South Carolina State University News March 23, 2016 Miller Society Inducts Three Two SC State University alumnae and a South Carolina philanthropist were inducted into the exclusive SC State University Miller Society for their longstanding generous support to the university. The induction ceremony for Josephine R. Evans, '54, '57; Dr. Leola Adams, '69; and Reverend Dr. Solomon Jackson Jr. was held on Friday, Feb. 27 on the SC State campus. The invitation-only event kicked off the 120th Founders' Day Weekend, which the university observed through Sunday, Feb. 27. Named in honor of Thomas E. Miller, the first president of South Carolina State University, the Miller Society recognizes the cumulative philanthropy of individuals, couples, organizations, associations, corporations and foundations who demonstrate their commitment to the university and higher education. Together, the new inductees have contributed more than $300,000 to South Carolina State. "SC State University is pleased to recognize the generosity of the new inductees to the Miller Society. The tremendous investments of Josephine Evans, Dr. Leola Adams and Solomon Jackson Jr. certainly help to support SC State's commitment to academic excellence. These three individuals serve as examples to all Bulldog supporters, and it is my hope that their philanthropic efforts become infectious among others," said Interim President Dr. W. Franklin Evans. The induction of Evans, Adams and Jackson increases the membership of the distinct society to 29. An Orangeburg native, Josephine Evans' support to the university spans more than 60 years. Within the Orangeburg community, Evans is well known for soliciting funds for her Alma Mater. She created the Dollars for Scholars program, which provides funds to students for books and tuition. A longtime educator, Evans held numerous positions in which she inspired and empowered youth in the classroom and even on the basketball court. In Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5, Evans' work experiences have included basketball coach, English teacher and reading consultant. She also served as principal of Holy Trinity Catholic School, also in Orangeburg. She remains active in several community and professional organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the International Reading Association, Sunlight Club and NAACP. Evans is a recipient of numerous awards, several of which recognize her for being a loyal supporter of her Alma Mater: SC State University Distinguished Alumni Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. Evans is a life member of the SCSU National Alumni Association and a member of the Orangeburg Alumni Chapter. She received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education and master's in education, along with completing additional study at the University of South Carolina and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Leola Adams has been an avid supporter of SC State for more than 40 years. In 2012, she established the Dr. Leola Adams Leadership Scholarship in Family and Consumer Sciences. The scholarship provides funds to students who are studying in the field, are active members of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences at the national level and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. At SC State University, Adams is recognized for her legacy as an exceptional educator and administrator. She held positions such as interim vice president for Research and Economic Development/executive director of 1890 Programs and dean of the School of Applied Professional Sciences. She retired as professor and dean emerita. She has held leadership positions with professional associations including the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the South Carolina Women in Higher Education. In 2007, Adams co-chaired the inaugural 2007 national democratic presidential debate held at SC State. She was awarded the Helen LeBaron Hilton Award from Iowa State University, and she was also the recipient of the prestigious Order of the Palmetto. Adams is a life member of the SCSU and Iowa State universities national alumni associations. She is also a charter member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. >From SC State, she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. Adams received a Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Further study was done at Clemson University and the University of Virginia. Solomon Jackson Jr. is well known for his unselfish philanthropic support to the state of South Carolina and to higher education. Through Rev. Jackson's donation, the SC State University Foundation purchased a 52-passenger motor coach for the university. He founded the Solomon Jackson Jr. Foundation which supports students who wish to pursue higher education. While the Columbia, S.C. native retired from the South Carolina Department of Revenue in 2000, Jackson has nearly 40 years in ministry. He is pastor and founder of Solomon's Temple in Columbia. Jackson earned an associate degree from Midlands Technical College in Columbia. He has been awarded several honorary degrees including the Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Benedict College; Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Claflin University and Doctor of Divinity degree from Morris College School of Religion, where he attended and was elected to the college's Board of Trustees in 2010; and a Doctor in Pastoral Ministry degree from Central Christian University of South Carolina, where he serves as acting chairman of the university's Board of Trustees. SANDRA M. 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