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
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.
Featured
Statement from the Foundation Board on Chief Justice Donald Beatty
The South Carolina State University Foundation Board expresses its sincere appreciation for the service of Chief Justice Donald Beatty, whose leadership and commitment have meaningfully advanced the Foundation’s mission in support of the University. During his tenure, Justice Beatty strengthened the Board’s governance, helped sharpen its strategic vision, and reinforced its focus on delivering impact…
Important Update from the South Carolina State University Foundation
Dear Alumni, Supporters, Students, Faculty, Staff, and Community Partners, Thank you for your continued generosity, commitment, and belief in the mission of the South Carolina State University Foundation. Your support, entrusted to the Foundation, makes it possible to provide meaningful opportunities for our students and to advance the long-term success of South Carolina State University.…
South Carolina State University Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant from Power:Ed to Support the Gala General Scholarship Fund
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lorne Steedley steedley@scsufoundation.org South Carolina State University Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant from Power:Ed to Support the Gala General Scholarship Fund Orangeburg, S.C. — The South Carolina State University Foundation (SCSUF) is pleased to announce that it has received a $50,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of South Carolina Student Loan Corporation…
Honoring Our Legacy.
Building the
Building the
Future.
Future.
At The South Carolina State University Foundation, we have the vision to become the top public university that’s focused on academics, student life, research, and public service. Those who partner with us understand the responsibility we have taken, and we’re thankful for donors who partner with us to grow and distribute their gifts.
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.
Ways to
Give
Gifts of Cash
The Most Common Donation Type
Matching Gifts
Methods to Multiply Your Donation
Gifts of Securities
Donations of Stocks and Bonds
Planned Giving
Donating to SCSUF as a Beneficiary and via Other Options
Gifts of Real Property
Donations of Land or Other Real Estate
Gifts of Personal Property
Gifts of Books, Art, and Other Personal Items to Enrich the University
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 in partnership with the University to identify, engage and cultivate potential donors and to honor South Carolina State University’s many benefactors for their generous support.
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.
The
Miller Society
To honor and acknowledge the generosity and support of our donors, the Thomas E. Miller Society was established in 2006 to recognize cumulative philanthropy from individuals, couples, organizations, associations, corporations, and foundations who demonstrate a commitment to South Carolina State University and higher education. Donors with gifts qualifying them for inclusion into the Miller Society.
These prestigious donors are recognized during a special event that includes an induction and pinning ceremony and the presentation of a custom engraved crystal obelisk.
The support that comes from the cumulative philanthropy ensures that SC State University continues to provide educational opportunities to deserving and qualified students. By committing to membership in the Miller Society, you make a difference in the future success of an SC State University student.