Community and Campus Impact
The focus of this report was on Financial Development and Community and Campus Involvement
Recommendations:
1. A more formal relationship should be created between the Advancement Office and Athletic Department in an effort to determine the appropriate coordination of sponsorship and development activities.
2. In conjunction with the Advancement Office, the Athletic Department should create a comprehensive Fundraising Strategy. (This will address the coordination of multiple solicitations to businesses by individual sports as well as working in tandem with the University Advancement Office.)
3. The efforts to create program and scholarship endowments, and add to existing ones should continue to be a high priority. However, an emphasis should be placed on the female teams/programs.
4. The indexing of Athletic Scholarships should continue. While this practice is practiced for athletic scholarships, the same is not done for academic scholarships. Therefore, the Chancellor should receive an annual report informing him of the amount (percentage) of “university money” used to support athletic scholarships. (% of money supporting Athletic and Academic Scholarships)
5. The Alumni Office and Athletic Department should also develop and implement a strategic “friend/fundraising” campaign.
6. An assessment of the Pacer Club should take place to evaluate its current
mission (purpose), determine that it is consistent and complimentary to other
fund raising efforts, and communicate it purpose.
7. Efforts need to be increased to promote community and (especially) student
attendance at home games. The Athletic Department should solicit the assistance
of other offices on campus in an effort to create the “spirit” so often referred to
as a major benefit of the athletic department. That “spirit” does not appear to
exist among the student body.
8. To create greater awareness and support, the Athletic Department should
develop a comprehensive Marketing/Promotion
plan with the Director of Public
Relations.
Report on USC Aiken Athletic
Scholarships and Endowments
Prepared by the USCA Office of University Advancement
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
These scholarships give preference to student athletes. Funding for the scholarships is awarded from the interest gained on the principal of these endowments. Amounts of scholarships vary depending on the amount in the principal, the length of time the endowment has been established, the amount in the reserve account, and the market performance over the life of the endowment. Funds are managed through the USC Educational Foundation at USC for the Aiken Partnership. There are 158 scholarship endowments and 14 are designated for athletics.
DAVID L. DERRICK MEMORIAL GOLF SCHOLARSHIP (1B1706)
Principal: $37,129.67
Reserve: $6,275.33
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $2,400
Scholarship Criteria: Shall be awarded to a member of the USCA Golf Team who exemplifies the love for golf and demonstrates the personal characteristics for success in life as reflected by David L. Derrick. If awarded to an entering student, the student must have at least a 1000 SAT or equivalent score on a nationally recognized test utilized in the admission decision; if awarded to a continuing student, the student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0; in the event there are no qualified applicants for the scholarship, the income will be returned to the principal account. The recipient shall be nominated by the USCA golf coach and approved by the USCA HAS Committee.
BARRY JOHNSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (1B1728)
Principal: $48,480.91
Reserve: $4,963.60
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $1,300
Scholarship Criteria: Preference to a student athlete with further preference to a baseball player who is majoring in Exercise and Sports Science. If awarded to an entering student, the student must have at least a 1000 SAT or equivalent score on a nationally recognized test utilized in the admission decision. If awarded to a continuing student, the student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Preference shall be given to a student whose character is reflective of qualities that Barry Johnson demonstrated in his life: honesty, integrity, compassion and an unwavering quest to do the best he could for his God, his family, his profession and his community. If two or more persons apply and satisfy the minimum requirements, preference shall be given to the applicant with the greatest financial need. If funds available exceed $25,000, the selection committee may award more than one scholarship, with the stipulation that the minimum award must be at least $500. The Aiken Partnership of the Foundation or its appointee(s) shall have authority to select the annual recipient based upon the above criteria.
GERTRUDE SMITH EUBANKS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND (1B1322)
Principal: $18,432.88
Reserve: $4,096.88
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $1,100
Scholarship Criteria: The annual income only from the fund shall be used to fund a scholarship(s) for academically talented basketball players attending USCA. Recommendations by the appropriate athletic staff may be considered by the HAS Committee before the final selection.
SAM MARSH MEMORIAL GOLF SCHOLARSHIP (1B1712)
Principal: $7,816.00
Reserve: $1,311.28
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $700
Scholarship Criteria: Shall be awarded to a member of the USCA Golf Team who exemplifies the love for golf and demonstrates the personal characteristics for success in life as reflected by Samuel E. Marsh. If awarded to an entering student, the student must have at least a 1000 SAT or equivalent score on a nationally recognized test utilized in the admission decision. If awarded to a continuing student, the student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. In the event there are no qualified applicants for the scholarship, the income will be returned to the principal account. The recipient shall be nominated by the USCA Golf Coach and approved by the USCA HAS Committee. Recommendations made by the USCA Golf Coach may be considered by the HAS Committee before the final selection.
AIKEN JAYCEES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP (1B1229)
Principal: $6,538.91
Reserve: $4,313.27
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $550
Scholarship Criteria: A worthy and academically talented student at USCA (or incoming freshman from Aiken County) who has the appropriate academic average and SAT score; preference may be given to a student athlete; however, academic record and financial need as established by the USCA HAS Committee shall be adhered to. If a qualified athletic recipient is not available, then Aiken County Academic criteria will be the priority determinant. The person selected will manifest the ideals as set forth by the Jaycees organization. Once recipient is selected, USCA will notify local media and include in all announcements the name and source of this scholarship. The Aiken Partnership of the Foundation or its appointee(s) shall have authority to select the recipients.
Principal: $11,387.50
Reserve: $409.25
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $500
Scholarship Criteria: The scholarship will be awarded by the USCA Honors, Awards and Scholarship Committee based on the following criteria: Preference to a student athlete on the men’s basketball team with a GPA or predicted GPA of 2.5 or greater; recommendations from the Athletic Director and/or men’s basketball coach shall be considered.
Principal: $27,726.06
Reserve: $1,788.07
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $500
Scholarship Criteria: Student must be enrolled fulltime; if an entering freshman, the student must have a predicted GPA of 2.75; if awarded to a continuing student (sophomore, junior or senior) the student must have an actual GPA of 2.75; preference may be given to student athletes; preference may be given to students seeking a degree within the School of Business Administration.
WILLIAM K. MILLER SCHOLARSHIPS (B11092)
Principal: $10,761.00
Reserve: $2,244.35
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $500
Scholarship Criteria: Funds are to be divided equally between softball and baseball. The scholarship awards shall be equal in number and amount. Selection for awards shall follow USCA’s normal practices, but with men and women to be chosen one-for-one with equal award amounts and conditions. The scholarships shall be awarded in compliance with NCAA regulations.
Principal: $9,256.50
Reserve: $249.30
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $450
Scholarship Criteria: The Honors, Awards, and Scholarship Committee at USCA will award the scholarship based on the following criteria: preference to a female student athlete; if awarded to an incoming freshman, the recipient must have a predicted GPA of 3.0; if awarded to a continuing student, the recipient must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Principal: $5,787.50
Reserve: $112.15
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $250
Scholarship Criteria: The scholarship will be awarded by the USCA Honors, Awards and Scholarship Committee based on the following criteria: Preference to a student athlete on the women’s basketball team with a GPA or predicted GPA of 2.5 or greater; recommendations from the Athletic Director and/or women’s basketball coach shall be considered.
Principal: $9,830.50
Reserve: ($64.93)
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $250
Scholarship Criteria: Preference to a student athlete; student’s actual or predicted GPA shall be in the range of 2.5 to 3.5; order of preference to qualified student athletes shall be: a) Men’s basketball, b) women’s basketball, and c) men’s golf. Recommendations should be considered from the Head Coach of each preferred sport.
Principal: $5,000
Reserve: $92.28
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $250
Scholarship Criteria: The Scholarship will be awarded by the Honors, Awards and Scholarship Committee of USCA or its designees based upon recommendation from the Athletic Director and shall be subject to the following criteria: Shall be awarded to a member of the USCA Men’s Tennis Team; shall be awarded to a rising sophomore, junior or senior with a cumulative GPA of 2.5; if two or more students apply and satisfy the minimum requirements, preference shall be given to the applicant with the greatest financial need.
Principal: $5,062.50
Reserve: $1,093.86
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: $200
Scholarship Criteria: The scholarship will be awarded by the USC Aiken HAS Committee or their designees. Preference to a student(s) that is a member of the USC Aiken Baseball Team; may be awarded to a freshman with a predicted University GPA of 2.0 or better; may be awarded to a continuing student with an actual GPA of 2.0 or better.
Principal: $11,083.33
Reserve: None
Current Spendable Amount: None, recently reached endowment level or new endowment
In the process of being
established
ATHLETIC PROGRAM ENDOWMENTS
The spendable amount for these endowments is based on the interest gained on the principal of these endowments. Spendable amounts of these endowments vary depending on the amount in the principal, the length of time the endowment has been established, the amount in the reserve account, and the market performance over the life of the endowment. Funds are managed through the USC Educational Foundation at USC for the Aiken Partnership. There are 40 program endowments and 5 are designated for athletics.
Principal: $5,972.58
Reserve: $952.10
Current Spendable Amount: $540.82
Purpose of Endowment: Fund shall be used for scholarship support or it may be used at the discretion of the USCA Athletic Director.
Principal: $10,000
Reserve: ($80.19)
Current Spendable Amount: $1,000
Purpose of Endowment: Provide funds for the Golf Program and the Men’s Basketball Program. The criteria state that one-half of the income shall be awarded to each of the two programs annually. The awards may be used for program expenses including, but not limited to, scholarships, assistantships, travel, equipment, supplies and recruitment. The Athletic Director shall approve the coach’s request for use of funds.
Principal: $5,734.46
Reserve: None
Current Spendable Amount: None, recently reached endowment level or new endowment
Purpose of Endowment: Provide funds for the Golf Program. The criteria stated that funds may be used for program expenses including, but not limited to, scholarships, assistantships, travel, equipment, supplies and recruitment. The Athletic Director shall approved the coach’s request for use of the funds.
Principal: $9,452.84
Reserve: None
Current Spendable Amount: None, recently reached endowment level or new endowment
Purpose of Endowment: Provide funds for the Men’s Basketball Program. The criteria states that funds may be used for program expenses including, but not limited to, scholarships, student recruitment, assistantships, travel, and operational expenditures, which may be made at the discretion of the athletic director and/or men’s basketball team coach at USCA. The Athletic Director shall approve the coach’s request for use of funds.
Principal: $5,542.50
Reserve: None
2005-2006 Scholarship Amount: None, recently reached endowment level or new endowment
In the process of being established
ATHLETIC PROGRAM FUNDS
These funds result from contributions through the Aiken Partnership but are not within an endowment. Generally, these funds can be spent by the various athletic programs with approval from the Director of Athletics by requesting these funds through the Aiken Partnership.
PACER DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONAL ACCOUNT (1A3371)
Current Spendable Amount: $19,054.76
USCA ATHLETIC PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT ACCOUNT (A31170)
Current Spendable Amount: $650.00
ATHLETIC TRAINING & TRAINING ROOM ACCOUNT (1A3492)
Current Spendable Amount: $650.00
USCA TENNIS PROGRAM ACCOUNT (1A3626)
Current Spendable Amount: $1,700.00
USCA GOLF PROGRAM ACCOUNT (1A3813)
Current Spendable Amount: $1,375.00
CLEVELAND GOLF COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP ACCOUNT (1A3826)
Current Spendable Amount: $8,269.01
USCA CHEERLEADERS/DANCE TEAM ACCOUNT (1A3815)
Current Spendable Amount: $5,626.74
USCA SOCCER PROGRAM ACCOUNT (1A3823)
Current Spendable Amount: $1,050.00
USCA BASEBALL PROGRAM ACCOUNT (1A3901)
Current Spendable Amount: $181.47
Endowments
Revenue from a $5K fund can be used to fund a scholarship or provide funds for a program.
14 of the 158 endowed scholarships are athletic scholarships…
Approximately 8.8% of endowed scholarships are designated for 6.5% of the student body.
Fundraising:
Distinction between: 1. Development, 2: Sponsorship
Development is defined as a gift given to the University with no benefits
Sponsorship is receiving something in return for your contribution. (name on a sign, etc…)
The University Advancement and Athletic Department are in the process of developing lists of former athletes in an effort to communicate with them. Plans are underway to develop
The Pacer Club is a membership based organization… Members give $79 a year and receive free tickets, license plate, etc. and are provided food and beverages during half time of basketball games, receive newsletters throughout the year.
The athletic department receives fees from each full time student and a prorated amount for part time students….The indexing of scholarships has addressed a major financial need of the athletic department. In years past, the AD would have to request an increase in student fees, raise more money, or do without. Indexing scholarships has in fact made a tremendous difference in the budget of the Athletic Department.
The SID does an excellent job in promoting the results of Athletic Events, providing an excellent web page, statistical information, and media guides for the teams.
Through the efforts of the SID and other personnel, the Athletic Department attempts to create community involvement, mostly through special promotions. Most of the major promotions take place during basketball games:
Special Recognition: Attorney, Realtor, Banker, Recognition nights
Volleyball and other sports recognize individuals in the community who have had an impact on the sport.
Free Give Aways: Food prizes given during volleyball, baseball, and softball games. Athletic Task Force survey indicated that special promotions/ give a ways had relatively little impact on attendance. (Perhaps not one of the most appropriate to motivate organizations to attend.) Current students indicated that they were the least informed of the groups regarding when games were played.
Concessions at athletic events have created a challenge. They are not profitable enough for a full-time person/organization to handle all the concessions which has led to non- participating teams providing concessions, (soccer for baseball) as fundraisers. The facilities, staffing, and selection do not always leave the most positive impression.
Commendation: The SID office does a phenomenal job in promoting and supporting the Athletic Department.