The College of Nursing recognized scholarship donors, recipients and philanthropy award winners at the bi-annual Scholar Donor and Award Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, March 31, at the USC Alumni Center.
The luncheon featured speakers from around the university including Dean Jeannette Andrews, Charlotte Parks, Sr. AVP for Development at USC, Greta Green, chair of the college’s Partnership Board, and nursing students and alumni.
Student speakers included Tyler Gunther, a senior BSN student and recipient of the College of Nursing Reserve Fund scholarship, and Pearman Hayne, a PhD candidate and recipient of the Myrtle Irene Brown Fellowship. Dr. Sabra Custer, a DNP alumna and assistant professor in the college, was the alumni speaker. Dr. Custer received the Hubert Everist HIV Endowment during her time as a student in the college.
Four awards were presented on behalf of the college and its Partnership Board. Dr. JoAnne Herman was the recipient of the inaugural Dean’s Distinguished Service Award for her commitment and service to the college mentoring faculty and students with the writing of abstracts for grants, dissertations and more.
Patricia Heady was awarded the Ruth and Rallie Seigler Spirit of Giving Award for her service as chair of the College of Nursing Partnership Board’s fundraising gala in 2015. Under her leadership, the gala raised over $20,000 to meet the board’s fundraising initiatives.
Carole Cato was the recipient of the Legacy of Caring Award for her philanthropic history with the college. Carole established the Carole Hudson Cato Endowment Fund to provide scholarships to nursing students. She is also a member of the university’s Guardian Society, having made a planned gift to endow the Ruby Elliott Hudson and Carole Hudson Cato Fund to support women’s health initiatives.
The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation was presented with the Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy Award for their continued support of the college and health care in the community. They most recently provided over $400k to assist in the leveraging of mental health provider access in underserved counties in South Carolina.