USCA receives $62,000 legacy gift from Preston Maroney estate to create endowed basketball scholarship

The University of South Carolina Aiken has received a $62,000 legacy gift from the estate of John “Preston” Maroney, Jr. to create an endowed scholarship to ensure the continued future success of its men’s basketball program.

With the gift, the Preston and Gil Maroney Basketball Endowed Scholarship has been established at the university to provide scholarships to degree-seeking students who are members of the USCA Men’s Basketball Team.

The scholarship is expected to provide about $2,600 in annual scholarship support. Preference will be given to USCA students who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Preston attended Aiken High School and, after graduation, enrolled at USCA as a member of one of the university's founding classes at the original "Banksia" campus. He played on the USCA Men’s Basketball Team from 1965 to 1966 and remained a loyal fan and long-time advocate for the team up until his passing on Aug. 8, 2023, after a four-year battle with cancer. 

Preston received his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. After graduation, he served with the Department of the Army and 40 years with the Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Five. During his military service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLCs), Army Commendation Medal (4 OLCs), and Army Achievement Medal (2 OLCS).

“This generous bequest from Preston Maroney and his family will have a lasting impact on USCA and its Men’s Basketball Team," said Athletic Director Todd Wilkinson. "It represents not just a financial gift but an investment in the future of our student-athletes, empowering them to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness. We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary commitment to their success.”

USCA Chancellor Dr. Daniel J. Heimmermann, the Aiken Partnership Board, and the university’s Athletic Department extend their deepest gratitude to Preston; his brother, Purvis “Gil” Maroney; and their family for this generous gift.

Gil Maroney graduated from USCA in 1970 with an associate’s degree and later earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from USC Columbia. He was also a member of the USCA Men’s Basketball Team from 1969 to 1970.

“My family and I are honored and proud to fulfill Preston’s legacy by supporting USCA men’s basketball players as they pursue an education at a great university and play in a great college program,” Gil Maroney said. “USCA held a special place in Preston’s heart, and we are glad he will forever be remembered with this scholarship.”

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.