South Carolina University News June 21, 2016 University Secures $850K for Earvin “Magic” Johnson Scholarship By the end of a special gathering of alumni and friends hosted by the SC State University Foundation, held in Washington, D.C. on June 12, SC State University obtained $850,000 toward the Earvin “Magic” Johnson Endowed Scholarship fund. The chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises committed $500,000 to fund the scholarship, an announcement Earvin “Magic” Johnson made to show his support for the state’s only assisted historically black university. “This really is about raising funds in which we can bless South Carolina State University students. I just want to make sure young people have an opportunity to come to the campus, receive an education, and go on to have a great career. That’s what it’s all about,” said Johnson to SC State supporters attending the fundraiser. SC State alumnus Michael Triplett Sr. contributed $250,000 to the scholarship. Employed with Cigna Corporation, Triplett is president of the global healthcare company’s United States Regional Segment, Payer Solutions, Government and Taft-Hartley. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from South Carolina State in 1983. “It is the duty of all loyal sons and daughters to do all they can to ensure continued commitment and investment in our beloved university,” said Triplett. An additional $100,000 from various sources was also donated towards the new endowed scholarship fund. Johnson’s devotion to assisting SC State is fueled by a desire to see historically black colleges and universities succeed in educating students, particularly those from underserved communities. “Mr. Johnson’s partnership with SC State to raise $2.5 million to fund an endowed scholarship will give the university the leverage it needs to continue providing access to educational and professional opportunities as well as to attract more stellar scholars to the university,” said Charles S. Way, Jr., chairman of the SC State University Board of Trustees, who also attended the event. “Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation are in dire need of corporations, philanthropists like Earvin “Magic” Johnson or alumni like Michael Triplett, who recognize the true public value of HBCUs. These universities and colleges produce many of the minority leaders who are effecting change in America and across the world. We are certainly grateful for the generous contributions made by Mr. Johnson and Mr. Triplett. We know that others will follow their sterling example of giving,” said Interim President Dr. W. Franklin Evans. “Johnson’s personal gift of $500,000 is the largest one-time contribution from one individual in the history of the university; Triplett’s gift of $250,000 is the largest individual one-time alumni gift in history of the university. I am so inspired by Magic’s commitment to my alma mater and I am going to continue to do all I can to ensure that this investment is just the beginning of such efforts,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn, ’61. As part of this dynamic partnership, Johnson has agreed to participate in special fundraising events in support of the endowed scholarship fund and the university foundation, notes A.L. Fleming, associate vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the SC State University Foundation. “It is nothing short of fantastic to see this relationship and investment from such a community icon and entrepreneur as Magic Johnson in one our HBCUs,” said Johnny C. Taylor, president and chief executive officer of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. "We are excited about this partnership between Earvin "Magic" Johnson, The SCSU Foundation and the university. This scholarship fund, as with all scholarship funds managed by the foundation, will be under dutiful and trusted management,” said Kenneth Claxton, ’97, chairman of the SC State University Foundation. The Earvin “Magic” Johnson Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Business. For more information, contact A.L. Fleming at (803) 536-8542 or aflemin6@scsu.edu<mailto:aflemin6@scsu.edu;>. SANDRA M. 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