Dear Colleagues,
I am excited to share with you the following press release of two notable enhancements
to our longtime Close Scholars program. The Springs Close Foundation's Board of Directors
recently increased the annual scholarship award to each student selected as a Close
Scholar to $5,000 per academic year, beginning in the 2019-20 academic year. An exciting
new study abroad program component also will be implemented, supporting our commitment
to students’ global and civic engagement.
Please see the release below for details on this generous enhancement to an exceptional
scholarship program that has touched the lives of scores of students over the years
and is poised to make an even greater impact on our Close Scholars.
Sincerely,
Dan
Donors Enhance Close Scholars Program
Winthrop has received two new pledges to enhance its longstanding Close Scholars Program
in celebration of the program’s 20th anniversary.
The Springs Close Foundation's Board of Directors increased the annual scholarship
award to each student selected as a Close Scholar to $5,000 per academic year, beginning
in the 2019-20 academic year. Funds to implement a new study abroad component to the
program also have been pledged.
“The Close Scholars program, one of our most prestigious scholarship offerings, aligns
with Winthrop’s emphasis on global and community engagement,” said Winthrop President
Dan Mahony. “We are thankful for the Close family’s continued support to provide life-changing
educational experiences for our students.”
Derick Close, CEO, Springs Creative Products Group, Carolina Manufacturing, and Springsteen
Logistics and head of the newly established Springsteen Foundation has made a multi-year
commitment to implement the new study abroad component, called Close Exploration.
“It’s truly impactful for students to go out there and see the real world during their
college experience,” Close told scholars during the annual senior sendoff picnic hosted
April 14 by the Springs Close Foundation
Megan Baggarly, coordinator for the Close Scholars program, said additional support
to the program also illustrates the university’s commitment to investing in students
who are civically engage beyond their undergraduate years.
“I am confident that the enhanced scholarship dollars and the study abroad cultural
experience will make a lifetime impact on our current scholars and pave the way for
future students in the Close Scholars program,” Baggarly said.
The Springs Close Foundation established the Close Scholars program 20 years ago to
combine community volunteer service along with a Winthrop education. As a Close Scholar,
students volunteer 112 hours per semester with selected nonprofit and community agencies
in York, Lancaster and Chester counties.
Through the Close Scholars program, students are prepared to become future leaders
in their communities and further their civic engagement. Since inception, there are
81 Close Scholars alumni.
Through the Close Exploration component, students will have an opportunity to travel
internationally and explore unique cultures up close and personal. Close Scholar Jewel
Edwards, a freshman studying fine arts, is eager to immerse herself into a different
world.
“I have always dreamed of traveling abroad. With this sponsorship, I will be able
for the first time to travel beyond the United States to experience a once in a lifetime
opportunity,” she said. “As a future artist and art teacher, this cultural experience
will further my professional growth and cultural development by learning different
cultures, languages and environments.”
Sophomore Justin Rose is invigorated by the new way the scholarship program is enabling
students to learn more about the world around them.
“I am inspired and encouraged to know that the foundation believes enough in myself
and others to increase the scholarship amount and also provide a cultural experience
for the Close Scholars,” said Rose, a business administration major.
Samantha McCall, a junior studying early childhood education, agrees the enhanced
program “opens the doors for even more opportunities.”
During the spring picnic, students shared their volunteer experiences throughout the
scholars program and made a special presentation to Anne Springs Close, noted philanthropist
and Close family matriarch.
For more information about The Close Scholars Program or how you can support the Winthrop
scholarship program, please contact Vice President Evan Bohnen or Associate Vice President
RJ Gimbl with the Division of University Advancement at 803/323-2275 or toll-free
800/801-1083.
