South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities

Amber Giles, a rising senior at Presbyterian College, has been named the J. Lacy McLean Independent College Student of the Year. Giles, from Rock Hill, SC, will receive a $2000 scholarship for the 2010-11 academic year in recognition of her academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to public affairs.
 
A biology major and chemistry and mathematics minor, Giles has served in leadership roles in Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Pre-Pharmacy Club, Student Union Board, Student Wellness Advisory Team, Honor Council, Panhellenic Council, Beta Beta Beta, and New Student Orientation. She has also volunteered with Special Olympics, Relay for Life, Good Shepherd Free Clinic, and charities benefitting St. Jude's Children's Hospital and bone marrow donors.
 
Plyler Hamilton, also a rising senior at Presbyterian College, has been named the Sterling L. Smith Scholarship recipient. Hamilton, from Greenville, SC, will receive a $1000 scholarship for the 2010-11 academic year in recognition of his academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to public affairs.
 
A biology major and chemistry and political science minor, Hamilton has served in leadership roles in Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, Student Union Board, Stirlings, Omicron Delta Kappa, and others. Hamilton has also volunteered with Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, and as part of PC's Service Day.
 
The J. Lacy McLean Scholarship is named in honor of J. Lacy McLean, who joined SCICU in 1954 and served as the organization's president for 34 years. The Sterling L. Smith Scholarship is named in honor of Sterling L. Smith, who joined SCICU in 1960 as the legislative liaison for the organization's member colleges and universities. Smith was instrumental in crafting the development of the South Carolina Tuition Grant program.
 
The recipients and their families will be honored at a luncheon as part of the October 5 meeting of the SCICU Board of Trustees at Columbia College. The annual award winners are selected by the Center for Scholarship Administration from dozens of applications received from students at SCICU member institutions.