From: http://today.cofc.edu/2012/07/18/swanson-family-to-establish-new-merit-scholarship-program/
Several International Studies majors were selected for the prestigious Swanson Scholarship program for the Honors College:
Charleston entrepreneur Steve Swanson ‘89 and his wife, Emily ‘89, announced a $2.25 million gift to support merit scholarships for The Honors College of the College of Charleston.
“I received a full scholarship to the College. So, it seems utterly natural to give back to the school that gave me so much,” Swanson says. “The College of Charleston changed our lives, and Emily and I hope to change the lives of these students through our scholarships.”
Distinguished by extraordinary academic talent, leadership potential, and community service, the inaugural class of Swanson Scholars has an average S.A.T score of 1480 and an overall average weighted GPA of 4.69. The class includes a No. 1 regionally-ranked varsity tennis captain, a member of the Tennessee Governor’s cabinet, a junior board member of the Atlanta Mission, and a member of the nationally–ranked South Carolina Math Team (full student bios attached).
“The Swanson Scholarships will provide a vital recruiting tool for the College to attract the best and brightest students from all over the country,” said President George Benson. “We are extremely grateful to Steve and Emily Swanson for their generosity and leadership. Their investment demonstrates confidence in the direction of our Honors College and our entire university.”
All Swanson Scholars are members of the William Aiken Fellows Society, an elite group of the College’s top scholars. They will participate in a rigorous academic curriculum and a variety of summer enrichment programs, leadership courses,one-on-one faculty mentoring, public service activities in the United States or abroad, as well as research or business internship opportunities across the globe.
Trisha Folds-Bennett, associate dean of The Honors College, says, “Arriving with a foundation to excel, these bright and accomplished students will set the intellectual pace for the campus and energize our culture of inquiry.”
About the Swansons
Steve and Emily Swanson graduated from the College of Charleston in 1989. Steve, a scholarship recipient, was a mathematics major and a graduate of the Honors College, while Emily was a biology major. Emily has had a successful career as an investigator with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In 2001, Steve became CEO of Automated Trading Desk (ATD), which was acquired by Citigroup Inc. in 2007. Swanson stayed on with Citigroup for many years. He is now focusing on new ventures. Swanson is currently a member of the College of Charleston Foundation Board, a member of the School of Business Board of Governors, and was on the Honors College Steering Committee.
(Selected) Swanson Scholar Bios
Olivia Cohen of Columbus, Ga., enjoys debate and writing, and she has been dancing since she was four year old. She was also a member of National French Honor Society and the National Honor Society. Cohen plans on double majoring in international studies and English at the College.
Olivia Ghiz of from Medway, Mass., was very active in school community, serving as varsity soccer captain and student body treasurer for her junior and senior years. Ghiz won a silver medal in National Spanish Examinations and a gold and silver medal in National Latin Examinations. She was also a member of the National Honor Society.
Christopher Jackson of Huntersville, N.C., competed in swimming year-round on U.S.S teams, his high school team (where he was team captain), and as a swim instructor. Jackson’s true passions lie with language and travel. He recently traveled to South Korea on a CIEE scholarship and over the past five years has been self-studying Japanese and Turkish.
Malcolm Kates of Beaufort, S.C., competed on the Beaufort High School varsity tennis team for six years, and served as captain for four years while playing in the No. 1 singles and doubles position. Malcolm held leadership positions in National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Rotary Interact, and Student Government. Kates’ primary interests at the College will be medicine/science and international studies.
