The University of South Carolina has achieved its most successful fundraising year in history, securing $259.7 million in private support during fiscal year 2025 — nearly double its original goal of $140 million. This milestone reflects the generosity of 41,000 donors, including 18,647 alumni, more than 10,000 first-time contributors, and a record $43.5 million in new corporate and foundation commitments.
The record-breaking figures, underscoring growing confidence in the university’s mission and momentum. were announced at Friday’s (Aug. 22) Board of Trustees meeting.
Private philanthropy continues to provide a critical margin of excellence, enabling USC to expand access, elevate research and enrich student experiences across the state and beyond.
Transformational gift renames College of Arts and Sciences
The largest single gift in university history — $75 million from Bonnie and alumnus Peter McCausland and The McCausland Foundation — has transformed the College of Arts and Sciences. In recognition, the college has been renamed the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
Historic Support for Health Sciences
The School of Medicine Columbia received an anonymous $23.5 million gift — the largest in its history. The funds will enhance interdisciplinary research, simulation-based learning and scholarships. The school broke ground on its new facility in February, marking a new era for medical education in South Carolina at USC’s new Health Sciences Campus.
Milestones across colleges and programs
FY25 was a banner year across USC’s colleges and units:
- The College of Nursing received its largest-ever gift: a $6 million planned gift to support future nurses.
- The School of Music nearly doubled its $1 million Centennial Campaign goal.
- The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management launched two new endowed funds focused on Industry, Immersion, and Innovation.
What they’re saying
“This year has been like no other. There’s a palpable energy around all the good USC is doing, and people want to be part of this winning team. Every gift — large or small — helps us shape the future of the university and of South Carolina.” — Michelle Dodenhoff, vice president for development at USC
“Our donors are investing in the success of our students and fueling our mission to make South Carolina stronger through education and research. Whether they are providing student scholarship funds, supporting the research efforts of our faculty or enhancing USC’s community impact, they are securing opportunities for current students and creating a lasting legacy for the future.” — President Michael Amiridis
“These gifts not only reflect our increasing momentum at USC, but they also demonstrate our donors’ faith in our commitment to be good stewards of every dollar that’s invested in the university.” — Board Chair Thad Westbrook
USC Next Master Plan projects advance
Also on Friday, trustees advanced several projects included in the USC Next Master Plan. These projects will allow the university to continue to provide a superior student experience for decades to come.
USC has adopted a deliberate approach to campus development, building up cash reserves to support key projects, entering strategic public/private partnerships and taking a conservative approach to long-term financing. This has allowed USC to responsibly modernize its campus infrastructure to meet the needs of students.
Projects approved Friday include:
McBryde replacement/Honors College wing
Trustees gave final approval to a project to replace the aged McBryde Quadrangle with a modern 900-bed residence hall.
Built in 1955, the McBryde quad is the former home to 13 USC fraternities. Its location near the heart of campus makes it an ideal location for an updated undergraduate residential development. The new development is located on McBryde’s current footprint at the corner of Blossom and Sumter streets. About 250 students are currently housed at McBryde, and they will be relocated to Thornwell residence hall later this year when renovation of that project is completed, allowing for the deconstruction of the five existing buildings that make up the McBryde quad.
The Board also gave final approval to expanding the adjacent Honors College, adding a new wing with 190 beds. With the additional wing, the Honors College, located at the corner of Blossom and Main streets, house approximately 730 students. The addition will help meet the nationally top-ranked Honors College’s growing demand.
The two projects combined are expected to cost $185 million and will be completed in 2028.
Recreation renovations and additions
Plans for improvements to existing recreation fields near Gamecock Park also were approved Friday. The $1.5 million project will enhance 5 acres of land by replacing natural turf, building new restroom facilities and adding new fencing. New bleachers also will be added so fans can enjoy USC club sports.
In addition, USC will get its first pickleball-exclusive courts, joining a nationwide trend as the popularity of the paddle-based sport continues to grow. The new courts will be located on 1.3 acres off of Sumter Street behind the 300 Main building. Tennis courts near the Blatt P.E. Center can currently be used by pickleball players. The new courts are part of a larger plan to redevelop the Engineering and Computing district of campus, enhancing research and academic space while creating opportunities for students, faculty and staff to enjoy leisure and exercise activities. The courts are scheduled for completion next fall.