President's message: Join us for the 130th Anniversary Garnet & Blue Extravaganza
Dear Bulldog Nation,
Your engagement reflects the strength of our alumni, donors, and friends who care deeply about South Carolina State University.
Introducing the University’s Signature 130th Anniversary Event
To honor this historic milestone, the University will host a new signature celebration, the Garnet & Blue Extravaganza, hosted by First Lady Agatha Conyers and me, on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
This special event reflects the heart of who we are: a proud, resilient, student-centered institution committed to excellence.
The Garnet & Blue Extravaganza will serve as a major philanthropic moment for the University. Our goal is to raise $1.3 million to support scholarships, academic innovation, and transformative student experiences as part of The Power of SC State Capital Campaign.
By hosting this celebration on the campus of South Carolina State University, we ensure that every dollar raised supports the next generation of Bulldogs where their journey begins.
Providing Clarity for Our Stakeholders
We recognize that recent announcements from both the University and the SCSU Foundation may have caused some confusion regarding spring 2026 fundraising activities.
To clarify: the University supports only one official fundraising event — the Garnet & Blue Extravaganza, which serves as the University’s 130th Anniversary celebration and the primary fundraising event advancing our students and our $1.3 million goal.
The SCSU Foundation’s annual gala is not a University-sponsored event.
A Yearlong Celebration of Bulldog Excellence
The Garnet & Blue Extravaganza is one of several major events planned for this landmark year, including:
• 130th Founders Day Celebration • Thomas E. Miller Society Induction Ceremony • The Power of SC State Campaign Launch • Spring Commencement 2026 • Alumni Reunion Weekend 2026Each gathering celebrates the resilience, pride, and excellence that have defined SC State for 130 years.
Looking Ahead With Unity and Purpose
As your President, my commitment is unwavering. We will keep our focus on the students we serve and the bright future we are building together. The Garnet & Blue Extravaganza, along with its $1.3 million goal, reflects the transformative vision we have for SC State’s next century.
I look forward to celebrating this historic milestone with each of you and continuing the work of elevating excellence across our great University.
Together, we will honor our past, embrace our present, and build a powerful future for South Carolina State University.
A Call to Action: Join Us in Making History
As we prepare for this momentous 130th Anniversary, I am calling on all alumni, donors, and friends to stand with us.
You are invited to visit https://www.scsu.edu/garnetandblue/ to:
- Purchase tickets
- Early Bird Tickets: $200 through January 19, 2026
- Faculty & Staff Tickets: $130, with a two-ticket maximum
- Explore sponsorship opportunities
- Sponsorships begin at $1,500
- Tables start at $2,500
- Learn how you, your class, or your organization can support this milestone celebration
Your participation—whether through attending the Garnet & Blue Extravaganza, sponsoring, purchasing a table, or rallying fellow Bulldogs—will directly fuel scholarships, academic excellence, and transformative student experiences.
This is our moment. This is our University. And this is our time to show the world the true Power of SC State.
Visit the website today and join us in making history!
Staying true to the Garnet & Blue,
Col. (Ret.) Alexander Conyers 13th President South Carolina State University