SC State University Foundation’s
35th Annual Scholarship Gala and Tribute
Save the date - April 25th, 2026
The South Carolina State University Foundation Scholarship Gala & Tribute honors students of the University and community leaders who have gone above and beyond to exemplify service, integrity, and excellence.
This annual event is a night of celebration that allows us to honor these students for their hard work and dedication. Read on for more information about the gala, including how you can participate virtually!
Come celebrate the brilliance of our North Star Honorees and the promise of our Shining Star Scholarship Recipients during an evening to remember.
Get Your Tickets, Donate, or be a Sponsor
Latest News
State of the Foundation – Recording & Additional Q&A
Dear Supporters and Stakeholders, Thank you to everyone who joined us on 2/26 for the State of the Foundation. During the meeting, Chairman Stephen V. Beatty, Vice Chairwoman Kendra Speed Sellers, and Executive Director Lorne B. Steedley provided an overview of the Foundation’s governance structure, fiduciary oversight, audit and compliance standards, and long-standing commitment to…
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…
Affirming Our Commitment: SCSUF Response to the MOU Suspension
The South Carolina State University Foundation acknowledges the University’s decision to call a vote to terminate its Memorandum of Understanding. The Foundation emphasizes that this action is not related to any finding of fault, wrongdoing, or deficiencies in the Foundation’s governance, financial management, or performance. For more than 50 years, the Foundation has successfully supported…
Foundation Statement on Stewardship of Donor-Designated Funds
The South Carolina State University Foundation has a fiduciary duty to protect donor intent, safeguard charitable assets, and comply with all applicable governance and regulatory requirements. While South Carolina State University serves as the Foundation’s administrative gift processor under a Memorandum of Understanding, the Foundation remains a legally independent nonprofit entity solely responsible for the…
SCSU Foundation Celebrates 35 Years of Giving, over $290,000 in Student Balance Relief for Graduates
Orangeburg, S.C. — January 9, 2026 — The South Carolina State University Foundation delivered a powerful gift of opportunity to graduating students, and the impact was made possible by the generosity of donors supporting the Foundation’s Gala & Tribute, now entering its 35th year as one of the University’s most significant annual fundraising traditions. In partnership with South…
Meet the 2026 Shining Stars
The South Carolina State University Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 Shining Stars, students recognized by their colleges for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. These emerging leaders reflect the impact of philanthropy and the strength of Bulldog tradition. Meet the 2026 Shining Stars Sierra J. Curnell College of Graduate & Professional Studies…
Calling All Sponsors!
Be part of the legacy at the 35th Annual South Carolina State University Foundation Scholarship Gala & Tribute — coming April 25, 2026, to Charleston, SC! Your sponsorship is more than visibility — it’s a direct investment in student scholarships, access, and leadership development. From the $1,500 Neutron Star level to the $350,000 Presenting Sponsor,…
Thank You for Supporting the SC State University Foundation this Giving Tuesday
Thank You for Supporting the SC State University Foundation this Giving Tuesday. To our donors, alumni, partners, and friends: thank you. Your support of the South Carolina State University Foundation is changing lives across our university community. Together, we are strengthening opportunities for deserving students and ensuring SCSU remains a beacon of excellence and equity…
South Carolina State University Foundation Selects Graystone Consulting from Morgan Stanley as New Investment Manager
Orangeburg, S.C. – November 28, 2025 – The South Carolina State University Foundation today announced that it has selected Graystone Consulting from Morgan Stanley to serve as its new investment manager following a comprehensive national search aligned with the Foundation’s investment governance requirements. The Foundation’s Board is dedicated to a strong, forward-looking investment strategy that supports South…
South Carolina State University Foundation Announces 35th Annual Scholarship Gala & Tribute in Charleston
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lorne Steedley Phone: 404-772-1987 Email: lorne.steedley@scsu.edu Website: http://scstategives.org/gala-2026 Orangeburg, S.C. — November 10, 2025 — The South Carolina State University Foundation will host its Thirty-Fifth Annual Scholarship Gala & Tribute on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina—an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, legacy, and opportunity. This milestone event coincides…
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.