Couple Establishes Endowed Scholarship for Political Science, Business Majors

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — A random encounter in statistics class turned into a harmonious union for Gary Gaulin '79 and his wife, Jody Guy Gaulin '78. The couple has established a new endowed scholarship to celebrate that 40-year connection and their shared love for Winthrop.

Funded through an estate gift, the Jody Guy Gaulin and Gary V. Gaulin Endowed Scholarship will support political science or business majors who graduated from a South Carolina high school and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5. The gift reflects the university's increased emphasis on creating a flourishing culture of philanthropy, with fundraising defined as a key priority in President Dan Mahony's strategic plan.

The scholarship provides a way for Gary and Jody to support their alma mater and allows future students access to the opportunities afforded by a Winthrop education.

"Winthrop prepared us well for our careers and for life," said Jody. "We decided to establish an endowed scholarship because we want to make it possible for deserving students to have the benefit of a Winthrop education like we enjoyed."

Gary noted that he views the scholarship as an important investment — in both Winthrop students and in society as a whole. "By giving back to Winthrop, we invest in a better future for our society," he said. Gary also supports a scholarship fund at Clemson University, where he earned his M.Ed. in guidance and counseling, and works as associate director for sustainability with university housing and dining.

Gary and Jody had little trouble keeping their calendars full during their time at Winthrop: they attended games for the men's basketball and soccer teams, both new in the 1970s; watched movies screened on campus and attended concerts; hiked nearby trails and spent many hours outdoors together; and enjoyed gatherings at the Shack.

"Jody and I have had many terrific experiences that endeared us to Winthrop," said Gary.

Jody earned her B.A. in political science with minors in mathematics and business administration at Winthrop, where she was active in the university's Model United Nations program and received the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award, given to graduating seniors who have demonstrated great service to Winthrop. Today Jody works as director of quality operations for battery components at Johnson Controls, Power Solutions, in West Union, South Carolina. Gary earned his B.S. in business administration at Winthrop and M.Ed. at Clemson. The couple lives in Seneca, South Carolina.

Planned gifts are an important and meaningful way to give to Winthrop. Please contact Ken Sheetz, associate vice president for Institutional Advancement, at sheetzk@winthrop.edu or 803/323-2275 for more information about including Winthrop in your estate plans.