ABOUT US!

The Greater Columbia Chapter has been an active non-profit organization as early as December 12, 1978. Originally known as the SC State College Alumni Richland County Chapter, it became a Charter member of the National Alumni Association on February 5, 1980 as the Richland County Chapter of SC State College Alumni Association. The Charter was presented to members in the March 19, 1980 Chapter meeting held at Columbia Mall's Community Room located between Ford Store and Magnavox Store. Over the following year the Chapter then proceeded to develop its "By-Laws" in harmony with that of the National Association. And, on February 19, 1981 the Chapter changed its name to SC State College Alumni Association, Greater Columbia Chapter, as noted in its newly adopted By-Laws.

Alumni and supporters have sustained the Chapter. You are invited to share your experiences, pictures, old programs, and documents to help build our history. Look back to this page for updates but, for now, let's fast forward to recent times.

In 2008, the Chapter under the National Alumni Association became a 501 (c) (3) organization, approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a federally tax-exempt charity established for educational purposes. In 2009, the Chapter was registered with the State of South Carolina as a public benefit charity established for the same purposes. While there are many types of tax-exempt designations, donations to 501(c) (3) organizations are federally tax-deductible. With this in mind, please know that all donations made to the Greater Columbia Chapter benefits initiatives and scholarships that enforce and support the mission of South Carolina State University. Learn more about Chapter activities below.

The Greater Columbia Chapter supports and enforces initiatives of SC State University Educational Foundation, Club 1000, student textbooks and financial aid initiatives, S.T.A.T.E Club, Adopt-a-Learning Center, Institutional Advancement surveys, sporting events, departmental initiatives, National Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, Commencement Weekend and Class Reunions, Founder's Day activities and more. In 2009, the Chapter hosted the 20th Annual National Alumni Convention.

Dating back to the 1980's, the Chapter has held many major fundraising events to support scholarships at SCSU. These events were delivered as the Scholarship Dance, Scholarship Gala, or President's Dinner. In 2008, the Chapter hosted an inaugural Garnet & Blue Gala to support all of its efforts, including scholarships. The Chapter increased its two scholarships to the amount of $1000 each and in 2009 embraced student-based requests for textbooks and other resources once provided by individual Chapter members. However, these individual gifts not only continued but increased! (See below!) The Chapter adopted the SCSU Andrew Hugine Living and Learning Center (dormitories), donating a lockable display case for student communications and donated many garments and assessories to the students who call these suites their on-campus housing.

The Chapter sponsored High School Night college career and recruitment events in partnership with representatives from the University and local Columbia Area high schools. At such events, seniors with their supporting documents could be admitted to the University onsite, online. This event has evolved into the South Carolina State University Night (Spring) and South Carolina State University Night (Fall).

The Chapter's SCSU Youth & ROTC Day and Open House trip exposes middle school students from the Greater Columbia area to the college environment and SC State University, including championship Bulldog Football. The Chapter sponsored more than 350 students in this event over 2008 and 2009.

Since 2003, the Chapter has leveraged its Web presence and massive email distribution list to inform the community of institutional advancements. And, an online payment option on the website allows connection with alumni and supporters in new and exciting ways.

Professional diversity and volunteerism are strong characteristics of the Chapter. Members are actively engaged throughout the community and are committed to ensuring the well-being of young people. The Chapter can be found in all systems and its efforts are supported by a wealth of friends, enthusiasts, and benefactors.

The Chapter operates on a lean annual budget of approximately $30,000 and had a committed 2010 membership of approximately 115 persons. In 2008, members reported more than $40,000. In fiscal year 2009, Chapter members reported tens of thousands of dollars in direct givings to the University with a member giving a cummulative total of more than $100,000 by fiscal year 2010. Members continue to give to the "Class Reunions/Alumni Weekend" and the Lift-A-Bulldog campaign.

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

1. Roger Leaks, 1979 - 1981
2. Helen Corbett Brandyburg, 1981 -1983
3. Barry Naylor, 1983
4. Joseph Wilson
5. Cepheus J. Hilliard
6. Rodney Jenkins
7. Constance Barnes
8. Larry Watson
9. Wayne Lott
10. Fred Wilson, 2007-2009
11. Jacquelyn D. N. Cunningham, 2009-2011

MEMBERSHIP AND GIVINGS TO SCSU

1. 9/1979 - 5/1981 - 117 members donated $1705.00
2. 1981-1982 - 101 members donated $2626.00
3. 1982 - 1983, 142 members donated $2850.00
4. 2009 - 2010, 115 members donated more than $27,935.00.
   This donation does NOT include STATE Club dues and sports tickets and like purchases.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

1. Jeanetta Nathan, $250, ?? High School, 1981-1983
2. Cheryl McFadden, $??, ?? High School, 1982-1984
3. Wilhemenia Wright, $??, Lower Richland High School, 1983-1985
4. Stephanie Vicent (??), Columbia High School
5. Michael Priester, $750, Columbia High School, 2005-2006
6. Danielle R. Cooper, $750, Richland Northeast High School, 2006-2007
7. Jada Rivers, $1000, Lower Richland High School, 2008-2009
8. Michael Paul, $1000, Ridge View High School, 2008-2009
9. Marion Cooper, Jr., $1000, Lower Richland High School, 2009-2010
10. William A. Lewis I, $1000, Spring Valley High School, 2009-2010
11. LeKeta WIlliams, $350, Lower Richland High School, Summer 2010
12. Nyteisha Bookert, $1000, Eau Claire, 2010-2011
13. Jeffrey KIng $1000, C. A. Johnson, 2010-2011