james f. byrnes foundation scholarships

The James F. Byrnes Foundation Scholarships are living memorials to the memory of James Francis Byrnes and his wife, Maude Busch Byrnes, two of South Carolina's outstanding citizens of their times. The purpose of the Foundation is to assist students with the financing of a college education. In order to qualify as a candidate for a Byrnes Scholarship the student must have lost either one or both parents and be a resident of South Carolina.

2010 Application Form

The 2010 application packet is now available for download as an Acrobat electronic form (download the latest version of Adobe Reader). The deadline for the 2010 completed application packet is February 15, 2010.

Please note: Applications will not be considered if:

• Postmarked before January 2, 2010
• Any part is missing or incomplete or
• Any part, including references, is postmarked after February 15th.

Please mail the hard copy of your application; electronic applications will not be accepted.

60th Anniversary Celebration

The Byrnes Scholars had their 46th annual luncheon and 60th year celebration Saturday, June 13, 2009, at The Marriott Columbia. Two hundred fifty scholars, alumni and friends attended.

Natalie Owens, 1986 scholar and president of the Byrnes Scholars, presided. The invocation was given by April Garrett, 1999 scholar.

Paula Harper Bethea, 1974 scholars, introduced guest speaker The Honorable Lindsey O. Graham, United States Senator of South Carolina. Senator Graham has been a long time supporter of Gov. Byrnes' career and contributions to our nation's history. The Senator has held the foundation dear to his heart. After being presented with a special gift, Senator Lindsey was announced as an honorary Byrnes scholar.

Brent McDonald, 1998 scholar, provided entertainment by singing his original composition "Lost, Helplessly" in honor of the experience shared by many Byrnes Scholars.

Architect and artist David Damon, 1983 scholar, presented an original artwork for permanent display in the James F. Byrnes Room at Clemson University. He stated, "The design to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the James F. Byrnes Scholars captures key moments of memory. The design is composed of a portrait of James F. Byrnes, icons of the U.S. and S.C. domes where he worked, the S.C. state flag and map that we share as our home, an image of a parent and child that bonds each of us in unity, starfish and the nautilus that represent Super Weekend on the beach, the calendar of 12 months that keep us connected, interlocking circles of life, the red square of both loss and love, and our motto: United by Loss, Bound by Love."

Carrie Pergerson, 1992 scholar and past-president of the Byrnes Scholars, announced Kristine Hobbs, 1989 scholar, the recipient of the Jake Salley Service Award.

The graduating seniors were recognized by Lois Anderson, 1950 scholar, and Jamie Rhodes, 1993 scholar, recognized the new scholars joining the family.

Jeanette Cothran, 1952 scholar, and Carol Ann Green, 1950 scholar, were recognized for their service as they are rotating off the Foundation Board of Directors.

Rhodes, 1979 scholar Henri Duncan and 2000 scholar Justin Ballenger were introduced as new members to the Foundation Board of Directors.

Mike Alls (1989 scholar), James Dowdy (2003 scholar), April Garrett (1999 scholar), Rory Priester (1994 scholar) and Lauren Adams (2005 scholar) were recognized for their service as they rotated off the Scholars Board of Directors.

Allen Easler (1988 scholar), Jeremy Fleming (2004 scholar), Tyler Gailey (2004 scholar), Kim Hatcher (1992 scholar) and Kayla Miller (2006 scholar) were introduced as new members of the Scholars Board of Directors.

Bill Rowe, 1949 scholar, recognized Chester Caulder, 1979 scholar, for his outstanding service to the foundation. Chester has faithfully maintained the scholars web site since its inception.

Luncheon 2009 Slide Show

The September 2009 newsletter promised photos from the 2009 luncheon, and that slide show will post to the site soon. In the mean time check out the slide show from SuperWeekend 2009. Photos are courtesy of 2004 Scholar Jeremy Fleming.

Mail List Now Active

The Byrnes Scholars now have an email list to keep Scholars and Friends of The James F. Byrnes Foundation informed of pertinent information as it occurs.

Membership to this list serve is by subscription only. Members may send messages to the list to be forwarded to members of the list.

Messages and information that are not about the Byrnes family specifically will not be forwarded. Information including, but not limited to, jokes, political statements and opinions, and messages that contain obviously objectionable content (racial, sexual, religious, etc.) will not be allowed.

The Byrnes Scholars Site

The information concerning Byrnes Scholarships and The Byrnes Foundation is taken from materials developed by The Byrnes Foundation, especially the 1988 index to The James F. Byrnes Foundation.

The historical information on Mr. Byrnes was developed by The Byrnes Scholars under the editorial guidance of Neil Johnson and Matt Lockhart. The editors wish to thank David Damon, Rachel C. Drake, Johnna Ferguson, Dr. Sara Hollingsworth, Cal Johnson, Brad Jordan, Elaine Russell Matlock, Pam Galloway McElveen, Barbara Tartaglia, Margaret B. Walden and Charles Wall.

The Byrnes Scholars information is taken from various sources, including the organization's bylaws and various materials developed by The Byrnes Foundation.