SC State Alumni Rally Behind University

[gtxvideo vid=”a9lZZ7ii” playlist=”” pid=”rkijshg2″ thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/a9lZZ7ii.jpg” vtitle=”SC STATE ALUMNI”]

Orangeburg, S.C. (WOLO) — Following a week of concern at South Carolina State University, supporters of the school are not giving up hope on the university’s future. “We are at war and when you’re at war, use any ammunition that’s most effective in fighting a battle and the ammunition that’s most effective right now is money,” said Willie B. Owens. The SC State Orangeburg Alumni Chapter is calling on supporters for financial contributions to go towards a legal defense fund they created called ‘Save SCSU. “We must defend ourselves against those who wish to destroy us,” said Owens. Willie Owens said claims that no cuts are being made to help their financial troubles are inaccurate. “Now you need to know this is a university. We cut law, we have cut agriculture, we have cut engineering science, library science, nursing. What else is there to cut, grass and class? There’s nothing else to cut,” said Owens. SC State alumni Evia Thomas said the university was hit by a tornado earlier this week when lawmakers passed a proposal to close down the states only public historically black university. “We will weather this storm!” said Thomas. Thomas is inspiring students to weather the storm, by leaving them with some famous words of wisdom. “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul, it’s in your hands!” said Thomas. For students, having alumni show their support Friday, is motivation to keep positive about their future. “It’s always a good thing to have people keep the morale in school and give students a positive influence,” said Tre Addison. “I think it inspires the students to do better and it shows that they care,” added another student. Students, alumni, and other supporters will rally at the Statehouse Monday.