A donation by Columbia residents Keith and Denise Hudson, inspired by their daughter Carly, is providing scholarships for students in the College of Social Work and meeting some of their most basic needs on campus.

Carly Hudson is a social worker with a private practice in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her father describes her as “an amazing young woman with contagious energy.”

“She's very passionate about being a social worker and helping others,” says Hudson, president of Hudson Automotive Group. “I've seen the joy and satisfaction she gets from showing compassion and empathy for those she counsels.”

The donation to the University of South Carolina was a surprise for Carly as a way to honor her and her profession while helping to set current students up for success by relieving some of the financial pressure of college.

“Over the last several years, my dad has had a ‘front row seat’ to the mental health epidemic by having proximity to me and the clinical work I do,” says Carly Hudson. “His generosity is a direct result of being aware of the need for social service and mental health providers to support those facing mental health crises in our communities. “

Dean Teri Browne says the donation has made an immediate and significant impact by funding the two-year Carly June Hudson Scholarships and supporting the college’s food pantry. The scholarships are need-based and award $10,000 for undergraduate and graduate students.

“I know how critically important scholarships and assistance with basic needs can be in order to succeed both at an undergraduate and graduate level,” Browne says. “Our college partner, Mr. Keith Hudson, will help our students succeed and serve South Carolina.”

Two scholarship recipients say the awards relieve financial stress to allow them to continue their education. Kathryn McGrady, a former public defender for juveniles, had been contemplating taking out a student loan when she was notified about the scholarship.

“Besides the financial aspect, which was huge, it sealed the deal in my mind that I was making the right decision to return to school for my MSW,” says McGrady, who lives in Lexington, South Carolina.

She plans to use her graduate degree with the intersection of social work and criminal law as a mitigation specialist for criminal cases, particularly for juveniles who are being transferred up to adult court. McGrady also has interest in clinical work with older adolescents and young adults experiencing mental health concerns or trouble navigating life changes.

McGrady hopes to stay in South Carolina to practice after graduation because she wants to serve communities in her home state.

Korriana Watt, an MSW student from Anderson, South Carolina, is focusing on substance use and addiction.

“The financial assistance added to my overall determination to achieve success in the field of social work,” Watt says. “I am passionate about applying what I am learning to give back within the community through education, professional growth, awareness, skill and experience. I am honored to have been selected for the Hudson scholarship.”

In addition to scholarships, Hudson’s donation has helped expand the College of Social Work’s Food Pantry, a need that was highlighted in the university’s annual Give for Garnet campaign. The food pantry serves students with little to no budget for healthy nutrition.

“Food insecurity is a real concern – even here at the university,” Hudson says. “There are students here who don’t have a meal plan and who can’t afford food or who simply just don't have time to get food. That pulled on my heartstrings because it’s something I'm already passionate about.”

The gift builds on a legacy of community support by Hudson Automotive Group, which focuses on the issues of homelessness and food insecurity through donations to organizations such as Oliver Gospel Mission, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Meals on Wheels and backpack food programs for local students.

Hudson hopes the donation to the College of Social Work will have a positive impact on local communities by acting as an incentive for scholarships recipients to seek careers in South Carolina.

“This is my hometown. I live here, work here, serve here and worship here,” he says. “I want to invest where I can see the results by partnering with organizations in our local community. If we can create reasons for these promising young people to stay in state, we can have a big impact through their passion and dedication for helping other people.”

Carly Hudson says she was drawn to social work to connect individuals to resources, engage in advocacy work and to build therapeutic relationships to benefit clients by offering holistic wellness services, validation and support.

“The impact of these generous scholarships does not stop at those receiving them,” she says. “Thousands of people will be impacted by the clinical work each recipient engages with throughout their careers. I know these scholarships will create a ripple effect of hope, transformation, connection, healing and mind/body/spirit flourishing.”