City Club of Greenville names SC State as beneficiary of 2026 President’s Cup

Partnership aims to expand university’s presence in the Upstate and support student success

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The City Club of Greenville has selected South Carolina State University as the primary charitable beneficiary of proceeds from the 2026 President’s Cup, launching a partnership aimed at supporting scholarships, student success, workforce development and expanded engagement in the Upstate.

The selection was announced by Jameel Allen, chairman of the Board of Governors for the City Club of Greenville. Allen said the designation represents more than a charitable contribution and reflects the City Club’s commitment to educational advancement, leadership development, workforce readiness and community engagement across South Carolina.

President Alexander Conyers, Tim Jarrett, managing partner of BNG Hospitality, which owns the City Club of Greenville, and City Club leadership recognized the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen SC State’s presence in the Upstate and expand engagement with business, civic and community leaders throughout the Greenville region.

“This initiative establishes an important extension of the university’s footprint, creating opportunities for greater collaboration with business leaders, entrepreneurs, corporate stakeholders and civic organizations throughout the Greenville market,” said Allen, who also serves on SC State’s Board of Trustees. 

Conyers said the partnership will help strengthen the university’s connections throughout the Upstate while creating new opportunities for students and graduates. 

“The City Club of Greenville’s support represents an important opportunity to strengthen SC State’s presence in the Upstate and build meaningful relationships with business, civic and community leaders,” Conyers said. “Together, we can create pathways for student success, workforce development and economic growth while advancing our shared commitment to serving South Carolina.”

Proceeds from the President’s Cup will support scholarship opportunities, student success initiatives and leadership development programs while increasing awareness of SC State’s academic and professional offerings in the Upstate.

The partnership also is expected to strengthen workforce development efforts by connecting students and graduates with employers and industry leaders while helping build South Carolina’s pipeline of future professionals in business, engineering, technology, health care and the public sector. 

Leaders said the collaboration will encourage stronger ties between higher education and the business community through internships, mentorships, corporate partnerships and strategic investments. 

The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities and supporting communities across South Carolina.

Allen said the partnership aligns two respected organizations around a common vision of excellence, service and impact while establishing a foundation for future initiatives that can benefit generations of students and business leaders.

The 2026 President’s Cup is intended to bring together business leaders, community partners, alumni and supporters around a shared mission of investing in the next generation of leaders while strengthening the educational and economic future of South Carolina. 

Allen said the partnership is intended to serve as the foundation for future initiatives benefiting students, business leaders and communities throughout the state.