Family legacy scholarship pays it forward for USCA first-gen history majors

Education. Hard work. Compassion for others.

Those are core values of the Todd family who has owned convenience stores in Beech Island and New Ellenton for many years and now invests in future Pacers.

Susan Todd See, USCA ’89, recently created the Todd Family Endowed Scholarship in honor of her family, including brother, Brian Todd, who played baseball at USCA in the ‘70s.

See graduated with a history degree and still appreciates how a former history professor inspired her to go to law school.

“I was undecided for my major my first two years in college and did not know what I wanted to do,” she said.

“I believe God puts people in your path, and He put Dr. [William Smith] Brockington, Jr. in mine. He asked me one day to consider making history my major. I was very touched that he took the time to look up my major and make a recommendation to me based on my performance. I asked him what I could do with a history degree. He told me about several professions but then said he thought I should go to law school.”

And she did.

See graduated with a law degree from Georgia State University in 1992. She practiced law in Georgia and South Carolina for 25 years. Since retiring from her practice, she and her husband have owned their own businesses, like her parents and brothers. Now, she and her husband are travel advisers.

“I’m very proud of my parents’ legacy, which includes the hard work of my brothers, Brian and Stacey. While my parents did not attend college, they used their intelligence, hard work, compassion for others and an amazing work ethic to build a family business, which I have had the privilege to see my brother continue successfully even today,” See said.

“My father told me he did not have another store for me to run so I better get an education. That's when I went to USCA.”

Recently, See decided to create the family scholarship to ensure other first-generation history students achieve their educational goals.

“I am so grateful for this scholarship and for Susan See and her heart for first-generation students,” said Dr. Elizabeth Georgian, chair of the USCA History Department.

“With our small classes and dedicated faculty, we provide the support that first generation students deserve and appreciate the opportunity to educate the next generation of historians who will serve their communities, just as Mrs. See has done."

In addition to ensuring educational success, See said she wanted history majors to know just how valuable their degrees are. While a student at USCA, she initially didn’t appreciate all she could do with a history degree.

“One of the best parts of a history degree is the flexibility it offers. You learn core skills: critical thinking, how to read and write effectively, how to work with people from different backgrounds, and how to make ethical decisions in a complicated world,” said Georgian.

“A history major prepares you for more than the first job out of college, it gives you the skills you need to for a lifelong career, to serve your community, and to be an informed citizen. Former history majors include teachers, public historians, CEOs and small business owners, and eight American presidents.”

Another reason See wanted to establish an endowed scholarship is because she felt it important to invest in her fellow Pacers. While at USCA, she received a scholarship that helped pay some of her expenses.

“Students need to know that prior students were helped by others, and we can now help invest in them,” See said.

“‘Paying it forward’ is taught in the Bible; it is something I believe in, and I think it is everyone's responsibility. My hope is that students will do the same and pay it forward one day when they can.”

In addition to committing her resources, See also invested her time and expertise into the university, serving as a member of the USCA Partnership Board. The group raises funds to continuously improve student programs, curricula and facilities. In this role, See says she’s learned how much the university has grown since she graduated, and now she’s part of its future.

“I am proud to be a part of that growth even in a small way,” she said. “I appreciate Chancellor Dan Heimmermann's vision and leadership and Dr. Liz Stewart, chair of the partnership board. They — and all the partnership members — have a passion for seeing this university continue to grow and excel.

“To anyone who has given to USCA, a sincere thank you, and if you are thinking about giving, please reach out and find out how you can help, so you, too, can pay it forward.”

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