News Summary
Mary Driscoll, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Affairs at USC Aiken, has announced her retirement effective June 2025. With a decade of impactful fundraising, Driscoll’s leadership propelled the Aiken Partnership Board’s assets from $25 million to $40 million, demonstrating her strategic vision. Her collaborative approach and community involvement have fostered significant financial support for the university, which has grown from $1.5 million to $2.4 million annually. As she transitions leadership to Dr. Liz Stewart, Driscoll reflects positively on her career, highlighting the importance of teamwork and vision in university advancement.
Aiken, SC — Mary Driscoll, the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Alumni Affairs at USC Aiken, has announced her retirement effective at the end of June 2025 after a decade of transformative fundraising leadership. Driscoll’s tenure has significantly influenced the university’s growth and development, marking an era of impressive financial progress and community engagement.
Under her guidance since 2015, the assets of the Aiken Partnership Board increased dramatically, growing from slightly over $25 million to $40 million. This substantial rise reflects her strategic vision and ability to foster relationships that benefit the university financially. Additionally, the foundation’s annual budget support for USC Aiken has advanced from $1.5 million to a commendable $2.4 million during her time.
Driscoll attributes much of her success to the collaborative leadership at USC Aiken, highlighting influential figures such as Chancellor Daniel Heimmermann and former Chancellor Sandra Jordan. Their collective vision and strategic planning allowed for a fertile environment for fundraising and institutional advancement.
As Driscoll prepares to pass the leadership of the Aiken Partnership to her colleague, Dr. Liz Stewart, she reflects on a career filled with both challenges and achievements. Stewart is recognized by Driscoll as an excellent colleague and mentor, ensuring continuity in leadership and vision for future initiatives.
Beyond her role at USC Aiken, Driscoll has actively participated in various community organizations, including the Kiwanis Club of Aiken, the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, and the Augusta Foundation. Her community involvement showcases her commitment to building a supportive network beyond the university, which has proven advantageous in fundraising endeavors.
Driscoll’s journey at USC Aiken began with a whirlwind first week that included navigating the surprise resignation of a basketball coach and coordinating a high-profile gubernatorial event. This fast-paced introduction set the tone for her dynamic leadership style and ability to tackle unforeseen challenges effectively.
In 2016, Driscoll’s leadership in strategic fundraising earned USC Aiken the prestigious Fundraising Award for Overall Improvement from the Council for Advancement in Support of Education. During her time, she also played a crucial role amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that the university adapted and thrived during these challenging times. Additionally, her stewardship helped celebrate USC Aiken’s 60th anniversary, an event that highlighted the institution’s legacy and future opportunities.
Among Driscoll’s notable accomplishments is USC Aiken becoming the first public higher education institution in South Carolina to achieve the status of an “All Steinway School.” This recognition underscores the university’s commitment to providing high-quality music education. Furthermore, she oversaw the construction of a new golf complex, enhancing the university facilities and providing students with state-of-the-art resources.
As she prepares to step down, Driscoll expresses a sense of optimism regarding the future growth of USC Aiken and the ongoing opportunities that lie ahead for the institution. Chancellor Heimmermann commends her dedication to the university and celebrates her significant achievements over the past decade, wishing her well in her next chapter.
As USC Aiken looks to the future, Driscoll’s leadership and the foundation she has built will undoubtedly influence the university’s trajectory for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Mary Driscoll Retirement
- Augusta Chronicle: USC Aiken First Tee
- Post and Courier: New USCA Administrator
- Encyclopedia Britannica: USC Aiken
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