"During the SCSUNAA 19th National Convention, the Future Alumni Committee proposed an adoption program of all living and learning centers (formerly called dormitories)" at SC State University. The Committee proposed: "This is a way to connect with students as they arrive on campus until they graduate." The Committee then challenged the Alumni Chapters to adopt "the nine centers and participating in activities with them. Examples are, but not limited to, move in days, homecoming activities, purchasing subscriptions to magazines, donating games and musical equipment, and participating in informative sessions. The committee's goal is to have all nine living and learning centers adopted by January 2009. More than one chapter can adopt a center."

To that end, the Greater Columbia Chapter, Central Florida Chapter and Beaufort Chapter have adopted the Andrew Hugine Suites. This Center houses over 750 students from multiple countries, cultures, disciplines, programs, and interests (Marching 101, ROTC, STEM, business, Arts & Humanities, etc.). The students and their directors have made a number of requests "To cultivate a living and learning community that is conducive to a students' holistic development while advocating integrity and academic achievement."

For more information, please contact Mike Beauford, Chair, and Pastor Samuel Goodwin, Co-Chair, of the Greater Columbia Chapter Adopt-A-Center Committee at adoptacenter@capitalcitybulldogs.com.

FY2011

• Life
  The Adopt-A-Center's Chair worked with the Residential Head of Hugine Suites, Ms. Hitson, to meet the Center's request for a first-ever Center Cookout on October 2, 2011. To meet this request for the approximately 750 student residents, the Chair then contacted the Central Florida and Beaufort Chapters to assist. Below are pictures and feedback from the event.

  "According to Ms. Hitson, it was a great success. Students from other dorms attended, the Collegian took photos, and they had a DJ. She said the Director of Housing was very impressed with their efforts. She will forward photos to us. The Columbia Chapter provided the hamburgers, hot dogs, and the charcoal. The Beaufort Chapter contributed the bread and chips, while Central Florida contributed the water and drinks." See the Thank You! card.
  

  "Hello Mr. Beaufort - Here are a few pictures from the cookout on Sunday. We really appreciate all that you and the chapters have done for us. We hope that the next time we have an event, all the alumni chapters will be able to attend. Thanks for all the help, Brandon..."

  Alumni make a difference in the lives of students!

• Service
  The Greater Columbia Chapter donated 97 books to the Student Government Association (SGA) 2011 Book Drive to collect 1,000 new and almost new books for elementary schools in the Orangeburg area. The Chapter received the below letter from the SGA.

  Greetings ...,
  I hope that all is well with you. Again, thank you so much for your support in our book drive! The book drive was a major success. We donated books to all 7 of the public elementary schools in Orangeburg, SC.
  I have attached several pictures to this email. It was truly amazing to present the books to those schools. They were extremely grateful for the books. Hopefully the 2011-2012 SGA administration will continue this effort of fighting illiteracy by collecting books for our elementary schools.
  Once again, I am very thankful for your efforts in this book drive. You have truly helped us to help others.

  In Garnet & Blue Love,
  Russell W. Simon, II
  SGA Business Manager
  
  

• Mission-Centered
  

  The Chapter was selected by SCSU National Alumni Association as one of four Chapters to respond to an SCSU student team participating in a Nationwide Case Competition; Saturday, April 9, 2011; NC A&T University. The Chapter Lead for this request was Jacquelyn Cunningham and the Student Lead for the team was Kayland Huckaby. After reviewing the Chapter's website, Kayland responded: "Thank you so much this is exactly the information we need."

FY2010

• Life
  Prior to Homecoming 2010, the Greater Columbia Chapter's Adopt-A-Center's Chair made arrangements with the Residential Head of Hugine Suites to meet with the Center's residents before the Homecoming game. Why? The Chair had learned the students needed replacement sticks for their Billiard table. As we know, Hugine Suites is the largest student residential complex on campus, with more than 750 students. This was not a tall order but a necessary one that adds to the quality of students life! Without ado, Mike, the Chair, ensured the students' request was met! So, during Homecoming Weekend, the Greater Columbia Chapter's Adopt-A-Center Committee provided billiard equipment to the students of Hugine Suites. Pictured are Resident Assistants Janetta Pinckney, a Nursing Major, and Brandon Broady, an Elementary Education Major, conducting a quick evaluation of the equipment! Judging from the pictures, would you say this gift made a difference? Absolutely!
  

FY2009

• Life
  In October 2009, the Greater Columbia Chapter members donate a lockable showcase for student announcements and planning in Hugine Suites. Pictured are Hugine Suites students receiving the showcase.
  
  

• Self-Esteem
  In 2009, Greater Columbia Chapter members visited with students and donated items for students to build professional wardrobes. The Chapter donated the items to the SGA and others on campus. This initiative is now incorporated in the "Wardrobe 101" program.