South Carolina State University alumna Lauren Dawkins Portorreal recently made a $10,000 contribution to the university in memory of her parents, Lamar Dawkins Sr. and Loretta Dawkins, who were long time Orangeburg business owners, community leaders and loyal supporters of SC State.
President Alexander Conyers expressed his gratitude on behalf of the university.
“We are humbled by Mrs. Portorreal’s generous contribution in honor of her parents, who were pillars of the Orangeburg and Bulldog communities,” Conyers said. “Her gift will not only preserve their legacy but also strengthen the foundation of opportunity for today’s students.”
Pillars of Orangeburg and loyal Bulldogs
Portorreal’s parents were long-time residents, business owners and community volunteers in Orangeburg. The donation reflects the lifelong commitment her parents showed to the university they both attended and championed.
Portorreal said Lamar and Loretta were proud SC State graduates and unwavering supporters of the university — “passionate advocates for its existence, its contributions to the community, and its growth as the formidable, progressive institution it is today and always has been.”
“Their deep love for SCSU extended beyond the classroom, as they cheered tirelessly for the Bulldogs administration, the students, and their athletic and academic programs, especially football and basketball,” she said.
Beyond their business success in Orangeburg, Lamar and Loretta dedicated decades to alumni leadership and community service.
Lamar, a 1944 graduate in mechanical arts, served in multiple roles with the SC State National Alumni Association and was a charter member of the Bulldog Booster Club. Lamar was named National Alumnus of the Year in 1980.
His restaurant, “Lamar’s,” a bar and grill that sat between the neighboring campuses of SC State and Claflin Universities. It served and provided jobs for many aspiring students, struggling musicians and local citizens. He was long remembered for supporting fellow alumni, often providing meals and resources. Alumni still recall gathering there to enjoy his fried chicken and potato salad, which became part of the shared Bulldog tradition.
Loretta shared in that commitment, and together the couple built a reputation for service, mentorship and steadfast advocacy for SC State.
