VIP Reception at USC

College Summit hosted a fundraising reception at the University of South Carolina on March 24, 2011, featuring special guest speaker, Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC).  Hosted in collaboration with the University of South Carolina Office of the Provost and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the event was intended to increase awareness of College Summit and to expand the organization’s base of friends and supporters.

Following opening remarks by College Summit’s President, Dean Furbush, Congressman Clyburn spoke eloquently about the importance of programs such as College Summit that offer opportunities for youth who otherwise might fall through the cracks and not be given a chance to fulfill their potential. He related personal stories about his experiences as an educator in the Sumter County SC public school system years ago and a couple students, in particular, that he encountered along the way. He recounted that in both cases, the men today are very successful, but that were it not for the guidance, support and encouragement these men received as youth their lives may have turned out very differently. Following the Congressman’s moving, thoughtful words, Jaime Harrison, a member of the College Summit National Board of Directors, made a heart-felt plea (via video from Washington, DC) for those in attendance to support the efforts of College Summit to give low-income youth a chance at higher education and, thus, a chance at life. Mr. Harrison then made a $5,000 challenge grant to those in attendance. Attendees accepted the challenge and responded in-kind. Submitting matching $5,000 pledges were BB&T and the Clyburn Foundation. In addition, other guests submitted pledges in the amount of $9,000. As a result, College Summit raised nearly $25,000 to support its programs and students.

 In addition to corporate representatives, elected officials, and community leaders, In attendance at the event were several College Summit educators including, Francis Wheat of Sumter High School (Sumter, SC), Natasha Mullins of Spartanburg High School (Spartanburg, SC), Robert Seay of Cross High School (Cross, SC), Rosemary Keller of Lake Marion High School (Santee, SC), Lori Still of Lower Richland High School (Columbia, SC), Deborah Haile of Keenan High School (Columbia, SC), and Alvin Pressley, principal of Keenan High School (Columbia, SC).