FMU announces 2025-2026 McNair, Darla Moore Scholarship recipients

FMU announces 2025-2026 McNair, Darla Moore Scholarship recipients

Francis Marion University has named the 2025-2026 recipients of two of its most prestigious scholarships, the McNair Scholarship and the Darla Moore Scholarship.

The McNair Scholarship is FMU’s highest academic scholarship. This highly competitive scholarship is based not only on academic achievement, but also on community involvement. 

This privately endowed scholarship was established in the 2009-2010 academic year and is named in honor of former Governor Robert E. McNair, who was instrumental in the creation of the University. McNair’s life of service is a model for the recipients. 

This year’s recipients are Nadia Lachgar of South Florence High School in Florence, SC, and Savannah Pierce of Summerville High School in Summerville, SC. Lachgar will major in Biology-Pre-Med while Pierce plans to major in Biology-Pre-Vet.

Throughout their academic careers, McNair Scholars are encouraged to engage in community-centered activities, especially those benefiting the Pee Dee region. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and room and board. McNair Scholars also have travel abroad opportunities.

The Darla Moore Scholarship is funded by a generous gift from the Darla Moore Foundation and its founder, renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Darla Moore of Lake City, SC. The scholarship covers tuition, housing, and a meal plan.

The 2025-2026 Darla Moore Scholarship recipients are:

• Madison Blakeney of Pageland, SC
• Charlie Bonds of Winnsboro, SC
• Hannah Cole of Coward, SC
• Cameron Evans of Columbia, SC
• Juan Gutierrez of Pageland, SC
• Stephanie Mar of Pageland, SC
• Zaniyah Minger of Elgin, SC
• Olivia Rowell of Hartsville, SC
• Annabelle Williamson of Sumter, SC
• Alimasi Yaka of Ladson, SC