FMU Donor Report

A high-quality college education remains one of the most powerful tools for success. It opens doors to countless career paths – from managerial roles in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors – to study in graduate, medical, and law programs.

Each year, I’m reminded of the incredible impact you – our donors – have on the lives of FMU students. Every day, I hear stories from students who are able to pursue their college dreams because of generous donors like you.

GIVING
Overall Campaign Total
(2000-2024)
$126,800,588.02

Total Giving 2023-2024
$8,637,016.95

Total Gifts $3,565

Total Donors 1,339

Paul (’89) and Ashley Reardon (’89) are giving back to the place that means so much to them through the creation of the Paul and Ashley Reardon Scholarship. This new scholarship has been created to provide funding for students facing financial need on FMU’s men’s or women’s cross country and track teams.

For Jenny Johnson (’78), a Lake City, S.C. native with a heart for music, tennis, and golf, giving back isn’t just a priority, it’s a way of life. With deep roots in education and a lifelong love of music, Johnson has established a $70,000 endowment at Francis Marion University, a generous gift that reflects her values, passions, and commitment to the arts.

An endowed scholarship in memory of hospital administrator John McGinnis to help Francis Marion University students pursue degrees in Healthcare or Business Administration was established in September 2024.

Hunter Britt, 22, passed away in January 2020. She was a senior at FMU, majoring in Spanish and political science. She had fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to Germany, France, and Mexico. She enjoyed painting, sketching, and drawing, and she also loved to sing. The Hunter Britt International Fund helps others fulfill her goals to travel and see the world.

The Cynthia Allen Nixon Teacher and Student Advocate Scholarship, established in August of 2024, is a scholarship named in memory of longtime education professor, Dr. Cynthia “Cindi” Nixon. Nixon was a professor of Education at Francis Marion from 2007 until 2024. During this time, she also served as Associate Dean of the School of Education and Director of the Graduate Program.

Francis Marion alumnus Harry Dixon Patterson (’81) embodies determination, generosity, and the spirit of giving back. Born with cerebral palsy and reliant on a wheelchair for mobility, Patterson faced challenges that would have deterred many – but not Harry. With the assistance of a dedicated note-taker and mobility support, Patterson enrolled at Francis Marion. Over the course of 12 years, he steadily completed courses, ultimately earning his degree in General Studies.

The Francis Marion University Education Foundation was organized in 1974 to provide a means for soliciting and accepting substantial gifts of money or property in order to build an endowment fund that would promote the educational purpose and welfare of Francis Marion University.