Annual giving campaign calls on Bulldog Nation to 'Rep Your Freshman-Year Dorm' while
investing in scholarships, student programs and university priorities
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University has launched its 1896 Challenge for 2026, calling
on alumni, faculty, staff, students, families, friends and community partners to come
together in support of student success.
The 1896 Challenge supports the Bulldog Annual Fund, which provides flexible funding
for scholarships, student programs and the university’s most pressing needs.
“SC State’s 1896 Challenge is about bringing the entire Bulldog family together around
one shared priority — student success,” said Dr. John Michael Lee Jr., vice president
for University Advancement. “Every gift, whether it is $18.96, $1,896 or another meaningful
amount, helps provide the flexible resources our students need to thrive.”
This year, SC State is adding a dose of Bulldog nostalgia to the campaign by inviting
alumni, affectionately known as Loyal Sons and Daughters, to “Rep Your Freshman-Year
Dorm.”
“By inviting our Loyal Sons and Daughters to Rep Your Freshman-Year Dorm, we are also
celebrating the memories and experiences that connect generations of Bulldogs while
turning that Bulldog pride into meaningful support for today’s students,” Lee said.
“Student success starts with all of us.”
Whether their SC State story began in Battiste Hall, Manning Hall, Mays Hall, Hugine
Suites or off campus, alumni are encouraged to make a gift representing their Bulldog
experience and challenge classmates, friends and fellow alumni to participate.
Donors may start with $18.96, give $1,896 or contribute any amount meaningful to them.
Every contribution supports the broader goal of investing in SC State students and
their success.
Bulldog Nation called to action
Student Government Association
Campus Activities Board
Royal Court
Pre-Alumni Council
Forty Under 40 honorees
National Alumni Association leaders and chapters
Board of Trustees
University foundations
Alumni affinity organizations
The university also is calling on Greek-letter organizations, local government and
community partners, business organizations, community leaders, influencers and friends
of SC State to participate and share the campaign.
The effort is designed to bring together generations of Bulldogs and supporters around
a common purpose: providing resources that directly benefit students and strengthen
the university.
Loyal Sons and Daughters are encouraged to Rep Your Freshman-Year Dorm, while faculty,
staff, students, families, friends and community partners are invited to join the
1896 Challenge, encourage others to give and share the campaign on social media using
#1896Challenge, #RepYourDorm, #SCState and #BulldogPride.
Whether the gift is $18.96, $1,896 or another amount, the message of this year’s 1896 Challenge is simple: Student Success Starts With
Us.
