South Carolina State University News December 20, 2017 The Gift That Truly Keeps Giving: Alumnus Donates Over $15,000 to SC State University Thurman D. Shuler, an Orangeburg, South Carolina native and 1957 graduate of SC State University, donated $15,445 to help SC State graduates enroll in a graduate program of their choice. An avid supporter of SC State, Shuler is always eager and proud to assist his alma mater, which has afforded him many opportunities. "If there is anything I can do to support my alma mater, I will. I received a tremendous amount of support as a student here, and I hope to give back to those in need. As I always say, my blood runs garnet and blue," Shuler said. In 2007, Shuler donated $30,000 to SC State and graciously contributes to the university every year. He hopes to continue to see the university progress, along with the enduring support of alumni. "I'm hoping that SC State continues to thrive, despite the issues that have transpired. I also hope that we will continue to cultivate leaders who are concerned about the well-being of the university. We have come a long way, and support does not have to be solely financial," Shuler continued. Iva Gardner, director of Alumni Relations, Annual Fund, expressed that Shuler's gift will help the university and its students substantially. "These funds will help our students continue to further their education and advance the mission of the university, which is to nurture students who lead productive lives in this dynamic, global society. We appreciate generous alumni, such as Shuler. We also encourage all alumni to be proactive givers, as no amount is too small, except none at all," Gardner said. SC State president, James Clark, is also appreciative of Shuler's contributions. "We certainly appreciate Mr. Shuler for his contributions over the years. He is a selfless giver who realizes that SC State needs support in order to thrive and transform to the next level. We continue to be grateful for his generosity," said Clark. Shuler earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a master's degree in education from SC State. He was also commissioned into the U.S. Army through SC State's ROTC program. Later on, Shuler completed doctoral studies in British literature at the University of South Carolina. He taught on the secondary school level for 31 years in Calhoun, Orangeburg, Williamsburg and York counties, and served as president of the Calhoun County Education Association. Also a dedicated musician, Shuler served as the minister of music for his church, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, in Orangeburg for 47 years. He also volunteered as a musician for the Orangeburg County Council on Aging for 20 years. After retiring, he published a book of poetry and other writings entitled, "Potpourri: A Medley of Literary Works." Currently, he serves as a musician and Sunday school instructor at his church, and is a member of the Orangeburg-Calhoun Education Association. Moreover, he is an active member of SC State's National Alumni Association and the NAACP. In March of 2018, Shuler will officially become a member of the Thomas E. Miller Society, which is the university's largest giving society. The organization houses members who each give cumulative philanthropic gifts that total at least $100,000, and are committed to serving SC State University. For more information, contact Angelia Jackson, director of Operations, Institutional Advancement at (803) 536-7190 or ajackson@scsu.edu<mailto:ajackson@scsu.edu>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/