Gerald D. Polis Family Endowed/Annual Veterans Scholarship

The Gerald D. Polis Family Endowed Veterans Endowed Scholarship was established by Gerald Qerry) Polis in 2018. Jerry’s military service was among the most gratifying experience of his life, and he is extremely proud that his scholarship honors our military veterans for their service to our country and provides financial assistance in their pursuit of a college education.

In 2015, Jerry and his wife Beth established the Gerald and Beth Polis Endowed Scholarship to benefit students of the Jewish faith who participate in the Jewish Studies Program and demonstrate a commitment to social justice.

Jerry majored in history and graduated from the College in 1962. During his four years as a student, Jerry was a member of a local fraternity, played varsity basketball, and was President of his senior class. As a recipient of the A.A. Solomons endowed scholarship, his appreciation for the quality education he received and the social experience he enjoyed as a student inspired Jerry’s life-long love and philanthropy for the College of Charleston.

Following his graduation from the College, Jerry earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina and was admitted to the State Bar in 1965. He then served four years in the United States Air Force as a Judge Advocate, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his year of deployment in Vietnam and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. Jerry was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1969 and enjoyed a successful legal career, first as a prosecutor, and then as a criminal defense attorney, retiring in 1999.