A Concurrent Resolution passed by the House and Senate on February 28 recognizes and honors independent colleges and universities in South Carolina for their outstanding contributions in educating the youth of our State and nation. Numerous co-sponsors joined the Resolution's author, Rep. Chandra Dillard of Greenville, and their colleagues to express deep appreciation to members of SCICU for their role in providing an outstanding, values-based education to students from all walks of life.

To celebrate the unparalleled record of excellence in teaching and nurturing students, the General Assembly established April 16 - 20, 2012, as Independent College and University Week and April 18, 2012, as Independent College and University Day.

Rep. Dillard is also the Director of Community Relations at Furman University. She will present the Concurrent Resolution to the students who rally at the State House in support of the Tuition Grants program during Independent College and University Day.

As the members of the House prepare to debate the FY 2013 state appropriations bill, this particular honor comes at a very opportune time.

After a year of independent research and study, 33 students from 12 SCICU member institutions took center stage at the BMW Zentrum Visitors Center on February 17. These undergraduate students, under the guidance of faculty advisors, gave formal presentations on the results of their individual research projects that were funded by SCICU through a faculty-judged, competitive grant process. Areas of interest included biology, physics, religion, education, sociology, zoology, and psychology.

Created in 1995, the objective of the SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program is to increase the number of undergraduates participating in significant research at the twenty member colleges of SCICU and to provide an effective way to make a positive impact on the future supply of advanced degree candidates and highly competitive employees in areas of industry requiring specialized knowledge.

The 27 projects that were featured at the recent 2012 Symposium were supported by more than $91,000 awarded in the spring of 2011. We are thankful for the following program sponsors for their commitment to promoting independent research and inquiry: Belle W. Baruch Foundation, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Charles W. and Elizabeth H. Coker Foundation, Daniel-Mickel Foundation, Joyce M. Hampton, V. Scott Koewer, Mills B. Lane Memorial Foundation, and the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities General Endowment Fund.

In spite of heavy rains and severe weather warnings, close to 300 college seniors from 17 SCICU member institutions traveled to Columbia on February 24 to meet with a variety of employers in pursuit of that all-important first job. During the course of the day, students had an opportunity to explore employment opportunities with 63 employers, including 33 school districts, and participate in initial job interviews. To help match students with prospective employers, student resumes were load on to flash drives and distributed to participating employers prior to the day's events.

Students who elect to participate in Career Connections 2012 receive coaching with writing resumes, proper dress, interview skills, and career choices from campus career services directors and staff who are also responsible for planning this event along with SCICU Vice President for Business Affairs Brenda Torrence. Employers are attracted to graduates from SCICU schools because the students' values-based liberal arts education fosters problem-solving, strong communications, and independent thinking skills.

Two years ago, because of the prolonged economic down turn, the event was cancelled when fewer than 10 employers signed up to participate. The Virtual Job Fair that took its place helped to put students in touch with prospective employers, but it couldn't replace the one-on-one contact that Career Connections provides. The 63 employers attending Career Connection 2012 is a record number and hopefully a sign that the economy is rebounding.

 The 2012 Governor's Professor of the Year competition brought recognition to 8 outstanding faculty from SCICU member institutions. Dr. Nicholas Panasik, Jr. from Claflin University was named a semi-finalist for this year's honor. Recognized as Distinguished Professors were Dr. Terry Barr from Presbyterian College, Dr. Samuel A. Darko from Benedict College, Dr. Harry "Chip" H. Hill, Jr. from Limestone College, Dr. Lee Kizer from Southern Wesleyan University, Dr. J. Kristian Pratt from Spartanburg Methodist College, Dr. Helen Tate from Columbia College, and Dr. Rachel Walker from Charleston South University.

Sponsored by the South Carolina Higher Education Foundation, the Governor's Professor of the Year awards are open to faculty at 2 and 4 year public and independent institutions of higher learning. The winner of this year's award from 2 year colleges was Dr. Hendrikus E. van Bulck from University of South Carolina Sumter. For a senior college and university, Dr. Conway F. Saylor from The Citadel was honored.