Lander University recently hosted a reception to recognize its 56 Abney scholars and to thank Abney Foundation Executive Director Dr. Lisa McWherter and Trustee Carl Edwards for their generosity.
"Some of you would not be here without assistance from The Abney Foundation," said Lander President Richard Cosentino. He said that Lander has received more than $2 million from The Abney Foundation in the last 29 years, generating hundreds of scholarships. "It's a big deal," he said.
Edwards said that Susie Mathews Abney, who established The Abney Foundation in 1957, "recognized the need for education." The foundation currently provides scholarship assistance to more than 600 students across South Carolina. "It's a wonderful thing," he said.
McWherter said she had three requests to make of those present. She began by asking scholarship recipients to "remember that Ms. Susie Mathews Abney cared for you and your future."
McWherter said she hoped students receiving assistance would take advantage of the opportunity extended to them. "We don't ask that you make all A's; we don't ask that you make the dean's list every semester. We don't ask a whole lot, but we do want to ask that you give your very best effort."
She said she also hopes that students receiving help will help others. "When you're given the opportunity to give back to Lander, we want you to seize that opportunity. Give what you can, when you can, because every dollar truly makes a difference," she said.