The University of South Carolina has announced a $5 million gift from longtime donor and alumna ('75) Darla Moore to establish a new aerospace research center.

Announced a day after Moore was ousted from the school's board of trustees, the gift will support the Ronald E. McNair Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research at USC — named by Moore after one of NASA's first black astronauts, a Lake City native who died in the space shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986. The center will focus on three key areas: basic research and development of novel materials and devices; applied research in support of advanced manufacturing tools and processes; and development of a business and economic model that supports and builds South Carolina's growing aerospace industry.

Moore, who was removed from office by recently elected South Carolina governor Nikki Haley after serving as a governor's appointee for twelve years, has donated $70 million to the university since 1998. During a speech delivered to several hundred student supporters last week, the Wall Street financier said she has no plans to put her checkbook away, adding that her "commitment to USC is as strong as ever."

"Although Ron McNair and Darla Moore grew up in different circumstances in the same small town in South Carolina, they represent what is best about the people of our state," said USC president Harris Pastides. "A refusal to accept the status quo, a can-do spirit, and a selfless commitment to advancing ideas, knowledge, and innovation."