CIU Today Fall 2015

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Extraordinary Impact;
Ordinary Lives
God uses generous individuals, each from a different age and stage of life
The following vignettes represent alumni and friends who join over a thousand others who are showing their support for CIU in
significant ways. They are ordinary people making an extraordinary and eternal impact. Be encouraged as you read how they are
making a difference. CIU’s alumni and friends inspire faculty, staff, and students to fulfill CIU’s mission.
To learn more about establishing a scholarship, giving to the CIU Fund, or estate planning, please visit You
may also contact Director of Alumni and Development, Diane Mull, at (803) 807-5502 or .
A Recent Graduate
Niki McIntosh (’15) knew she would have college debt. She also knew that a biblical
education is a powerful tool in today’s world. While she didn’t realize the full blessing of
scholarships while in school, today she understands the impact someone else’s gift had
on her education. She says “I can’t imagine the financial burden I would have to carry long
term coming out of college had someone not given gifts toward my education.”
So, McIntosh gave to the Keturah Washington Scholarship Fund, named for a CIU senior
who passed away last year, and created by Washington’s Class of 2015. The seniors desired
to leave a lasting legacy and opportunity to impact future students at CIU.
McIntosh says she didn’t donate much by worldly standards, and the act of giving to the
scholarship fund didn’t change her life. But with the combined efforts of the Class of 2015,
someone’s life will be changed. McIntosh looks forward to continuing to give and bless
future CIU students the same way others gave so she would be blessed by their gift.
In Memory of Mother
The year was 1983. Ralph and Pat Sims of Camden, South Carolina were on the precipice
of making a life-changing decision that would have an impact on them and so many others
for the rest of their lives. They wanted to honor the memory of both of their mothers in a
meaningful way that would leave a legacy. As friends of CIU, then called Columbia Bible
College, they valued the school’s mission and vision. Their decision began with a letter to
CIU President Robertson McQuilkin, informing him they had $250 they wanted to invest in
the school.
Thus began the Mollie L. Sims and Alberta J. Barfield Memorial Scholarship. They wrote
a $250 check that year and a $500 check the next year, together with matching gifts from
Ralph’s employer. Through the years, they contributed to the scholarship, knowing that CIU
stayed on mission, and today their scholarship remains strong.
Pat says, “We always come away from our visits at CIU energized by the worship
Senior class president Niki McIntosh
discusses the Keturah Washington
Scholarship Fund at the May 2015
commencement.
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DEVELOPMENT
CIU Today Fall 2015