SCICU offices will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.
SCICU offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 30 for regular business hours.
‘Angels’
L. Jeffrey Perez, Ph.D.SCICU President and CEO
Message from SCICU President and CEO Jeff Perez –
May is always graduation season, but this month marks a particularly significant “commencement,” made possible by certain “angels.”
On May 11, after three years, four months, one week, and a day, the COVID-19 federal Public Health Emergency expired.
As at graduations, let’s take this opportunity to acknowledge everyone who helped our campuses get through the pandemic.
Faculty and staff worked hard to apply the many accommodations at the time were recognized as necessary precautions. At the same time, they worried about the well-being of their own families. It’s hard to focus on work when absorbed with questions like, “Am I safe?” or “Will I get sick?” or even “What would my family do without me?” But they persevered.
Our campus leaders labored mightily to adapt to the pandemic. In a matter of weeks campuses went from business as usual to completely online. They had to reorganize class schedules, implement new technologies, and secure the resources to provide remotely a rewarding academic experience.
Then, almost as quickly, everyone had to transition to students back on campus, but in a manner that accounted for the urgency of the pandemic. Extra space had to be found that would allow for lower classroom density. Residences also housed fewer students, and living arrangements had to be made for students that tested positive and were quarantined.
All this would not have been possible were it not for the “angels” of our campuses and students – our many donors, to whom we owe our deepest thanks.
Their support literally contributed to the resilience that made SCICU member campuses among the safest places to be during the pandemic. With families facing illness and employment disruptions, donors provided financial support at a time when students most needed it. They also supported the institutions at a time of fiscal uncertainty.
In particular, I want to thank SCICU’s generous donors who were steadfast in their support throughout the pandemic. They maintained scholarships, and they provided emergency “Lifeline” grants and other aid when students needed it most. Our donors also underwrote research projects that helped students focus on their students and prepare for their future endeavors.
We are blessed to have these angels in our lives.
Dominion Energy renews commitment to SCICU with $105,000 for merit scholarships
COLUMBIA, S.C. –– Extending its nearly 70-year relationship with South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU), Dominion Energy is renewing its $105,000 scholarship investment -– 105 scholarships worth $1,000 each –- for eligible SCICU students beginning fall 2023.
“We are renewing our support of SCICU and our commitment to students throughout the communities we serve,” said Keller Kissam, president of Dominion Energy South Carolina. “This represents a continued investment in their future, and therefore the future of South Carolina.”
“On behalf of SCICU’s member institutions and the students they serve I want to thank Dominion Energy for their generosity and support of independent higher education in South Carolina,” said Jeff Perez, SCICU president and CEO. “We are deeply grateful for this continued scholarship support that helps students attend the private college or university of their choice in our state.”
The Dominion Energy scholarships are available to traditional-age students attending SCICU member colleges and universities who meet the following requirements:
- GPA 3.0 or higher
- Scholarship recipient or their parent(s)/guardian(s) are current Dominion Energy customers in the 16 states served by the company, including South Carolina and North Carolina
- STEM-related majors are preferred but not required
Based on these eligibility requirements, financial aid directors at SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities select students for the Dominion Energy scholarships.
“Dominion Energy’s relationship with SCICU began in 1956 with a donation from South Carolina Electric and Gas (SCE&G),” said Eddie Shannon, SCICU executive vice president. “Dominion Energy’s total support to students at SCICU campuses now totals more than $1 million.”
“With this gift, Dominion Energy demonstrates its commitment to the future of South Carolina by fostering the students at SCICU member institutions who will become our state’s next generation of leaders,” said Perez.
About Dominion Energy
More than 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable, and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.
About SCICU
SCICU supports and promotes the values of independent higher education in South Carolina through collaboration, governmental advocacy, fundraising, and public engagement so that every student may choose, afford, and earn an independent college education that fits their personal values, professional and social aspirations, and approach to learning. SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities educate and inspire more than 36,000 students throughout South Carolina. Learn more at scicu.org.
Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation renews STEM scholarship program benefiting five SCICU HBCUs
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) is pleased to announce that the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation is renewing its STEM scholarship program for SCICU’s five historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
This renewal marks the second consecutive year Milliken & Company has supported undergraduate STEM students at SCICU’s five HBCUs – Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Morris College, and Voorhees University. Award recipients must be South Carolina residents who are full-time students majoring in STEM academic areas. Awardees must also have demonstrated financial need and maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA. A total of $10,000 will be awarded – one $2,000 scholarship per eligible institution.
“We are thrilled to support SCICU’s undergraduate STEM program which provides paid research grants for students,” said Danna Vetter, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Milliken and SCICU board member. “These students bring boundless potential for innovation. We can’t wait to see what they achieve for our region and our world.”
Through eight decades and a host of programs Milliken has inspired students at SCICU member institutions to embrace Milliken’s commitment to innovation that has a positive impact on people and the world.
“We are extremely grateful for Milliken’s long-standing and generous support of students at SCICU’s member colleges and universities,” said Jeff Perez, SCICU president and CEO. “Milliken has partnered with SCICU since 1956. In those 67 years Milliken’s support of SCICU has totaled more than $4.1 million.”
In 1995, Milliken & Company provided $25,000 in seed money for starting the SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program.
Milliken will again host the SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Symposium at their Spartanburg, S.C. Customer Center on February 22, 2024. The annual research symposium culminates more than six months of student research and gives students a professional forum for the presentation of project findings.
Power:Ed awards SCICU $48,135 for student completion grants
Pictured L-R: Trey Simon, S.C. Student Loan Corporation President & CEO; Claire Gibbons, Power:Ed Director; and Jeff Perez, SCICU President & CEO.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – May 22, 2023 – S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) is pleased to announce the receipt of a Power:Ed award that will provide completion grants for students at financial risk for dropping out of college.
In 2019 SCICU was Power:Ed’s inaugural grant recipient, and this marks the fourth year Power:Ed has funded completion grants supporting SCICU’s member institutions. This year a total of $48,135 in Power:Ed completion grants will be shared with financial aid directors at SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities to help students persist through unforeseen financial difficulties and complete their degrees.
“We at SCICU are extremely grateful for our long-standing relationship with the S.C. Student Loan Corporation,” said Jeff Perez, SCICU president and CEO. “S.C. Student Loan has expanded its decades-long support of SCICU member institutions with Power:Ed grants that help students focus on their studies rather than financial concerns.”
During the third award year, Power:Ed completion grants were awarded to 24 students at SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities, with a $2,187 average award.
“Completion scholarships can make all the difference in helping students finish their education and succeed in school, their careers, and in life. We are pleased to be able to sustain this grant to SCICU and its member schools for a fourth year,” said Power:Ed Director Claire Gibbons.
In its fiscal year 2022-23, Power:Ed awarded 23 grants totaling $900,000 to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations, including SCICU. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is July 1, 2023.
About Power:Ed
Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, a philanthropy of S.C. Student Loan Corporation, is dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina’s youth and adults by supporting low-income, minority, and first-generation students; improving access to college and degree completion; and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Organizations serving middle school through post-college talent who are interested in applying for a grant or partnering with Power:Ed should visit power-ed.org.
About SCICU
SCICU supports and promotes the values of independent higher education in South Carolina through collaboration, governmental advocacy, fundraising, and public engagement so that every student may choose, afford, and earn an independent college education that fits their personal values, professional and social aspirations, and approach to learning. SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities educate and inspire more than 36,000 students throughout South Carolina. Learn more at scicu.org.
Sonoco Foundation renews $32,000 in need-based scholarships for SCICU students
COLUMBIA, S.C. — SCICU is pleased to announce that the Sonoco Foundation has renewed its $32,000 needs-based scholarship program for students attending SCICU member colleges and universities.
Now in its third decade of partnering with SCICU, Sonoco’s scholarship program is designed to help traditional age, full-time students who are South Carolina residents. Recipients must have demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA® (Free Application for Student Aid). Financial aid directors at SCICU institutions will select 16 students who will each receive a $2,000 Sonoco scholarship for academic year 2023-2024.
Education is one of five areas of philanthropic focus for the Sonoco Foundation. The foundation also supports projects that address arts and culture, community development, the environment, and health and wellness. In 2021, the Sonoco Foundation donated nearly $2 million to non-profits worldwide. The total includes $251,000 in college scholarships to Sonoco employees and the community.
“We at SCICU are deeply grateful for Sonoco’s generous and continued support of students attending our colleges and universities,” said Jeff Perez, SCICU president and CEO. “Supporting the education of South Carolina resident students helps grow the pipeline of future leaders in the state.”
The Central Carolina Community Foundation administers the grant process for the Sonoco Foundation.
2023 Commencement photo highlights
It’s a wrap! Although Spring 2023 commencement exercises at SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities are done and in the books, the happiness and friendships always remain. Please enjoy these photo highlights from the 2023 graduation ceremonies.
Allen University
Anderson University
Benedict College
Bob Jones University
Charleston Southern University
Claflin University
Coker University
Columbia College
Columbia International University
Converse University
Erskine College
Furman University
Limestone University
Morris College
Newberry College
North Greenville University
Presbyterian College
Southern Wesleyan University
Spartanburg Methodist College
Voorhees University
Wofford College
South Carolina update
The end of the legislative session is often hectic, but this year is a deck of wild cards.
The session ended officially on May 11, but the General Assembly did not pass a “Sine Die” resolution, which allows them to reconvene to address specific issues. Instead, the governor called them back last week for a special session, but once here they can take on any legislation they want.
The focus so far has been on the budget and the Senate’s “fetal heartbeat” bill, which passed the House with amendments which now goes back to the Senate, which can either accept the House version, or make more changes which would result in the creation of a conference committee. The governor also put on the plate enhancing penalties for illegal gun possession, passing bond reform, and, of course, passing a state budget.
Right now, the budget is up in the air. They have plenty of money to play with – the S.C. Board of Economic advisors revised upward their revenue estimates. It projects the state will have an additional $240 million in recurring (once an item is funded with recurring money, it can be in future budgets.) and an additional $564 million in non-recurring (“one shot”) funds.
Nevertheless, the conference committee formed to reckon the two versions of the budget is still wrangling over various items.
Without a deal, the House has announced that it will not meet this week while the Senate will debate the fetal heartbeat bill. Once the conference committee agrees on the budget the House and Senate will come back to approve it, but then the governor will likely veto aspects of the budget with which he disagrees. The General Assembly would have to return for override votes.
When this will happen is anyone’s guess. At this point what everyone agrees on is that the hard deadline is July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year.
Federal update
While the negotiations over the debt ceiling limit are getting all the attention in Washington, the U.S. Department of Education last week released more than 1,000 pages of proposed regulations, and provided only a 30-day comment period. The regulations cover topics including consumer information on the financial value of programs, career services at institutions, financial aid information, and transition plans for colleges at risk of closure.
An unofficial copy of the proposed regulations was released on Wednesday and the official proposed rules are now in the Federal Register. This is a significant and highly technical proposal with only a 30-day comment period.
The Department provided fact sheets on the financial aid transparency parts of the rules as well as the other provisions in the regulatory package.
And we’re still waiting for the substantial Title IX revisions regarding sexual assault and the Department of Labor’s “overtime rule” that dictates the threshold for overtime eligibility. Right now, that level is set at $35,568. Under scrutiny may be the “teacher exemption” which exempts faculty and coaches from the overtime rule. Any substantial increase the salary threshold or elimination of the teacher exemption would impose overwhelming financial burdens on colleges and universities.
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