‘Where service matters and veterans thrive’: Local foundation honors USCA students with scholarships

Several USCA veteran-students received $2,000 scholarships from The Gifting Tree Foundation, which will be used to help pay expenses, including food and utilities.

“The Gifting Tree Scholarship places me a step ahead in my academic journey and is a crucial part of my success as a student veteran. Its impact reaches far beyond school expenses, and without it, I wouldn't be as successful as I am today,” said Mick Foster, USCA ’26, who served in the U.S. Navy and British Army and is majoring in environmental earth systems.

Generous members of the community pooled resources to fund The Gifting Tree Foundation, which provides financial support to those in need throughout Aiken County. Small business owners, corporate leaders and other professionals, support TGTF, founded by the late Don Cheeks and his wife Annie.

Since 2019, TGTF has awarded more than $525,000 in local grants, including USCA scholarships. USCA veterans first received foundation scholarships in 2024.

“Mr. Don Cheeks was a strong supporter of the military. He would be so pleased to know that the foundation is giving needed financial support to veterans continuing their education,” said Carol Pexa, a member of the scholarship selection committee.

“We wanted to have the money available for any need, not just tuition. The students can use the funds for rent, gas, food etc. We know it is difficult to maintain high academic standards and maintain family life, work and additional responsibilities. We feel that having the funds in a general account relieves some of the stress.”

This year, in addition to Foster, four other students received TGTF scholarships during the organization’s Heroes Breakfast on Nov. 12, held right around Veterans Day. One previous recipient and USCA alumnus is now at Dartmouth College.

“These veteran-students served our nation. They defended our freedom. Now they pursue their education. They balance family responsibilities, financial pressures and academic demands. They do this while maintaining the discipline and commitment that defined their military service. These scholarships allow students to focus on school,” said Robert Murphy, executive director of military affairs and external programs at USCA.

“You honor veterans through action. Not just words. You invest in their success. You believe in their potential. You make education accessible. Thank you for being heroes. Thank you for supporting our military veteran students. Thank you for making Aiken a community where service matters and veterans thrive.”

Gifting Tree Foundation Veteran-Scholarship Recipients:

• Edgar Gonzalez, U.S. Army, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science
• Michael “Mick” Foster, U.S. Navy, British Army, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Earth Systems
• Davian Free, U.S. Navy, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Crystal Brisee, U.S. Air Force, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Brittany Whitehead, U.S. Army, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

For more information, contact us at news@usca.edu.