Lander University played host recently to executives of The Abney Foundation, whose financial gifts to Lander represent the university's largest scholarship fund at nearly $2 million.
Ralph Patterson, vice president for University Advancement, said 55 students received Abney scholarship assistance in the 2015-16 academic year. He added that the luncheon was meant as an opportunity for Abney executives and scholarship recipients to meet each other, and for the students to personally express their thanks. Patterson said, "The Abney Foundation has given Lander an annual gift each year for many years, and their generosity is phenomenal."
Foundation executive director David King and retired executive director Carl Edwards were busy during the luncheon, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with the students.
The foundation has its offices in Anderson. It was established in 1957 as a private grant-making organization. Its primary focus is on higher education, and more than 75 percent of its gifts are for that purpose. The remainder is awarded to support local organizations.
Since it was created, The Abney Foundation has awarded over $32.6 million to more than 14,000 students. It awarded grants to 600 students at 14 colleges and universities in the 2015-16 academic year.