USC Aiken's Family Fund Campaign Exceeds Gift Goal

Aiken, SC (10/24/2022) — The University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) wrapped up its annual 2022 Family Fund giving campaign on October 1, celebrating one of the most successful internal campaigns for the faculty and staff.

Over the last five years, USC Aiken averaged an 86% participation rate, but this year the campaign topped a 91% participation rate!

Not only did the campaign surpass the 90% participation goal, it exceeded the $50,000 gift goal. The total gifts raised were $76,117, and $27,951 of these gifts came from the generous donations of retired faculty members.

Dr. Montey Fetterolf, a retired chemistry professor, was one of the retirees that gave to the 2022 Family Fund.

"I was one of the first three faculty members to contribute to the Chemistry Department Program Endowment, and my wife Cathy Cobb and I have continued to give over the years," said Fetterolf. "We don't give a lot, but it adds up and participation is what counts."

A long-standing tradition of the Family Fund is some friendly competition among the departments. If everyone in a department gives, they are considered a 100% club. This year, over 30 departments joined the 100% Clubbers, including 17 departments that reached this status for the first time.

"Reaching those 100% markers says to the community and our donors that we are an actively engaged campus," said Elizabeth Webb, faculty co-chair for Family Fund. "Full participation is a demonstrable outpouring of the genuine love faculty and staff have for this university and its students."

Students benefit from private contributions through scholarships and faculty, staff and department development. Donors can designate where their donations are spent which provides those that donate with the opportunity to contribute to the areas of the university that they feel passionately about.

Over the years, Family Fund has raised more than $1.4 million to help the university attract quality students and provide support for current students enrolled in programs at the university.

"I think it's really important for faculty and staff who work here to demonstrate that they believe in our mission," said Dr. Thayer McGahee, dean of the USC Aiken School of Nursing. "The success of this year's Family Fund campaign sends a positive message to those looking to support the university."

Giving back continues to be a tradition for USC Aiken faculty and staff. To donate to USC Aiken please visit http://giving.usca.edu/aiken-general-gift.

Media Attachments