On November 1, 2013, more than 150 students packed the Stern Center Ballroom at the College of Charleston to make history – signing the official charter of the first-ever student philanthropy group, Committed to Charleston (C2C). This student organization is designed to promote the value of philanthropy at the College, encouraging students to make an annual gift of at least $17.70, the year the College was founded.

C2C“I want to give back to the College that has given me so much,” says Joe Busch ’14, president of C2C. “I’m proud to be one of the founders of Committed to Charleston because I see the importance of students being involved and making the College the best it can be.”

As a student donor society, all members have given at least $17.70 to the College of Charleston Fund. The Fund directly supports scholarships, exceptional faculty, alumni programming and other campus priorities.

[Related: How the CofC Fund helped Mallen Urso ‘12.]

To date, the group has more than 220 members who have access to unique networking opportunities and events that reinforce not just their commitment to the College of Charleston, but also to the larger community. Students have had the opportunity to network with Alumni Association Board members, College leadership, and with leadership of other campus organizations. Educational and community service opportunities are also planned.

Members of Committed to Charleston are actively ensuring that all students at the College of Charleston are informed, involved and giving back. It is essential that students understand that they benefit from the philanthropic support of alumni and donors, and that every dollar matters. C2C is creating that awareness and harnessing their gratitude. Every gift from a student is a vote of confidence in this place we all call home.

[Related: Read about the Baxley challenge in CofC Magazine.]

Alumnus Johnnie Baxley ’92 and his wife Michelle reissued the challenge that they will match all student gifts this year up to $10,000. George Watt, Executive Vice President of Institutional Advancement, also shared his gratitude for the leadership of all C2C student donors.

Learn more about Committed to Charleston.