Linda Lisi

Linda Lisi has lived all over the United States—New York, Illinois, Colorado and California—but she and her golden retriever, Gracie, have settled down in Sun City, S.C., next door to USC Beaufort's Hilton Head Gateway campus. And, through two endowed scholarship funds, Lisi has established permanent roots there. The Frances and Joseph Lisi Memorial Endowed Scholarship, named in honor of her parents, will benefit USC Beaufort nursing students. The Linda Lisi Pre-Veterinarian Endowed Scholarship Fund will benefit USC Beaufort students who are completing baccalaureate work in preparation for veterinary school.

"I've always been an animal lover—I have no children—and have been a big supporter of the Humane Society and other animal protection efforts. I thought this would be a good way to support future veterinarians from South Carolina who will care for the animals in our lives," Lisi said. "Most of all, I love the fact that these scholarships will continue on in perpetuity."