COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy columbiasc.edu) — On Thursday, June 16, Columbia College hosted the second annual Biomedical Research Program (CCBRP) Summer Research Symposium. Eight students worked to prepare and execute five research presentations on subjects ranging from the effects and social norms surrounding e-cigarettes to the genetic evolution in mosquitoes carrying Malaria. The CCBRP is funded through the South Carolina Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE), and the goal is to increase research capacity and create a network of research faculty and students in academic institutions across the state. Columbia College is one of 14 member institutions chosen to participate in the program.

Columbia College students Darci Dawson, Arwen Wedgeworth, Seire Baker-Morgan, Gavin Rice, Jaquaya Adams, Kristin McConnell, Zhaire Casteal, and Tre’tavia Jackson were mentored by Dr. Adrienne Oxley, Dr. Vida Mingo, Dr. Chakia McClendon, and Dr. Mary Jon Barrineau. The students had six weeks to choose, research, organize, and presents their findings on their selected topics, and the results were a true representation of the caliber of students attending Columbia College. The hard work, dedication, and commitment were evident, and these values complimented the support and guidance shared by caring faculty advisors.

CLINTON, S.C. (courtesy presby.edu) — Presbyterian College’s kilt-clad president made a stunning and generous offer Tuesday, June 14 to each of the 600 Palmetto Girls State delegates. Come to PC and receive a $ 25,000-a-year scholarship.

President Dr. Matthew vandenBerg told the group that PC is making a four-year, $60 million commitment to the rising seniors in Palmetto Girls State, the largest scholarship commitment in the college’s history.

Each Girls State participant who applies to, is admitted to, and enrolls at PC will receive an annual $25,000 Palmetto Girls State Promise scholarship – a four-year, $100,000 commitment.

A former participant in Michigan Boys State, vandenBerg said the Palmetto Girls State program’s values – leadership and citizenship – align perfectly with PC’s mission to become the country’s leading college for innovative service.

“This scholarship program is a powerful way for PC to put its money where its mouth is in terms of equipping future servant leaders to address our society’s most vexing challenges and bring about positive change,” he said.

President vandenBerg made a powerful case for Girls State delegates to come to PC. PC’s commitment to service and creative problem solving is clear and evidenced by the college’s Service Entrepreneurship program, its partnership with Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and its growing reputation for health-related graduate programs.

“If you want to learn how to solve real-world problems through creativity – if you want to serve your community and the world and help people facing struggles – if you seek a life of meaning and purpose – THAT is what you get from an education at PC,” vandenBerg said. “That’s who we are. No matter what field you enter – health care, law, business, government, or nonprofits, solving problems and helping people are what it’s all about. That’s what makes PC different. Wherever you go, or whatever line of work you enter, PC gets you ready to make the world a better place.”

Palmetto Girls State is a one-week leadership and citizenship training program created to educate outstanding high school students about state and local government and citizenship. They are selected based on the leadership skills and involvement they have shown in their respective schools and communities.

The S.C. Department of the American Legion Auxiliary has organized and administered Palmetto Girls State since 1947. Leading this year’s 75th anniversary delegates are Sabra Denny, director; Katie Stoughton, assistant director; and Pam King, education director.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (courtesy claflin.edu) — Claflin University is proud to announce that Bank of America will invest $500,000 to support the university’s Center for Social Justice and the Pathways From Prison Program. The Pathways From Prison Program is a historic collaboration between Claflin and the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) that provides incarcerated individuals in South Carolina access to the University’s exceptional academic programs.

Incarcerated individuals that meet Claflin and SCDC requirements can earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, and organizational management. They can also earn minors and certificate credentials.

Bank of America’s investment will support student scholarships and enhance technological resources such as laptops, keyboards, printers, routers, and wi-fi hotspots. Funding for the partnership will also be used to increase the number of qualified faculty and staff to ensure incarcerated students receive the same high-quality educational experience that has earned Claflin national recognition as one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities.

“We are extremely grateful for Bank of America’s support for our Center for Social Justice and the Pathways From Prison Program. Research indicates a dramatic reduction in recidivism rates for incarcerated individuals who participate in prison education programs,” said Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, a 2019 USA Eisenhower Fellow. Warmack’s research during his fellowship explored global best practices for reducing mass incarceration through education and rehabilitation.

“Bank of America’s reputation as a global leader in banking and finance is widely recognized. This partnership amplifies their commitment to equality, equity, and expanding economic opportunities for diverse populations.”

“Education is a gateway to a better life,” said Kim Wilkerson, president, Bank of America South Carolina. “We appreciate Claflin University’s leadership and recognize the success and progress made through the Pathways From Prison Program. Issues of racial equality and economic opportunity are deeply connected, and it’s important to remove the barriers to success and focus on areas where systemic, long-term gaps have existed.”

Claflin’s Pathways From Prison Program was established through the Second Chance Pell Grant Pilot Program, a U.S. Department of Education (DOE) initiative. The grant provides need-based Federal Pell Grants to individuals incarcerated in federal and state prisons. Claflin University was the only historically black college/university (HBCU) in South Carolina among 67 colleges and universities nationwide selected for the program.

TIGERVILLE, S.C. (courtesy nguathletics.com and NCAA.com) — The North Greenville University Crusaders won their first-ever NCAA national championship in baseball with a 5-3 victory over the Point Loma Nazarine University Sea Lions on June 10 in the 2022 NCAA Division II national championship game held at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.

The Crusaders went into the DII national championship tournament as the number one seed. Before advancing to championship game, North Greenville went undefeated in tournament play against West Chester (3-1 and 8-5 rematch) and Angelos State (18-3, record-setting tournament game). Carrying tournament losses from Southern Arkansas and Rollins, the June 10 game was do-or-die for Point Loma. The Sea Lions would have to win June 10 and force another game with North Greenville to win the championship.

In the championship game, the Crusaders never relinquished the lead. They jumped off to a quick 1-0 lead in the second inning and added another unanswered run in the third inning. The Sea Lions finally got on the board in the fifth inning, bringing the score to 2-1. NGU added three more unanswered runs in the seventh and eighth innings, and the score stood at 5-1 at the top of the ninth inning. Despite a rally in the ninth inning, Point Loma fell 5-3 to North Greenville in the championship game.

Winning the 2022 national Division II championship capped a historic season for North Greenville. In the regular season, the squad ranked in the top 10 nationally in eight categories, including hits and ERA. The Crusaders posted an overall 54-10 regular season record and won the Conference Carolinas title with a 25-5 record. 2022 also marked the fifth Conference Carolinas baseball championship for the Crusaders.

Four Crusaders were named to the All-Tournament Team, led by NGU pitcher Reece Fields as the tournament Most Valuable Player. Also named to the All-Tournament Team were NGU’s Gehrig Octavio (2nd base), Pat Monteith (3rd base), and John Michael Faile (designated hitter).

The national championship game also marked the 300th career win for Landon Powell, now in his eighth year as head coach for the Crusaders.

The NCAA’s full replay of the national championship game between North Greenville and Point Loma is available on the NCAA website. The game’s box score, play-by-play, and composite stats are available on the North Greenville University Athletics website.

North Greenville University is one of 21 member colleges and universities in SCICU – South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. Learn more at scicu.org.