Orangeburg, S.C. — November 11, 2025 — The South Carolina State University Foundation will host its Thirty-Fifth Annual Scholarship Gala & Tribute on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina—an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, legacy, and opportunity.
This milestone event coincides with South Carolina State University’s 130th Anniversary Celebration, reinforcing a shared mission: ensuring that financial need never stands in the way of educational opportunity for SC State students.
“This year’s gala carries deep meaning,” said Stephen V. Beatty, Chair of the South Carolina State University Foundation Board of Directors. “For 35 years, the Foundation has proudly transformed generosity into opportunity, providing scholarships, cultivating leadership, and advancing our university’s proud legacy of access and excellence. As SC State marks 130 years, our work remains rooted in that same purpose.”
Held annually, the Charleston Gala supports the SCSU General Scholarship Fund, which provides need-based financial assistance to deserving students across all academic programs.
Lorne Steedley, Executive Director of the South Carolina State University Foundation, emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum across both milestone events. “The Foundation’s Gala in Charleston and the University’s Garnet & Blue Gala in Orangeburg are complementary celebrations. Each reaches different audiences, but both strengthen our collective capacity to support students. Together, they exemplify unity in purpose and commitment.”
The Gala will celebrate Dr. M. Maceo Nance Jr.’s legacy (the fifth president of SC State University) by presenting the North Star Award to accomplished alumni, and community leaders. The Shining Star Scholarship will be granted to six exceptional scholars, each from a different academic college within the University.
For sponsorships, tables, or tickets, visit https://scstategives.org/gala-2026
