Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL) for Coastal Carolina University announces that its endowed scholarship fund has passed the $100,000 goal set by the group less than three years ago. The endowment will now generate a $4,000 scholarship each year, based on current yields. A single donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, contributed $15,000 to launch the campaign in September 2010 and recently made an additional $11,000 gift to bring the endowment to its current level.

"This gift again demonstrates the impact of women unified in purpose and vision to lead change in communities and societies," said Terri DeCenzo, executive director of WIPL and CCU's first lady. "Our donors recognize the value of education and its contribution to access and opportunity, and have chosen to collectively support the mission and vision of Women in Philanthropy and Leadership for Coastal Carolina University. This particular donor's vision and generosity have created a legacy that will impact students in perpetuity."

The donor, who has been actively involved with WIPL since 2007, said, "I believe in the organization and value the contributions that our collective giving is making. Any time you have the opportunity to impact the lives of others, we are all made better for it. This endowment has been a priority in the last few years and assures that each year we will be able to provide opportunities for those who otherwise may not be able to afford a college education. I believe in the mission, I believe in the women who choose to support others, and I believe in our ability to make a difference for future generations."

WIPL is an organization of women who actively seek to improve the lives of students at CCU and make a difference in the greater community through their donations of time, talent and resources. WIPL was formed in 2007 under the leadership of CCU First Lady Terri DeCenzo and some of the area's leading philanthropists, business professionals and CCU faculty and staff, all of whom were committed to supporting the University through collective giving and annual donations. The pooled donations provide scholarships to deserving students and support programs that create leadership opportunities for women across all academic disciplines.