Despite growing up near Clemson University, Karen Fedder (’79 marketing) has always been a diehard Gamecock fan. That is what inspired her to pledge her support to USC with a $3.3 million gift for Moore School scholarships, support for her parents’ scholarship fund and Gamecock Athletics.
For the three initiatives she has committed to, Fedder will donate part of her gift in cash while the rest will be given through a trust in her estate plan. A new scholarship is being created in the Moore School to benefit students majoring in marketing and sales.
“If you’re financially able, you should consider giving and helping those who need assistance with their education at the University of South Carolina,” Fedder said. “Not only will you have the satisfaction of giving back, but doors open up for you to connect with other alumni who have done the same.”
Fedder’s parents, Jerry (’52 USC law) and Nancy, who also attended USC, created the Fedder Family Scholarship in 1977 to assist students from Oconee and Pickens counties who planned to attend USC. Fedder will continue to fund this scholarship, which has impacted the lives of more than two dozen students since its inception.
Fedder and her mother also wanted to show their support for Gamecock Athletics with a naming gift — the Jerry Fedder Head Coach Conference Room — in honor of her late father.
The Fedder family has always rooted for the Gamecocks, despite living in Seneca, South Carolina, near Clemson University when Fedder was growing up.
“Perhaps this actually intensified our support for the Gamecocks and helped solidify our dislike of any orange team,” Fedder said.
From working in retail jewelry sales and then a long stint at Kraft Foods, Fedder enjoyed a successful marketing and sales career before retiring in 2017.
Through her gifts to the university and its students, Fedder says she has “realized the heartfelt benefits of giving back.”
Beyond that, she has met many people through her association with the university, which has led to participation at athletic events and inclusion in the Carolina Guardian Society and Garnet Society. To qualify for the Carolina Guardian Society, donors make a commitment to the university through their estate plans.