial barriers, support degree completion, and expand opportunity across campus.
Through the generosity of donors and sponsors, proceeds from the Gala & Tribute have made a measurable difference, supporting hundreds of students and strengthening SC State’s mission of access, excellence, and impact. The Shining Stars program reflects that legacy—spotlighting students whose achievements are made possible through philanthropy and whose futures represent the return on that investment.
Sierra Curnell
College of Graduate & Professional Studies | Class of 2026
Sierra J. Curnell embodies Bulldog legacy, leadership, and purpose. Born into a proud SC State University family and introduced to the university as a one-month-old at her sister’s graduation, she now carries that legacy forward as a senior, student-athlete, and campus leader.
A double major in Exercise Science and Sports Communications, Sierra serves as Miss Senior for the 2025–2026 academic year, President of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., President of the Dr. Jade Jihan Robinson Health & Physical Education Society, Recording Secretary for the National Panhellenic Council, and a member of the SC State Women’s Soccer Team. As the daughter of a single mother, this scholarship has been transformative, easing financial burden and allowing her to focus fully on academic achievement, leadership growth, and career preparation.
With aspirations of becoming a sports physical therapist, Sierra’s journey reflects the power of philanthropy to turn legacy into leadership and potential into lasting impact.
Jaydah Felder
Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College | Class of 2026
Jaydah Felder is a first-generation scholar whose academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service reflect the very heart of South Carolina State University. A junior majoring in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Jaydah serves as President-Elect of the National Student Speech Language & Hearing Association and is deeply engaged across campus through the ASL Club, Student Orientation Leaders, and the Health Professions Society, where she serves as a Medical Brigade Liaison. Her leadership extends beyond campus through mentoring, volunteer service, and preparation for global impact, including an upcoming service trip to Guatemala focused on literacy and health initiatives. This scholarship has been especially meaningful, easing financial strain and allowing Jaydah to focus more fully on her academic growth, leadership roles, and path toward becoming a dual-certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist. Her journey reflects the power of philanthropy to uplift not only individual students but also families, communities, and future generations of leaders.
Iyana Hurley
College of STEM & Transportation | Class of 2026
Iyana Hurley is a sophomore Biology major whose academic focus, leadership, and faith-driven purpose reflect the promise of South Carolina State University’s next generation of STEM and healthcare leaders. A native of Pasadena, Maryland, she chose SC State University for its strong sense of community, commitment to Black excellence, and supportive environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth. On campus, Iyana serves as Class Representative for the Student Government Association Sophomore Cabinet, Secretary of the Health Professions Society, and President and Founder of Pilates and Prayer, a wellness and faith-based organization she created to uplift students mentally, spiritually, and physically. For Iyana, this scholarship represents life-changing support—alleviating significant financial strain and allowing her to focus fully on her studies and leadership responsibilities as she prepares for a future career as an Orthopedic Physician Assistant. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the transformative impact of philanthropy in helping students not only remain enrolled, but thrive and lead with purpose.
College of Agriculture, Family & Consumer Science | Class of 2026
Lucas Jones is a sophomore Agriculture Business major whose character, work ethic, and quiet determination reflect the heart of South Carolina State University. A native of Grayson, Georgia, Lucas believes in leading by example—showing up consistently, working hard, and letting his actions speak for him. In addition to his academic pursuits, he competes on the SC State University Track & Field team, balancing discipline in both the classroom and athletics. This scholarship has been life-changing for Lucas, eliminating financial stress and allowing him to reassure his family that his education is secure. With aspirations of becoming a soil researcher, Lucas is focused on building a strong foundation through hands-on learning, mentorship within the College of Agriculture, and opportunities that will prepare him to leave SC State with both a degree and a name built on integrity, perseverance, and purpose.
Terryn Patterson-Bryan
College of Business & Information Systems | Class of 2026
Terryn Patterson-Bryan is a sophomore in the College of Agriculture, Family & Consumer Science whose selection as a 2026 Shining Star reflects promise, potential, and a commitment to academic growth at South Carolina State University. As a member of SC State University’s next generation of scholars, Terryn embodies the values of perseverance, focus, and opportunity that the Shining Star Scholarship supports. This recognition underscores the importance of investing in students early in their academic journeys, providing encouragement, stability, and the resources needed to continue progressing toward degree completion and future impact. Terryn’s journey highlights the role philanthropy plays in shaping confident, capable Bulldogs prepared to lead and serve in the years ahead.
Justin Smith
College of Education, Humanities & Social Sciences | Class of 2026
Justin Smith is a legacy Bulldog, Honors College scholar, and aspiring educator whose academic excellence and leadership reflect a deep commitment to service and impact. A Math Education major from Orangeburg, South Carolina, Justin carries forward a multigenerational SC State legacy that includes his great-grandfather, Dr. Albert Smith, a former president of the university. On campus, he serves as President of the Call Me MiSTER program, Praxis Coordinator, and Secretary of Mindful Legacy, while maintaining a 3.95 GPA and tutoring peers. As he prepares for his student-teaching semester and plans for graduate and doctoral studies, this scholarship plays a critical role in alleviating financial burden, allowing Justin to focus fully on completing his degree and advancing his goal of becoming a transformational educator. His journey is a powerful example of how philanthropy strengthens legacy, expands opportunity, and supports students committed to shaping the future through education.