Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Heisman Trophy winner and South Carolina football legend George Rogers is giving $75,000 to help former USC athletes return to get their degree.
Rogers' gift was announced Saturday, and will be made to the Gamecock Student-Athlete Promise Fund through Rogers' private foundation.
“George’s gift is one that will help many former student-athletes return to Carolina to earn their degrees,” said South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner. “We are very appreciative of George’s sincerity and commitment to the Carolina Degree Completion Program.”
USC says former athletes who weren't able to complete their degree during their career will have the opportunity to finish their degree at no cost to them.
"It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to give back to the University to help other former Gamecock athletes have the opportunity to complete their degrees after their professional careers as I did,” said Rogers.
USC says 29 former student-athletes have returned to get their degree through the school's program.
The George Rogers Foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance to students in the Carolinas and support to community based youth development started with one man's opportunity to pursue success. George Rogers developed the foundation as a way of giving back to the educators and community that provided for him during his years at Carolina.
In 2015, the George Rogers Foundation awarded $40,000 in scholarships to deserving students throughout the state of South Carolina.
To learn more about the George Rogers Foundation, log on to http://www.georgerogersfoundationofthecarolinas.org.
