George Ramsay Endowed/Annual Scholarship

The George Ramsay Scholarship is for students accepted into the REACH program. First preference is for students with Down Syndrome from Charleston County. Second preference is for students with Down Syndrome from South Carolina. Third preference is for students with Down Syndrome who reside outside of South Carolina.

The scholarship fund was created in honor of George Ramsay in celebration of his 50th birthday in 2011. George wished to provide the opportunity for a student with Down Syndrome to attend the College of Charleston. As a child with Down Syndrome, George was not able to be mainstreamed in public schools and universities because it was not accepted at the time.

George lives independently at a group home, and he was employed at BI-LO for more than 28 years. He also helps in his family’s third generation jewelry store on King Street, Croghan’s Jewel Box. He has served on the South Carolina Special Olympics Board of Directors and has won several medals in the Special Olympics. He also received the CMRB Achievement Award for extraordinary effort to be an integral part of the community through self-advocacy, volunteerism and pursuit of independence and assisting others to do the same.

George’s mother, Mary Croghan Ramsay, was a great advocate for children with special needs and helped found the South Carolina Mental Retardation Commission. George’s father, George Ramsay, Sr., led a successful career at Westvaco. They fought hard for George to receive a quality education.

George is an avid College of Charleston basketball fan and has attended every game for over 35 years. He enjoys cheering the Cougard on with his friend, Eddie Gregory, who also has special needs. Through this scholarship, George seeks to provide students to have a full college experience and be engaged in college activities.