Division of Development and Alumni Relations

Our Donor Stories

Gifts large and small play an important role at the University of South Carolina. Annual gifts contribute to the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and academic programs, and every gift has a story. We hope you enjoy hearing from some of the Carolina family of donors who have chosen to share their stories.

Jack S. Graybill, Columbia, Class of 1949

Jack S. Graybill and his wife, Susan, a Class of 1951 business alumna, believe that giving to a wide variety of South Carolina colleges and schools keeps the University strong and growing.

In 2009 they entered their 50th year of giving to the Annual Fund, a year he will celebrate the 60th anniversary of his graduating class. Graybill belongs to the Horseshoe Society, President\'s Society, and Carolina Circle and is active in the Carolina Alumni Association.

He is retired from the securities business, having served as manager for Atlanta-based Robinson-Humphrey before its acquisition by Salomon Smith Barney. The Darla Moore School of Business honored Graybill with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1986, at which time he was first vice president and a financial consultant for Robison-Humphrey/American Express Co. Inc.Now in his 80s, Graybill did not retire until age 75.

Richard Abbott, Blythewood, S.C.Class of 1962

Retired from a 40-year career as a pharmacist and former owner of Hawthorne Pharmacy, Richard Abbott's current passions are golfing at the Columbia Country Club and giving to the South Carolina College of Pharmacy through the Annual Fund.

Richard has given 35 consecutive years to the Annual Fund and maintains membership in the Gamecock Club and Carolina Circle.
"I always give to the College of Pharmacy because I want to advance the study of pharmacy. The Annual Fund allows me to give back to the institution where I earned my degree and where my daughter, sister, niece, and daughter-in-law also graduated. The Annual Fund allows for the support of programs that otherwise might not exist. I know my contribution is put to the best use."

Jim Pearce, Greenville, S.C.Class of 1942

Columbia native Jim Pearce recalls his four years at his alma mater with great fondness, a major reason he has given 45 consecutive years--and counting--to the Annual Fund.

He started his South Carolina education in 1938, a time when, he says, students were expected to graduate in four years with a major and minor. He chose biology with a philosophy minor.

As it turns out, Pearce is most well known for his long, successful career in business. He and family members started a wholesale food supply, Pearce, Young, Angel, with clients including restaurants, hotels, and colleges. They are also deeply appreciated as Carolina Scholar Award donors.

In addition to their Annual Fund support, Jim and his wife, Kit, belong to the Gamecock Club, President's Society, Horseshoe Society, Carolina Alumni Association, and Carolina Circle.

"The sum, the substance, and the bottom line of why I give to the Annual Fund are that it's an investment Kit and I are making in the future, through our students. That's what it's about--the future. I'm not paying anybody back. I'm helping the young guys and gals along who are next in line to enjoy a great Carolina education. I"m really proud to have given what I have."