The College of Arts & Sciences wishes to recognize one of its friends, Mrs. Katherine E. Matthews for her contributions to the Dance Program.

When initial plans for the new dance/band facility were unveiled, funding was only available to provide for two dance studios. The dance program knew with its ever increasing enrollment that there would be a great need for a minimum of three dance studios. In order to incorporate a third dance studio, it would have required additional funding not available. Mrs. Matthews then stepped forward and provided the funding necessary to create the third dance studio, now known as the Mrs. Katherine E. and George G. Matthews Dance Studio.

Mrs. Matthew, a local philanthropist and businesswoman, has been running a successful company she established, along with her husband, George, more than 55 years ago, Modern Exterminating Co., Inc. Modern Exterminating is the oldest, largest locally owned independent pest control company in Columbia, SC. It has and continues to be run by the same local family since its inception, including her son, Mr. George G. Matthews Jr., and her grandson, Mr. G. Glenn Matthews III.

Mrs. Matthews initially developed her business acumen and sense of philanthropy from watching her father. When she was growing up, she helped run the family business. Her father owned the Evans Grocery Store, or "the grocery store with the red front," which was located where The Roost currently stands just off Heyward Street (formerly Cuthbert Street). It was widely known that people who had no money knew they could go to "the grocery store with the red front" and Mr. Evans would make sure they would have something to eat. She watched her father feed many hungry workers from all walks of life during the Great Depression, which no doubt, helped her develop her deep sense of generosity.

When asked why she chose to support the dance program, Mrs. Matthews said she's always enjoyed watching the students and the dance performances, but mostly she felt George truly deserved to have something named in his memory. They were married in 1947 and were together for 52 years.

For her vision and generosity, the College of Arts & Sciences would like to express its deep appreciation and acknowledge Mrs. Matthews as the March Friend of the month.

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