The Francis Marion University Alumni Association has named five new members to its Alumni Board of Directors: Shirley Bausmith, Brian Denny, James Harrell, Brian Kelley and Beth Peterson.

Francis Marion University has gotten a major gift from a foundation to honor former Gov. Robert E. McNair.

Francis Marion University and Northeastern Technical College have partnered to make transferring from a two-year institution to a four-year institution more convenient for Northeastern Tech students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Dr. Rick Almeida not only teaches political science at Francis Marion University, but he’s also well versed in the minutia of trivia. He’s so good in trivia that he is one of some 260 contestants from across the country who have been placed on the waiting list to appear on “Jeopardy!”

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.

Francis Marion University will hold five orientation sessions this summer for new students who will begin classes at the university in the fall.

Christopher James Yahnis, 81, one of the Pee Dee’s most successful businessmen, has passed away.

Francis Marion University’s   Advancing Rural Community Health program announced they will hold free public health screenings in the Pee Dee.

The Donald E. Kelley Small Business Institute at FMU will sponsor the work of three high school students participating in the Yes Carolina Program for Entrepreneurship.

Classes begin Wednesday for the first summer term at Francis Marion University, and a second summer session is slated to begin July 7. Most classes meet for an extended period of time Monday through Thursday. There are no Friday classes during summer terms.

HOUSTON — Right-hander Sarah Mueller tossed a four-hit shutout to lead Ferris State to a 2-0 win over Francis Marion on Wednesday in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Women’s Softball National Finals.
Francis Marion drops to 38-15 and falls into the losers’ bracket where the Patriots will face Barry at 11 a.m. today. Barry lost to St. Edward’s 5-4 on Wednesday. Ferris State (35-16) faces St. Edward’s in the winners’ bracket today.

Eight Francis Marion University athletic officials recently announced the names of eight Patriot student-athletes named to the university’s chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society.