What is your relationship to the Belk College of Business?
I am the president of RCS Corporation, which has a corporate office in Charlotte. We have attended career fairs and hired UNC Charlotte graduates and students. 
Why was establishing this scholarship important to you?
Since we relocated our corporate office to Charlotte in 2008, we have been looking for ways to become a part of the Charlotte community. We feel very strongly about supporting education. In addition, six of our 23 corporate staff are UNC Charlotte graduates. We are very happy with these employees and the quality of education they received at UNC Charlotte. Establishing a scholarship gives us an opportunity to become involved with the university, and at the same time invest in education and the Charlotte community.
Why do you think scholarship support is important to students and why now?
Students who receive scholarships can devote more time to their studies and student activities. The cost of education is increasing and students are in need of financial aid and scholarship support aids in reducing student loans.
How has setting up this scholarship affected you?
RCS is thrilled to have set up the RCS Corporation Scholarship at UNC Charlotte. We increased our giving after the first year because we recognized how important it is to help students. RCS had the pleasure of meeting with our first scholarship recipient, Ashley Kernodle, in March 2016.
What advice do you have for those who would like to start their own scholarship?
Just do it! UNC Charlotte makes it very easy to establish a scholarship. Working with Portia Brown, Leadership Gift Officer at the Belk College of Business, has been a pleasant experience. She is knowledgeable, helpful and creative.
