Coastal Carolina University creates scholarships in honor of slain S.C. senator

A public, liberal arts institution near Myrtle Beach has announced it will offer two new scholarships in memory of the late Sen. Clementa Pinckney, school officials say.

Coastal Carolina University (CCU), in Conway, will offer the scholarships beginning with the Fall 2015 semester, according to statement released by the university Thursday.

A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded annually to one male and one female from South Carolina’s District 45, which Pinckney represented in the state senate. The district includes parts of Allendale, Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. Approximately 340 current CCU students are from the district.

“Senator Pinckney worked hard to advance educational opportunities in his district and throughout the state,” CCU President David A. DeCenzo said. “He understood that education was the means to a better future for all South Carolinians, and he was dedicated to helping people achieve their dreams through knowledge.”

Eligibility for the Sen. Clementa C. Pinckney Memorial Scholarship will be determined by specific criteria including demonstrated financial need and the maintenance of at least a 3.0 grade point average. The award can be renewed for up to four years.

“In the midst of this tragedy, the University recognizes the work of Senator Pinckney as an activist for justice and individual rights,” Travis Overton, CCU’s vice president of student rights & responsibilities/dean of students added. “In honor of his service, this scholarship will assist students from District 45 to pursue higher education. The tragedy has affected several students in our community, and the establishment of this scholarship focuses on the true meaning of Senator Pinckney’s work.”

For more information on the scholarships, contact CCU at (843) 349-2313 or email finaid@coastal.edu.

From staff reports