$1 Million Gift Doubles USCB Lucchesi Scholarship Fund
An additional $1 million gift has doubled the largest endowed scholarship fund at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. The donation was made recently by the anonymous donors who first created the scholarship seven years ago.
The Nicholas D. Lucchesi Memorial Scholarship currently awards $10,000 a year each to five qualifying USCB students, in perpetuity.
“This scholarship has been life-altering for so many students to pursue their educational dreams, and now we are honored to assist 10 students a year with scholarships,” said Joe and Dana Lucchesi, Nick’s parents.
Lucchesi was a junior hospitality management major when he passed away in October 2018.
“Our son’s memory inspired very dear family friends to make this remarkable gift, twice” said the Lucchesi’s, who live on Hilton Head Island. “We are immeasurably grateful that Nick’s legacy includes life-changing opportunities for future generations of USCB students.”
Born on Hilton Head Island, Nick Lucchesi graduated from Hilton Head Preparatory School in 2016. An athlete, lover of nature, and enthusiastic outdoorsman, he aspired to be a Lowcountry waterway and fishing guide and earned his captain's license at age 18. Lucchesi then founded Fins Up Fishing Charters, LLC, and spent his final summer practicing his craft and building his business.
Reverend Dr. Alex Glenn of Memphis, Tenn., was Lucchesi’s roommate at USCB.
“One of the brightest lights you could ever encounter, Nick literally shifted atmospheres when he walked into a room with his positive light, energy, and attitude,” Glenn recalls. “To this day, I still reminisce about the times he'd never cease to amaze me on the water, nor fail to humor me on the field.”
Another friend and USCB classmate, accountant Chris O’Donnell of Bluffton, SC, remembers Lucchesi for his passion and caring.
“Growing up, he always found ways to bring people together and make us all smile and happy,” said O’Donnell, who named his son Maverick Nicholas in memory of Lucchesi. “There are so many lessons he taught me that I am now able to pass along to my sons.”
To date, the Nicholas Lucchesi Memorial Scholarship has helped 12 USCB students pursue their dreams in various fields, including nursing, business, psychology, marine biology, and education.
Tobias “Toby” Brock of Columbia, SC, is a current recipient of a Lucchesi scholarship. He is a junior majoring in Hospitality, Tourism, and Resort Management with a minor in Special Events Management. After graduation, he hopes to build a career in ecotourism and excursion planning.
“This wonderful scholarship makes it possible for me to further my studies and career at USCB,” Brock said. “I feel blessed that I get to honor the Lucchesi family through my work in nature tourism and our shared passion for the Lowcountry. I am forever grateful for this scholarship because it has given me the opportunity of a lifetime.”
For more information about establishing a scholarship at USCB, contact Tim Daniels, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations, at 843-208-8258 or tdaniels@uscb.edu.
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JJ/8/20/25