The College of Pharmacy’s 2025 Scholarship Dinner brought together donors and students to celebrate the transformative power of scholarship support. For longtime supporters Kyle and Pamela McHugh, 1995 graduates, the answer to “why give?” is straightforward yet profound.
“We give because we can, and everybody in that room has made that choice,” Kyle shares. “We give because we would not be where we are without the College of Pharmacy.”
For students like Mackenzie Harris, scholarships provide benefits beyond tuition assistance.
“My scholarship has eased my financial burden,” Harris explains. “It has also given me the freedom to work for the purpose of gaining experience rather than out of necessity.”
This is a significant distinction as it allows students like Harris, who also serves as the P3 class president, to take on other opportunities and participate in multiple pharmacy organizations.
We give because we would not be where we are without the College of Pharmacy.
Grace Lian, another third-year student, echoes the message.
“My scholarship has made a meaningful difference by giving me the flexibility to focus more on my education and professional growth,” she says. “Meeting donors and learning about their journey in pharmacy and how they reached where they are today is inspiring.”
Kathy Quarles Moore, associate professor and scholarship committee member, told the moving story of a student who lost both grandparents while in college.
“I remember him coming into my office, tears streaming down his face, saying: ‘Mrs. Kathy, my two solid rocks are gone. How will I be able to afford to continue?’” Moore recounts. “When his family support system breaks down, he finds another one right here in our college. He tells me it is as if someone is saying, ‘We believe in you. Keep going.’”
Moore also shared that, because of donor support this year, the college was able to provide a scholarship to every third- and fourth-year student who applied for one.
“Scholarships make a significant difference by reducing the number of hours students need to work out of necessity, allowing more time to focus on learning, leadership and professional involvement,” says Harris. “Being a Gamecock pharmacist means carrying forward a legacy of compassion, professionalism and lifelong learning.”
Being a Gamecock pharmacist means carrying forward a legacy of compassion, professionalism and lifelong learning.
To learn how you can create a scholarship endowment, contact Terry Dixon.
Topics: Support the College, Alumni