An evening of gratitude: Celebrating scholarship donors and recipients

March 14, 2025March 14, 2025 Alumni Students

The spirit of generosity and achievement filled the air at The Citadel Foundation’s Scholarship Donor Dinner, an evening dedicated to bringing together scholarship donors and the students whose lives they have profoundly impacted. The evening served as a heartfelt expression of gratitude, fostering meaningful connections between donors and their scholarship recipients.

The evening kicked off with an introduction from Luke Kissam, ’86, Our Mighty Citadel Campaign Chair and TCF Board of Directors Vice Chair. Kissam recognized the importance of the evening not only as part of one of the campaign’s strategic priorities, but as a scholarship recipient himself.

“The funds raised in the campaign will support the college’s strategic plan and other key initiatives to ensure that we continue to produce the principled leaders so necessary for the global environment we live in today,” said Kissam. “I was a Citadel Scholar myself, and without people like you in this room, I would not have attended The Citadel. There is no telling where I would be today without that scholarship, and I trust you agree that The Citadel helped transform many of us in this room into leading intentional lives of purpose and principle. The impact of your personal generosity cannot be overstated.”

Throughout the evening, donors had the opportunity to get to know their cadets and hear stories about their academic journey, challenges they have overcome and doors that have opened because of their Citadel experience. One such student addressed the crowd at the start of the evening. Cadet Lt. Col. Natalie Mullen, a senior from Columbus, Georgia, who serves as this year’s Regimental Academic Officer, shared how scholarships not only ease financial burdens but open doors of opportunity and experiences far beyond education.

“Your financial help allows us to build bonds unlike any we have experienced before. By funding a cadet’s tuition, you are also providing a chance to expand someone’s world through education and opportunity,” she added. “Through our successes and struggles, we have forged the friendships and connections that help us navigate the highs and lows that life has to offer. Our scholarship donors allow us to have the full Citadel experience.”

Watching the interactions unfold and lifelong connections being made at each table throughout the dinner as stories were exchanged between donors and cadets was a heartfelt moment for all in attendance. Many alumni donors reveled in the opportunity to share their own cadet stories, their fondest memories of their time at The Citadel and hardships they faced while on campus.

Attendees left the evening with a renewed sense of pride, purpose and connection. Cadets gained a deeper appreciation for the people behind their financial aid, and their donors witnessed firsthand the tangible outcomes of their generosity and the impact it can have on a cadet’s life. These events serve as a powerful reminder that education is a shared effort made possible through compassion, commitment to the education of others, pride in The Citadel and strong community support.

Each interaction, handshake, shared story and expression of gratitude reinforced the idea that scholarships are more than just financial aid — they are life-changing gifts that bridge the gap between potential and achievement.

As The Citadel continues its mission of supporting cadets and students, events like this scholarship banquet remain vital in strengthening the bonds between donors and student recipients, ensuring that the cycle of generosity and success continues for generations to come and that the Long Gray Line marches on.