Erskine represented at Higher Education Day in Columbia
A group of Erskine College students and staff members traveled to Columbia Wednesday, April 19 for Higher Education Day. The purpose of their trip was to thank Gov. Henry McMaster and members of the General Assembly for their continued support of need-based financial aid, including South Carolina Tuition Grants.
According to South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU), this year’s Higher Education Day event marks the second annual “joint advocacy effort of students attending SCICU member private colleges and universities, public two- and four-year institutions, and the technical college system.”
Speaking about students at SCICU institutions, SCICU President and CEO Jeff Perez says, “The S.C. Tuition Grants program helps more than 12,000 South Carolina resident students make the decision to stay in the state and attend the private college or university that best meets their educational needs.”
Perez notes, “While other states have cut need-based aid for higher education, South Carolina’s increasing investment in the Tuition Grants program supports development of the state’s future leaders and fuels economic growth.”
The Erskine group, along with other participants in Higher Education Day, visited their respective members of the General Assembly; gathered to be recognized during the House’s 10 a.m. session; and heard Rep. Tim McGinnis, chair of the House Higher Education subcommittee, read H.4288, a concurrent resolution recognizing April 19, 2023 as South Carolina Higher Education Day.
During an outdoor Proclamation Ceremony attended by members of the General Assembly as well as college students and staff members from throughout South Carolina, Gov. McMaster made a declaration designating April 19 as Higher Education Day.
At top of page, the Erskine group is shown with Gov. McMaster, who is slated to be Erskine’s 2023 commencement speaker: front row, from left, freshman Maggie Simmons and Financial Aid Counselor Bridget Partain; center row, from left, Director of Financial Aid Amanda Taylor, Gov. Henry McMaster, junior Adin Daniels, and freshman Noah Hill; back row, from left, Admissions Visit and Event Manager Elizabeth Sims, Financial Aid Counselor Katie Tessier, and freshman Will Moore.