It’s not hard to understand why Mandy and Mark Ackerman support the University of South Carolina. Their ties to USC run deep: Mark’s father, Bob Ackerman, Mandy’s mother, Deloris Zeigler, and Mandy herself are all alumni, and Mark and Mandy have both served on the University Libraries Advisory Board.

The Ackermans have chosen University Libraries as a focal point of their giving both because they see the libraries as a valuable resource for the university and the state and because supporting the libraries was the most fitting way to honor their parents.

In 2001, the Ackermans established two endowments at University Libraries. Here Mark Ackerman shares why that opportunity felt especially worthwhile.

What prompted you to give to University Libraries?

Our gift is a reflection on our upbringing.  Both of our families have a great passion for the University of South Carolina.  An endowment allows us to honor our parents while benefiting the University.

How do you see the Libraries enriching the community at large?

My father was passionate about the University Libraries. He received his BA, Masters and PHD in history from USC and went on to have a long career as a professor and college administrator. The libraries at USC are an amazing repository of our history and a phenomenal resource for our community. All South Carolinians benefit from the libraries’ preservation of our state’s history.

What would you say to others who might be considering a gift to the Libraries?

My father said it best, “a bequest gives donors the satisfaction of demonstrating in their lifetime their support for the heart of the University, the Libraries.”