Honoring Doug Buckminster and his lasting impact
July 8, 2026
Katlynn Cramer’s life trajectory would be much different if not for the generosity of a man she never met.
Doug Buckminster was the flagship donor who helped expand the Meeting Street Scholarship to Bamberg, Katlynn’s home county. Now, Katylnn is a rising sophomore at the University of South Carolina who’s able to afford college without significant loans.
“Knowing that someone believed in me enough to invest in my education didn’t just give me financial peace of mind, it gave me the confidence to truly thrive,” Katlynn said.
Doug’s inspiring philanthropy has made college a reality for 10 high-achieving students from Bamberg, and five more deserving Bamberg students have earned the Scholarship this fall.
To honor Doug’s legacy after his death in June, the Buckminster family donated $1 million to create the Doug Buckminster Memorial Fund, which will continue his commitment of making college affordable for high-achieving, under-resourced students.
“Doug was a remarkable leader and visionary partner, and he was committed to expanding opportunity through education and mentorship,” said Josh Bell, president of Beemok Education. “We are humbled and incredibly grateful to the Buckminster family for this investment, which will impact the futures of many South Carolina students.”
Doug had an incredible, nearly four-decades long career at American Express, where he started working as a graduate summer intern in 1985.
When he retired as vice chairman in March, his friends, colleagues and family surprised him with a generous donation to the Scholarship.
Doug was passionate about education and also served on the board of the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York City.
Those who wish to remember Doug are invited to make a memorial gift to the Scholarship that will help continue the Scholarship’s work and expansion across the state.
