COLUMBIA, S.C.:  Columbia College President Caroline Whitson announced Friday, February 9, five new major gifts have been made to the College totaling $5.1 million. "These new gifts are recognition of the impact that Columbia College makes in the lives of students and the community at large," said Whitson. "The strategic vision that opened the door for these transformational gifts is rooted in our commitment to developing women leaders who are prepared to build a better world." The gifts will fund scholarships, a new softball field and field house, parking, and operations.

The announcement was the highlight of a board of trustees luncheon held on Friday. Joe Blanchard, board of trustees chairman, noted that he is very excited about the swell of support and enthusiasm. "I've watched the strategic planning process unfold a plan that is bold and powerful. The individuals who have come forward to support Columbia College in this significant way are providing the lead gifts needed to continue the momentum."  Blanchard's lead gift of $1.5 million supports the strategic direction of the College's commitment to making a change in the lives of people in South Carolina and the region by preparing new leaders through public service, personal and professional development, and engagement in public issues.

The City of Columbia has approved $1 million in funding for a public-private partnership with Columbia College that will complete a recreational complex, providing the city with facilities they lack in North Columbia for children and athletic tournaments. Columbia College will provide the land and facility maintenance for a win-win solution benefiting the entire community. This is one of several cooperative ventures between the college and the city in North Columbia.  The best known is the partnership with Richland One schools which founded the Eau Claire High School arts infusion program.

The Janice and Robert McNair Foundation, which previously helped fund the College's Barbara Bush Center for Science and Technology in 1996, has announced a new gift which will provide 20 new $15,000 scholarships by 2010. The scholarship funding is particularly critical to the Honors Program of Columbia College, which has distinguished itself as a regional and national leader in student research presentations, panels, roundtables, workshops, and service at professional honors conferences.
 
Other longtime supporters of the College have risen to the challenge, including board member Leonard Price, who joined the effort with a $700,000 gift toward a new field house. The Price family hosts the annual Sporting & Family Fest fundraiser at North Camden Plantation, raising over $80,000 each year to support scholarships.

At a time when the number of women's colleges in the U.S. has dwindled to fewer than 60 from over 300 in just a few decades, Columbia College has created a unique niche in higher education with its cross-disciplinary infusion of leadership development into every aspect of the college experience. In addition, with the establishment of the Breed Leadership Institute and the College's public-private partnership with the governor's office forming the South Carolina Alliance for Women, the influence of the Columbia College's leadership philosophy is statewide, nurturing future leaders and providing a network and resources for professional women.