To honor and acknowledge the generosity and support of our donors' gifts, the university provides special recognition through a variety of cumulative, annual and gift-planning societies. Donors with gifts qualifying them for inclusion in these societies are notified via mail.
The heart and soul of the University of South Carolina, the Horseshoe marks the original site of the university, chartered in 1801 as South Carolina College. The Horseshoe, recognized as one of the most beautiful original campuses in the country, is a treasured spot for students, faculty and hundreds of visitors to appreciate and enjoy.
The Horseshoe Society honors donors who have made cumulative gifts of $100,000 or more. Initially, 249 charter members were inducted into the Horseshoe Society in 1998, including 19 who had made gifts of $1 million or more. Today, there are more than 1,718 individual members, with an additional 40 family foundations. Of these, more than 100 have made gifts of $1 million or more, with 16 having made gifts of $5 million or more.
To join the Horseshoe Society, please contact us at 803-777-2547.
To qualify for membership in the Carolina Guardian Society, donors must make a commitment, confirmed in writing and subject to certain restrictions, that includes one of the following:
- A bequest in a will or revocable trust
- A life income gift that names the University of South Carolina or one of its affiliated foundations as a remainder beneficiary, such as a charitable remainder trust or a charitable gift annuity
- A charitable lead trust that provides income to the University of South Carolina or one of its affiliated foundations for your lifetime or a term of years
- A gift or assignment of qualified retirement plan assets, such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b)
- Other options that allow donors to plan their gifts while meeting their personal goals
To join the Carolina Guardian Society, please contact us at 803-777-1601.
Forever to Thee, a consecutive donor program celebrates those whose ongoing support fuels opportunity, innovation and excellence across the University of South Carolina. Their commitment reflects the spirit of “Forever to Thee”; a promise to uplift our students, strengthen our programs, and protect the Carolina legacy we all cherish. A gift, of any size, to any area, for two consecutive fiscal years welcomes donors into this community of loyal supporters. Donors may choose to support scholarships, academic programs, student experiences, or any other area of interest.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe University of South Carolina’s fiscal year runs July 1st through June 30th.
Donors become members by making a gift, of any size to any area of USC, for two consecutive fiscal years. Continued giving each fiscal year maintains membership.
While Forever to Thee does not use giving levels, we proudly recognize donors who reach key milestones of loyal, consecutive support.
No, pledges do not count. However, any payments made toward the pledge during the fiscal year do count toward annual recognition.
Gifts contributed to the Columbia campus, including the Palmetto College regional campuses, are counted. Gifts to the Gamecock Club are excluded.
When a year is missed, your consecutive giving streak resets. If you give again in two consecutive fiscal years, you will be a member again. We remain sincerely appreciative of your support in any year you choose to give.
No, there is not a minimum gift requirement to be a member of Forever to Thee.