The SCC Foundation: A Community That Gives Back

The SCC Foundation: A Community That Gives Back

Where Giving Meets Growth

Established in 1983, the Spartanburg Community College Foundation began with a simple mission—help students afford college. Four decades later, it’s become a powerhouse of possibility, managing 55+ scholarships, emergency and departmental funds, faculty development awards, and even donations that keep Chaser’s Pantry stocked

A Village of Support: Bridget Haley’s Story

When nursing student Bridget Haley suddenly became guardian to her two grandchildren—a toddler and a newborn—she worried her dream career might have to wait. “I didn’t know what to do or if I had to put my career on hold,” she said. Through the Foundation’s emergency assistance, Bridget kept her home and her hope. “It takes a village, and some people don’t have anybody to turn to like me,” she shared. “The donation gave me strength to continue my career and not give up.” Now in her second semester, Bridget is thriving—proof that behind every gift is a student’s new beginning

Honoring Legacies and Investing in Tomorrow

Philanthropy at SCC stretches far beyond campus walls.

• Barbara Rippy covered all material costs for SCC’s first dual-enrollment welding class in Union County and created the Barbara Rippy Scholarship, ensuring future students have the same opportunity
• Saunders McCollum honors her parents through two lasting gifts: the John and Putsy Wardlaw Emergency Fund and the Wardlaw-McCollum Chaser Success Fund, removing barriers and providing essential learning materials
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These donors exemplify what it means to build futures from generosity.

Fueling Creativity and Innovation

The Foundation also proudly sponsors ASCEND Literary Magazine—SCC’s annual, student-produced collection of poetry, fiction, and art. ASCEND gives students hands-on experience in editing, design, and marketing while amplifying creative voices across campus

By the Numbers (2024 Fundraising Impact)

• $823,500+ Total Funds Raised
• $104,000+ Scholarships
• $53,600+ Student Success Funds (Emergency Relief & Book Funds)
• $276,250+ In-Kind Gifts for Academic Programs
• $91,650+ Special Event Income
• $7,000+ Donations for Academic Programming
• $87,450+ Unrestricted Support
• $203,375+ Direct College Support (Spark Center, Grants, Arboretum Fund, etc.)

Top in-kind contributors included Bobcat of Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, Specialized Parts & Equipment, and Takeuchi, whose generosity enhances hands-on learning for SCC students

Events That Inspire Impact

The Foundation’s calendar was as vibrant as its mission:

• The 3rd Annual Chaser’s Cup Golf Tournament drew 120 players and raised $65,000 for scholarships and emergency funds.
• Arboretum Adventures welcomed garden enthusiasts and raised nearly $15,000 for SCC’s Horticulture Program

Each event blended camaraderie with community purpose—proof that philanthropy can be both fun and transformative.

Our Chase, Together

Internal giving is thriving too. More than 300 faculty and staff joined the annual campaign, raising a record $75,000, up from $48,610 the year before. The beloved Rick Teal Walk for Health, held in memory of SCC’s former Vice President of Human Resources, brought 110 participants together and secured permanent funding for the Rick Teal Employee Support Fund. 

“When our own employees give, they’re not just supporting SCC—they’re living our mission.”

Stronger Together

From endowed scholarships to everyday donations, the SCC Foundation unites students, alumni, staff, and community members in one shared purpose: empowering success.

Learn how to get involved or contribute at https://www.sccsc.edu/foundation/