South Carolina State celebrated its Founders' Day weekend by installing James Clark as the university's 12th president. Clark and S.C. State trustees have been instrumental in guiding the university out of fiscal crisis and toward a new era of growth and prosperity.
Importantly, this past weekend also included recognitions that are emblematic of the types of support needed for the long-term success of the university. During the annual Scholarship Gala and Tribute, the S.C. State Foundation presented six awards:
- South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott received a Trailblazer Award. The Republican lawmaker was most recently instrumental in bringing Clark, Claflin University President Henry Tisdale and presidents of other historically black colleges and universities to Washington meetings with President Donald Trump and congressional leaders about boosting support for HBCUs.
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"South Carolina State University is on the right track," Scott said, praising the selection of veteran businessman Clark as president.
The support of leaders such as Scott is instrumental in decisions on policy and funding for HBCUs. His pledge of support is important.
Scott said he wanted HBCU leaders to be in Washington to provide his Republican colleagues with a personal connection with the institutions and their leaders -- "an appreciation and sensitivity for HBCUs."
He praised the institutions' history of producing leaders in the military and key fields such as education and medicine. "HBCU graduates make great contributions to America."
- St. Matthews native and veteran actor Mike Colter, star of Netflix’s Marvel series "Luke Cage," was also honored as a Trailblazer. Colter was represented at the event by his sisters, one of whom read a letter from Colter in which he told of learning about business at an early age by selling concessions at Bulldog football games. Colter is a high-profile example of success.
"I pray that my accomplishments will inspire someone here tonight," he stated in the letter. From a small town to international success: "It can be done."
- A two-term South Carolina State University Student Government Association president nearly four decades ago, broadcast television owner Armstrong Williams received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"I know about the institution. I know about the hallowed grounds," Williams said of his alma mater. "It is my experience."
Williams praised the university for providing him a foundation for success, and encouraged others to follow his lead in supporting S.C. State so many more can have the same experience. "Give back to your institution."
"I can give back" and will do so, said Williams, who as chairman of Howard Stirk Holdings Journalism Foundation Inc. this past week committed $250,000 to create the Armstrong Williams Broadcast Scholarship Program for S.C. State communications and journalism students.
"It's good to be back home. I will never leave my institution again," Williams said.
- BMW Manufacturing Co. was honored with the Corporate Partner Award, which recognizes a business that provides significant financial and/or in-kind resources to the S.C. State Foundation. BMW has demonstrated its financial support of the foundation for more than 15 years. Its annual contribution facilitates the BMW Scholars Program, which supports S.C. State students who major in technology, business, accounting and computer science.
- State Sen. Marlon Kimpson received the Beacon of Light Award. The Charleston attorney praised the legacy of African-American giants: former U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Perry, former state Supreme Court Justice Ernest Finney, S.C. State alumnus and current S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Don Beatty, Congressman James Clyburn and veteran Bowman state Sen. John Matthews, all with direct S.C. State connections. He said support from state government is vital to S.C. State -- and due.
If Clemson football Coach Dabo Swinney can have an airplane for recruiting and the University of South Carolina can get a solar engineering program, then there is no reason S.C. State cannot get funding for nuclear engineering and the library, Kimpson said.
- S.C. State board member and former NFL star Donnie Shell received the Leadership Award. He praised S.C. State and its mission of opening doors to higher education. "S.C. State University gave me an opportunity" that he did not expect, Shell said.
His football and baseball experience at S.C. State laid the foundation for his future success with the Pittsburgh Steelers and beyond.
He told of a player advising him as a free agent looking to make the Steelers as a rookie that he would have little chance. "He don’t know Bulldog tenacity," Shell said.
S.C. State produces athletes and graduates as good as any institution, he said. "Don't give up."
On Saturday night, S.C. State and its foundation reinforced pledges of support by government, alumni and friends, and business and industry. All are vital to the future of university.
The honorees are setting the example. President Clark thanked them and all supporters of the gala event for showing belief in the university.
"We are going to be able to do things to make this university better."
