Development News

Scholarships Honor Legacy of Long-time Macfeat Educator

After hearing Nancy Craig Tomas ’41 recount many won- derful memories throughout her 25 years as head staff mem- ber at Macfeat Early Child- hood Laboratory School, her daughter decided to honor her mother's life-long association with Winthrop by establishing two scholar- ships — an annual restricted scholarship and an endowed scholarship — in her name.

“I wanted to honor Mother by giving other Winthrop

Nancy Craig Thomas

students majoring in early childhood education additional means to continue their education,” said daughter Nancy Tomas Wofford ’67, an art and education major.

Tomas graduated in 1937 from the Winthrop Training School and earned a degree in early childhood education and history from then Winthrop College in 1941. After years as a full-time kindergarten teacher in area churches, she served as head staff member for Macfeat Nursery.

“Tere are many teachers in our family, and Mother helped educate hundreds of Rock Hill children during their pre- school years. A scholarship is a great way to honor her, her love of teaching and love for her students,” her daughter said.

Roddey, Johnson, Gladden, Meriwether Scholarship Given to Inaugural Recipient

Jami Hodgins, an English major from Florence, was selected as the inaugural recip- ient of the Roddey, Johnson, Gladden, Meriwether Scholarship, which was created to honor the four pioneering African-American women who quietly integrated the Winthrop campus.

Te university commemorated the 50th anniversary of integration in 2014 with a variety of events that fit the “Fulfilling the Promise” theme, which allowed the community to come together, remember, and reflect on the contributions of these brave women and the many other esteemed African Americans who helped pave the way for the access and diversity that today characterizes the Winthrop experience.

Te scholarship was announced at the “Fulfilling the Promise” banquet, and more than 10 corporations, four student organizations and 176 individuals donated to the fund.

Hodgins stated in her scholarship application that after graduation she hopes to work for a non-profit organization, serve others, and make a direct impact on the local and global community.

Jami Hodgins

Two of Athletics’ Biggest Supporters Create Gifts for Athletic Training

Joe and Zeta ’57 Sistare shared a passion for Winthrop sports. Because of that mutual love, the couple, who met on a blind date at Winthrop, established the Joe and Zeta Sistare Athletic Training Fund and the Joe and Zeta Sistare Athletic Training Endowment.

“We chose to establish the scholarships for the training of all the athletes involved in their individual sports. By making our gift to the athletic training center all student-athletes will benefit from it,” said Zeta.

Even after Joe’s 2012 death, the family continues to support Winthrop sports. Zeta, a Winthrop retiree, is a fixture at games in her eye-catching Eagles hat and self-designed vest.

Joe and Zeta Sistare

Jeff Lahr, assistant athletic director for athletic train- ing, said the gifts will be used to purchase rehabili- tation equipment that will help the staff take care of the health needs of student-athletes.

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