SCE&G gift to The Citadel STEM Center will engage and support students

CHARLESTON, S.C. –In the area of job growth, the Charleston region ranks 28th out of all American cities according to Forbes.com. Defense, technology and marine biology are just a few of the area's thriving industries hungry for high-potential graduates from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. Now, one of the state's most recognized college-level STEM programs just got stronger, thanks to South Carolina Electric & Gas.

The electricity and natural gas provider that serves customers in the central, southern and southwestern portions of South Carolina presented The Citadel STEM Center of Excellence with the largest gift the center has received to date, $100,000, in the form of a check during a campus visit April 23, 2014.

"We are proud to partner with The Citadel to promote science, engineering, technology and mathematics initiatives, which are essential to South Carolina's future," said Keller Kissam, President of Retail Operations for South Carolina Electric & Gas Company. "We are even prouder that The Citadel educates principled leaders who embody the ideals of duty, honor, and respect that are even more essential."

A Citadel Class of 1988 graduate and former regimental commander of the S. C. Corps of Cadets, Kissam and a team of SCE&G employees, several of whom are also Citadel alumni, presented the check to Citadel President Lt. Gen. John Rosa. The group then led a discussion with STEM Center leaders and junior and senior cadets who are enrolled in STEM-related majors.

"The Citadel is proud to partner with an industry leader, such as SCE&G, who is committed to developing future STEM Leaders from within our state," said Rosa. "This significant gift to our STEM Center is a major boost to our community's collaborative effort to improve the education of our young people and encourage them to pursue careers in science, math and engineering."

Rosa explained that the donation will allow The Citadel to accomplish several important goals:

• Provide resources to the School of Engineering through supplemental instruction and academic support programs.

• Provide funds to support the School of Science and Mathematics student recruitment efforts.

• Enable the STEM Center to develop and grow recruiting programs in all STEM majors.

Following the presentation, the group learned about future employment opportunities with SCE&G's nuclear construction projects and engaged in a panel-style discussion about SCE&G operations and STEM initiatives. Kissam later threw the first pitch at Joe Riley Stadium when The Citadel's baseball team played Winthrop University.

About The Citadel STEM Center of Excellence

The Citadel STEM Center of Excellence works to prepare students for the 21st century work force. It is a collaborative effort of the college's Schools of Education, Engineering, and Science & Mathematics. The Center's mission is to promote an interest in and understanding of the STEM fields by employing research-based practices.

About SCE&G

South Carolina Electric & Gas Company is a regulated public utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 678,000 customers in 24 counties in the central, southern and southwestern portions of South Carolina. The company also provides natural gas service to approximately 329,000 customers in 38 counties in the state.