Aiken Community Contributes More than $32,000 in Scholarships to USCA Military and Military-Connected Students

Aiken, SC (10/29/2021) — The Office of Veteran and Military Student Success (VMSS) at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) recently hosted their annual scholarship reception on the university campus. The event celebrates donors and their commitment to the military and military-connected students at USCA.

"A unique aspect of USCA is community collaboration," said Robert Murphy, director of the VMSS. "The veteran and military students have a community on campus. These students also have a larger Aiken community who invests in their education through scholarships and social gatherings. The scholarship reception highlights the collaboration between student and community, demonstrating the importance of investment and partnerships."

Scholarships awarded include the following:

University of South Carolina Academy Life Long Learning Scholarships

Charles M. Stomieroski VMSS Scholarship for Marine Re-Entering College

Robert and Vicki Allen Scholarship

Donald L Lemponen Army Veteran and Military Student Success Scholarship

University of South Carolina Aiken Military Spouse Scholarship

Leonard D. and Norma C. Toner Endowed Scholarship

Aiken-Augusta Wounded Warrior Charity Golf Classic Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to military and military-connected students for the Fall 2021 semester totaled $32,225. $28,875 of that came from the Aiken-Augusta Wounded Warrior Charity Golf Classic. Rita Malloy presented the check.

This year, once again, USCA earned high praise from Military Times, which ranked them among institutions that are "best for vets." For four years, the university remained at number 97, placing them in the top 100 universities in the nation. With the 2021 rankings, the university shot up to number 52, placing them alongside the top-tier universities nationally. USCA remains ranked first in South Carolina. "USCA is ranked the top 'best for vets' university in South Carolina because the Aiken community is part of the equation," Murphy said.

USCA has also been named to the 2021-2022 list of Military Friendly Schools, a designation reserved for institutions that have demonstrated a clear commitment to programs that improve the lives of veterans. USCA has been recognized for several years and scored 100 percent in each category for the 2021-2022 cycle.

Media Attachments