Division of Development and Alumni Relations

Your Support                               Makes All the Difference

Carolina has held true to its educational mission since the original faculty welcomed the first class of students in 1805.  More than 200 years later, President Harris Pastides has promised “to accelerate our momentum as a world-class University, yet remain a faithful index to the best hopes and dreams of all South Carolinians.”

While Carolina continues to excel on multiple fronts to realize that promise, many challenges remain. 

Too many qualified students from South Carolina cannot afford the cost of a college education.  More access doors need to be opened if South Carolina is to accelerate the number of residents who earn a college degree and are ready to participate in the new knowledge economy.  We need to expand research that creates better answers to environmental, energy and health care issues.  And we must attract and retain talented people, and support their development into the types of leaders society needs.

All philanthropic support means a great deal to Carolina.  Private support helps our students be successful in the classroom and lab, and allows them to pursue new opportunities in South Carolina or around the globe which makes them more marketable after graduation. 

Private giving provides emergency funds for students facing economic hardships during the academic year and helps them stay in school.  It can accelerate new discovery and innovation, which attracts faculty and graduate student talent to Columbia and our statewide campuses, and spurs new economic activity. 

Philanthropic support also may allow us to enroll more students in health sciences such as nursing, which means more health care professionals taking better care of our communities.  

And if you're an alumnus, private support helps increase the value of your degree.

We are very fortunate to have amazing, loyal alumni and friends who believe in the University and trust the current leadership team to move Carolina forward to a brighter future.   Please consider showing your confidence in the great work and promise of our University by maintaining or increasing your support today. 

Every gift matters.  Your support makes your Carolina stronger.