Think about being just a few credits away from graduation and having to step away from school. The experience can be soul crushing.
That’s exactly what happened to Suzette Timme ’84. As part of her elementary education major, Timme had to student teach for a semester. Outside work during this unpaid experience was strongly discouraged. In the end, Timme dropped out — a semester with no income was not an option for her.
“I really wanted to finish my degree, but life marched on and it became harder and harder to carve out the time,” says Timme, who married, had two daughters and began a successful career in commercial real estate.
Still, the president and CEO of Indigo Asset Services regretted starting something she didn’t finish. It wasn’t until she was preparing her daughters for college that she decided it was time to finish her degree. How could she emphasize the importance of a university education if she hadn’t completed her own?
“Decades later, I still had regret, so I decided to complete my degree with something more appropriate,” explains Timme, who entered the Professional Studies Program and received her B.A. in organizational leadership and management. “It was truly fulfilling. Education is very important to my family, so it was a super proud moment to receive my diploma.”
The experience was so positive that after graduating in 2020, Timme joined the Alumni Association Board to become more involved with the school, which had such a big impact on her life. In May, she became a board vice president, and she now chairs the Give Back Committee.
“The other board members are engaged and driven to make a difference at CofC,” she says. “The trajectory of change for the school is eye-opening, and I am delighted to contribute to that in a small way.”
In addition, the Give Back Committee spurred Timme to give back. She created the Suzette J. Timme Endowed Annual Scholarship so that other students in a similar situation to hers don’t face the same dilemma. Already her scholarship is making an impact and helping keep a student in school.
Sophomore Nyasia Lewis, the inaugural recipient of the Suzette J. Timme Endowed Annual Scholarship, was struggling to keep up with tuition payments. In fact, there were times her card was declined. As she juggled her classes and jobs, she looked for scholarships.
“When I read the scholarship description, it spoke to me,” says Lewis. “The description said it was for students who have financial struggles and that the person who started the scholarship had a similar struggle. It was comforting to know that there was someone else in a similar situation who knows what it’s like to miss out on opportunities.”
Lewis saw students who didn’t have to stress about passing classes and paying bills — students who could take advantage of the many opportunities the College offers.
Thanks to the Suzette J. Timme Endowed Annual Scholarship, Lewis is now one of those students. The business administration major and entrepreneurship minor who aims to work in fashion design is able to be more active in the acapella group, CofC Vibes, and in the Fashion and Career Circle. In the spring, she plans to be involved in the Fashion and Career Circle’s Fashion Show.
“Having the scholarship has helped with my college experience,” says Lewis. “I feel like I actually get to be a student on campus instead of constantly fighting to stay above water. I will definitely be more present at the College and will take advantage of the many resources that are available.”
Receiving the scholarship has inspired the Bamberg, S.C., native.
“I hope to give back once I graduate,” she says. “I want to help colleges in South Carolina have a fashion focus so that creative people in the state can be part of the fashion world.”