South Carolina State University wants to raise $4 million from alumni by next July, President George Cooper says.

Cooper said S.C. State will reach out to the 92 percent of alumni that don’t actively donate to their alma mater. Cooper told university trustees yesterday that he will ask those alumni to give at least $100 apiece.

From seasoned donors, S.C. State hopes to get 2,000 people to pledge at least $1,000. That would generate $2 million for university coffers.

Vice President of Institutional Advancement Jackie Epps told trustees that the university recently received $50,000 in pledges from three events.

Trustees then asked how S.C. State is tracking potential donors. Epps said the university has updated records for only about 80 percent of its alumni base.

He said a $100,000 software package would allow them to target potential donors by viewing their tax returns. The software would also track all donations, as well as provide accurate addresses and contact information.

“It will return its investment in no time at all,” Epps said.

Trustee Jonathan Pinson cautioned the university can’t have a successful fund-raising effort without infrastructure.

“We’ve got to step up and make that investment,” he said.

Cooper proposed inviting representatives from the software company to a board meeting for a demonstration. The board agreed.

He said the university is already planning to spend $5,000 for up-to-date addresses.

Cooper said S.C. State is also seeking to increase membership in alumni chapters across the nation.

He said that would further increase the university’s donor pool.

S.C. State will also launch a television show called “A New State of Mind” in Charleston cable markets. It will be hosted by University Relations and Marketing Director Erica Prioleau. Prioleau will interview various students and figures from the university.

S.C. State is spending $35,000 to produce the show and purchase advertising spots.

Prioleau said she hopes to air the show in Orangeburg once it has generated enough revenue. The show’s debut is to be announced.

T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060.

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