FMU receives major gift from PSARAS Foundation

FLORENCE — James S. Konduros, chairman of the PSARAS Foundation, announced Tuesday the donation of $500,000 to Francis Marion University to fund an educational and service initiative in memory of Gov. Robert E. McNair, founding member of the university.

The donation will be used for the creation of the Robert E. McNair Center for Government and History, which is aimed at providing a “setting where diverse energies of academic, research and outreach initiatives come together for purposeful collaborations,” according to university officials.

FMU President Dr. Fred Carter, members of the university community and McNair’s daughters, Corinne Godshall and Robin Howell, and their husbands, Stan and Jon, respectively, joined Konduros in the announcement of the gift.

Konduros said the values in the university’s mission and the passion for its outreach programs share McNair’s vision for education and service.

“The heart of Gov. McNair’s vision was creating working opportunities in the private and public marketplace through education and economic development, so that no one, no community, county or this state should be left behind,” he said. “I know Gov. McNair would be enormously proud, and honored, that the president of Francis Marion University and its board of trustees made the decision to institutionalize his legacy.”

Both Godshall and Howell said they were honored by the naming of the center in their father’s memory.

Godshall said her father was a strong believer in education and all people having access to it, and he was committed to community service.

Carter said the university is grateful to the PSARAS Foundation for partnering with the university on the endeavor that pays tribute to “an extraordinary leader.

“With its focus on teaching, research and outreach, the center will provide linkage between academic and community initiatives and provide a platform for future innovative projects, all consistent with the foresight and dreams of Bob McNair,” Carter said. “This center will serve as a catalyst for supporting faculty and student research and service, especially as it relates to South Carolina and the Pee Dee.”

The initiative will consist of a McNair Scholars Program and a campus-based research and service institute that will host the McNair Scholars and other related programs offered by the university.

The McNair Scholars Program is designed to bring motivated, young scholars committed to public service and community leadership to the campus. It is open to South Carolina residents with solid academic backgrounds and demonstrated leadership capabilities, officials said.

One freshman student will be selected each year to participate in educational and leadership opportunities during the course of the students’ undergraduate career at the university. The scholar should aspire to public service.

FMU’s Non-Profit Leadership Institute will be part of the center, as well as the Rural Area Leadership Institute. The university’s International Program and the university’s Model UN activity, also will be a part of the center.

Carter said the location of the center and staff will be announced later.

The PSARAS Foundation, based in Columbia, is a nonprofit organization primarily engaged in supporting education and community services within the state.

On the Web

Francis Marion University, www.fmarion.edu