The summary of ‘Benedict Advancement VP Talks HBCU Philanthropy, and a Historic Family Gift’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

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The video highlights the philanthropic contributions and connections of families to Benedict College, particularly through scholarships and endowments. Families like the Kimsens and others are deeply rooted in Benedict College history, creating enduring legacies through education and giving back. The importance of personalizing donor relationships, supporting leadership initiatives under Dr. Roslyn Artis, and aligning the college's narrative with donors' goals are emphasized, with a focus on empowering first-generation college students and preparing graduates for the workforce. These efforts aim to promote education, support students, and cultivate philanthropy to make a positive impact on the institution and its community.

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In this segment of the video, the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Benedict College, Miss Lee Andrew Hayes Burgess, discusses the Melton and Ruth Kimsen Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship is a significant philanthropic gift from a family deeply connected to Benedict College. The Kimsen family, specifically Melton Kimsen, who was a graduate of Benedict College, has strong ties to the institution and has been actively involved as a trustee emeritus for over 40 years. The scholarship honors Melton and Ruth Kimsen, who were sharecroppers that were unable to attend college themselves but prioritized education for their children. The scholarship is unique in its plans for generational giving and serves as a model for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, a family’s longstanding relationship with Benedict College is highlighted. The family has established a need-based scholarship fund with an initial $15,000 gift to support student access and development. The scholarship prioritizes students from the area where the family grew up, with plans to expand to other counties. The family has committed to funding the scholarship out of pocket for the first year to ensure immediate impact. They have created a Family Foundation involving children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews who attended Benedict College, aiming to build a legacy model of support for the institution.

00:06:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses an initiative to engage families in investing in the institution to expand outreach and opportunities for students, particularly in South Carolina. They highlight a family’s deep ties to Benedict College, spanning generations, leading to a significant philanthropic contribution. The speaker credits multiple individuals across the institution, including alumni relations, for cultivating this relationship over many years. The family decided to make a substantial gift to establish an endowed fund, with the speaker persuading them to increase the amount in anticipation of future developments at the college. The family’s enthusiasm to honor their grandparents and parents for prioritizing education is emphasized.

00:09:00

In this segment of the video, it is discussed how a passionate and successful family has created a legacy through education and giving back. The family members, including a Senator, educators, and lawyers, have achieved success and are actively involved in their communities, particularly in promoting education. They have made significant contributions to Benedict College, ensuring that future generations prioritize the institution in their choices. Their philanthropic efforts are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of personalization and understanding individual donor motivations to foster strong relationships. The family’s dedication and support serve as a model for others to engage in philanthropy and make a positive impact.

00:12:00

In this segment of the video, the family highlighted the factors that motivated their decision to donate towards a fund for the transformation under the leadership of Dr. Roslyn Artis. They mentioned how they redirected money from gifts and celebrations to contribute to the fund. The family, known for being loving and collaborative, saw the importance of supporting the leadership efforts and providing financial aid to students in South Carolina. The donors acknowledged the positive impact of Dr. Artis’ leadership and the university’s development operations, which have seen record-breaking alumni giving over the past four years.

00:15:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of aligning the narrative of a school with donors’ giving goals. They highlight how focusing on the students and the mission of the institution has been a major selling point in convincing people to invest in Benedict College. The speaker emphasizes the support provided to first-generation college students, including teaching soft skills and addressing their unique needs. Additionally, they mention initiatives like a business clothing closet and Career Pathways program aimed at removing barriers for students, which has attracted excitement from donors, including corporate sponsors.

00:18:00

In this part of the video, the focus is on preparing college graduates for the workforce by teaching them soft skills and ensuring they are interview-ready with confidence and professional appearance. The program has garnered enthusiasm from alumni, individuals, friends, and potential corporate partners.

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