$1 Million Pledged Gift Largest in History of College

CHARLESTON, SC – May 12, 2011 – Trident Technical College and its Foundation today announced a pledged gift of $1 million by local business owner Carolyn D. Hunter that will be the largest donation in the college’s history. 

Photo at right: Trident Technical College President Mary Thornley proudly displays the $50,000check given to the TTC Foundation by Carolyn Hunter at an event held on thecollege’s Main Campus Wednesday. The check is the first of 20 that Hunter haspledged to give the college.

“We are deeply moved by Carolyn Hunter’s generosity and confidence in our mission,” said TTC President Mary Thornley. “The only way we can meet the need for education and economic development in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties is with the support of our community and the involvement of impressive and compassionate individuals like Carolyn.”

Hunter is president and owner of C & A Unlimited Inc., which currently operates three McDonald’s restaurant franchises in the area. She joined the TTC Foundation Board in 2006 and also serves on the college’s Emergency Student Fund Committee.  “I was inspired to make this gift because I have been impressed by the college’s leadership and phenomenal growth over the past two decades,” Hunter said.

Above photo: Carolyn Hunter smiles at her niece during a luncheon held at Trident TechnicalCollege Wednesday where it was announced she would give $1 million to the TTCFoundation.

The number of students at TTC has more than doubled from 6,895 in the fall of 1990 to 15,790 in fall 2010, when it became the second largest institution of higher learning in South Carolina, based on undergraduate enrollment. Growth has escalated during the recession with a three-year enrollment jump of more than 3,000, even as state financial support has declined dramatically. The state’s share of the college’s total operating revenues fell to 17.6 percent in 2010.

“Because of my involvement with the TTC Foundation, I have a better understanding of the work that is being done to prepare our Lowcountry students for a better future through affordable education,” Hunter said. “It has increased my awareness of the assistance that is being provided but also the substantial unmet needs that still exist.”

The TTC Foundation operates independently of the college as a nonprofit corporation, helping to bridge the gap between needs and resources for TTC students and employees.

Hunter will make the $1 million donation to the TTC Foundation in annual installments. Because her gift is unrestricted, the TTC Foundation Board will determine where it can be used most effectively, said TTC Foundation Executive Director Kathleen Forbes. 

Above photo: Carolyn Hunter (seated) is showered with applause after her pledge of $1 millionwas announced at a luncheon held Wednesday on Trident Technical College’s MainCampus in North Charleston. Standing on either side of Hunter are her niece,Denise Ball, and her son, Albert Ford.

In addition, Hunter will continue to support the Rachel Hunter Thompson Scholarship Fund, which she established in 2010 in memory of her mother. The scholarship fund provides five $1,000 scholarships to TTC students each year.

“Carolyn has shown her commitment to Trident Technical College in so many ways, both as a volunteer and as a donor,” said Forbes. “As a result of her active engagement as a TTC Foundation Board member, she understands the importance of every dollar we receive.”

Hunter started her career with McDonald’s in 1977 after graduating from a two-year community college in Virginia. In 1980, she moved to New York City, where she continued to work her way up through the ranks at McDonald’s and was inspired to save the required funds she needed to become an owner herself. 

In 1989, she seized the opportunity to return to the Southeast and purchase a McDonald’s franchise in Moncks Corner. She was able to turn the store around and over time obtained more franchises. C & A Unlimited Inc. currently operates three McDonald’s at the following locations:

• 375 North Highway 52 in Moncks Corner
• 330 College Park Boulevard in Ladson
• 1520 North Main St. in Summerville.

C & A Unlimited is named for Hunter and for her son, Albert, who has attended all McDonald’s training courses, including Hamburger University, and is working toward a promotion to restaurant manager. The company is also a corporate sponsor of TTC’s annual “A Night in the Valley” fundraiser.

While she has been reluctant to jump in the spotlight, Hunter said she hopes her pledge will inspire others to give to TTC. “There is a significant need,” she said, “and I feel it is important to do what you can now instead of waiting.”

To learn more about the TTC Foundation and how to get involved, visit www.tridenttech.edu/foundation.htm or contact TTC Foundation Executive Director Kathleen Forbes at [email protected], 843.574.6600.