Posted May 15, 2015
Reprinted from InterCom (pdf)
Story and graphics by Kailin Good, senior public relations major
Nothing would be possible without you. A lot of the projects that we are able to complete are thanks to alumni gifts and donations. But do you ever wonder exactly where your money goes? These gifts enable things that are not normally budgeted, things that add tremendous value. Alumni make up 67 percent of the donors to our university, and your charitable donations are a major part of the reason the University of South Carolina and the College of Information and Communications are able to flourish.
Donor Demographics
Carolina’s Promise
Currently, the University of South Carolina is conducting the Carolina’s Promise campaign. This is a university- wide effort to raise $1 billion by later this year. So far, the university, with help from alumni, has raised $975 million. The college has contributed more than $11.5 million to the Carolina’s Promise campaign. Your donation to our college and schools through the Carolina’s Promise campaign will go toward a variety of things, such as providing scholarships and fellowships, giving emergency financial assistance to keep students in school, recruiting outstanding faculty and purchasing resources for classrooms and labs.
The SJMC and Naming Opportunities
The School of Journalism and Mass Communications is moving to a new home on the corner of the historic Horseshoe. Alumni donations help to outfit the building, and with a new school come naming opportunities for donors. While these opportunities set by the Board of Trustees may be more expensive than others, it’s a chance to leave your mark on the school forever. A donation of $10,000 will name a faculty office, $50,000 a classroom or computer lab. Providing a state-of-the-art learning environment requires a considerable investment. However, a gift of any size, no matter how big or small, will help support the success of the college and students.
Dean’s Circle
The Dean’s Circle is a unique opportunity to donate to the college, as well as become
a member of one of our most loyal groups of supporters. An unrestricted gift of $1,000
or more qualifies you to become a member of the college’s Dean’s Circle, and allows Dean
Bierbauer to meet the immediate needs of the college. With this membership, you’ll
be invited to
various events throughout the year. Your donation to the Dean’s Circle will help support
the college’s student competition teams and Maymester classes, send students and faculty
members to conferences and 0 professional development training, and bring speakers to
campus.
Cocky’s Reading Express™
Cocky’s Reading Express is a literacy initiative supported by SLIS that promotes life-long reading. Cocky and USC students travel to underserved elementary schools around the state and work with students in 4K through second grade on reading skills and understanding the importance of reading. Not only will your donations to Cocky’s Reading Express help Cocky and SLIS continue their efforts, but you will also help provide books to students who may not have them otherwise. A $100 donation to Cocky’s Reading Express will provide 20 new books and five literacy kits to students in need.
