Presbyterian College Magazine | Spring 2019

PC ROTC 100-YEAR MILESTONES

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LETTERS HOME

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PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE

T H E H I G H L A N D E R B AT TA L I O N

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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS of LEADERSHIP & EXCELLENCE

Dear Alumni and Friends, This issue of the Presbyterian College Magazine celebrates the 100 years of the PC ROTC program, honoring the sacrifices made daily by our servicemen and women in all branches of the military. Even if you didn’t serve in ROTC, you can see in this issue how our ROTC program has and continues to carry out the College’s mission.

PC always has provided students with opportunities to learn and sharpen leadership skills. The ROTC program is no exception. As an ROTC cadet, I learned leadership skills that prepared me for life after PC. The skills that ROTC taught me about how to lead and motivate others are ones that I still use today. Of course, service is a significant part of our culture. Cadets gain the opportunity to live the College’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve,” by serving their country. From there, these lieutenants go on to lead successful careers in and out of the military.

The ROTC program has maintained a standard of excellence for cadets since its founding in 1919 and has received many accolades and commissioned many exceptional role models throughout its first 100 years.

In addition to the centennial celebration of the ROTC program, we are continuing our efforts and commitment to our students through The Promise of PC. You’ll read more about the Promise in this issue, as well.

We hope you enjoy the magazine and invite you back to visit the campus soon.

Bob Staton ’68

President, Presbyterian College

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A Year of Promise 3 | Ensuring Student Forever Blue Hose: Joe Nixon 27 | Q&A

PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE | magazine

100-YEAR ROTC MILESTONES

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LETTERS HOME 11-12 HIGHLANDER BATTALION 18-24 PRESIDENT Bob Staton ’68 VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND ENROLLMENT Suzanne Petrusch A L U M N I R E L AT I O N S Leni Patterson ’83 Margaret Brown M A G A Z I N E S TA F F Kendall Givens-Little Stacy Dyer ’96 Christina Cleveland Will Gribble ’13 December Lambeth GUEST WRITERS Hal Milam C O N TA C T ALUMNI MAGAZINE CLASSNOTES SUPPORT PC

864.938.3757 864.833.8281 864.938.3757 864.833.8007

P R E S B Y. E D U Success 4 | The Wysor Saber 13 | While We Live, We Serve 15 | Remembering a National Treasure 25 with a Cody Mitchell 29 | College Life as a Student Cadet 32 | Classnotes 37 | Memorials 43 2

A YEAR OF PROMISE The Sound of Promise

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ife at Presbyterian College is often hectic and constant,” Zoe Montague ’20 said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new residence hall behind Springs Student Center last fall.

Since Montague’s talk, construction on the new apartment-style housing has been constant, if not hectic, too. It’s been easy for students, professors and others to keep track of the College’s newest addition: They’ve been able to watch the growth as the buildings have gone from scaffolding to brickwork in a few short months.

Soon, the sounds of hard-hatted workers hammering away and construction vehicles whirring and beeping will give way to the promising sounds of late-night debates, fingers on keyboards, pages turning in books, Netflix and the laughter of good friends.

“When we finally get back to our rooms,” Montague said, “it is imperative that they be comfortable places where we can relax and recharge.”

This fall, that promise will be realized when the residence halls open. One hundred and forty-four seniors and juniors will be the first to make the new living spaces home.

“One of the unique characteristics of a PC education comes from our students living on campus with ready access to their academic buildings, faculty and staff, student programs, and one another,” said Joy Smith, vice president of campus life and

dean of students. “This new housing in the heart of campus will enhance that spirit of community that PC students enjoy.”

PC’s campus is more than a collection of buildings. It’s a community shaped by the values of its faculty, staff, students and alumni. With the development of new spaces for students to learn and grow, this first step in our promise will provide better outcomes and experiences for future generations to come. n

ENSURING STUDENT SUCCESS PC

SENIOR TAKES ON BIG DATA AFTER GRADUATION

The addition of new academic programs, like data analytics, is also a part of The Promise of PC. Today’s markets demand colleges offer more academic programs focused on Big Data. This is the fourth straight year that data scientist jobs have been at the top of Glassdoor’s list of the “50 Best Jobs in America.” In addition, five of Glassdoor’s 50 best jobs include careers related to data analytics.

Here’s more interesting data: PC senior Maleek Catchings already has a job in Big Data lined up, thanks to an internship and to Catchings’ persuasive presentation skills.

Last summer, Catchings interned at the Michelin North America headquarters in Greenville, S.C. He learned how the world’s leading tire manufacturer approaches business-to-consumer sales.

Catchings also was able to work with the Business Intelligence team at Michelin, and this is where he shined.

He knew he would. After all, two of Catchings’ business professors recommended the new data analytics offering to him. Catchings was a business administration major until his professors recognized his strengths in business and math. They thought the concentration in data analytics was a good fit.

“I took a class and loved it,” Catchings said. “The further along I got into the class, the more I enjoyed it.”

Catchings liked data analytics so much he began the Data Analytics Club during his junior year. The club has more than 20 members and meets regularly to talk about topics related to the field, including job opportunities.

During his internship, Catchings used what he learned in his data analytics courses. He analyzed data about Michelin’s current and potential customers for its three tire brands.

Catchings researched which tire wholesalers have contracts with Michelin and which ones don’t but still sell Michelin tires.

“It’s a lot of data, as you can imagine,” Catchings said. “I was able to manipulate this data to find trends and make projections that the sales team could use to find dealers that could be on contract.”

Catchings’ data analysis helped Michelin’s sales team work more strategically.

He presented his findings to his managers at Michelin.

After discussing the presentation and his future, Michelin offered Catchings a position with the Business Intelligence team. He begins work less than a month after he graduates.

Catchings continues to learn more about data analytics during the last semester of his senior year. He also stays busy as #22 on the Blue Hose basketball team, but he can’t wait to begin work in Big Data.

“I love that I can help different departments make sense of their data,” he said. “I can help sales, engineers, the supply chain and marketing. I can see how a company operates. It’s what I really want to do.” n

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BIG DATA IS AT THE CORE OF COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

Big Data translates into careers in the field of computational biology as well.

In this field, biologists use computer programming and algorithms to analyze biological data, particularly DNA sequencing. This information can improve medicine or find a cure for diseases like cancer.

Bobby Keskey ’11 knows the importance of the field when it comes to answering the complex questions that may improve human health.

Keskey is in his general surgery residency at the University of Chicago and is currently conducting microbiome research for his Ph.D. in immunology.

Although he graduated with a degree in biochemistry, it was his seat in Dr. Stuart Gordon’s bioinformatics course that started his path to high-level research.

“For me, it was definitely a predecessor tool that I continue to use in my research today, and something that I think is pretty valuable and an introduction into a field that I think has really grown in probably the past five years or so,” Keskey said.

The PC alumnus perked up when he heard of the College’s new computational biology major. As part of the UChicago biological science graduate school orientation, he was flown to Massachusetts to visit the Marine Biology Lab for a week-long intensive course into computational biology and data analysis.

“Anyone who wants to do any kind of biological research these days needs to have some familiarity with computational biology,” he said. “It’s a reflection of where the field of science is headed: Everything’s Big Data and you need computers and software to interpret that Big Data. So having the ability to use those tools to interpret the data yourself really allows you to do successful research.”

Keskey’s work involves examining a community of bacteria living within the intestines. Hundreds of millions of different species of bacteria are present at any given time, which researchers have been able to recognize through the development of sequencing technology.

“Different algorithms that fall under computational biology allow researchers to interpret and understand what these different communities of bacteria mean,” he said.

In Keskey’s case, this can help in understanding how surgical patients recover after infection, how they recover after surgery and how these bacteria are changing.

“Without the field of computational biology, I wouldn’t be able to truly interpret the vast amount of information that

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we’re able to get on these bacteria.”

Keskey is glad he has enough biological background to take on data analysis, and he’s grateful that it began at PC. “I think computational biology makes the job easier, and it makes the interpretation of the data a little bit smoother and easier to understand,” he said.

He still emails his former professors at PC, like Gordon, about his work. He can quickly recall the classes he fondly remembers — inside and outside of the Biology Department — genetics, immunology, organic chemistry, as well as the faculty who taught him: Dr. Stuart Gordon, Dr. Ron Zimmerman, Dr. Walter Ott and Dr. Latha Gearheart.

“I could probably go on about every professor I had, and I gained something from those classes,” he said. “It’s really not one particular class or professor that I think shaped where I am today academically but more my experience in general.”

Keskey graduated from medical school at the University of Louisville with honors, and he’s published numerous papers.

It all began, he says, in the small-classroom environment.

The direct interaction with professors at PC made him think critically, so he understood concepts from a biological standpoint. And the smaller laboratory experience helped him better learn the techniques he’s currently practicing.

“I’ve been at bigger universities … My peers learned the same information, but a lot of the times, the way we thought about stuff at PC was a little different,” Keskey said. “I think a lot of that is due to the ability to engage with professors who are genuinely interested in teaching the material and also forcing you to think about the material and actually apply it.”n

PC

100-YEAR MILESTONES

ROTC 6

Capt. R. E. Wysor Jr. brings a sense of pride and excellence to the Presbyterian College ROTC program.

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Within a four-year span, more than 1,000 PC officers serve in WWII.

The Wysor Saber award is created.

Capt. Wysor begins awarding a saber to the best senior cadet in the battalion.

The Wysor Saber award was paid for by Capt. Wysor during his lifetime. His family continues to sponsor the award through an endowment.

Mrs. Lillian Brown is announced as an honorary alumna and was presented with the Alumni Gold P Award.

1946

1945

Between 1943 - 1947, approximately 2,200 letters from 599 servicemen are written to Mrs. Lillian Brown. These letters would soon be coined the “Bee-Mail Letters.�

1943 1947

1930

1929

1919

The ROTC program begins at PC.

1932

Presbyterian College edges out 13 other colleges and universities to win the Proficiency Trophy. The trophy was awarded annually to the college or university standing highest in professional knowledge, rifle marksmanship and cooperation in athletics.

The First Lady of PC, Mrs. Lillian Brown, collects military patches worn by PC soldiers in WWI and WWII.

President Marshall Walton Brown visits PC cadets at their summer training camp.

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PC adds flight training to the ROTC unit. The course makes it possible for ROTC students to earn their pilot licenses.

1971

Voluntary ROTC is approved by PC Trustees. ROTC becomes optional for all males at Presbyterian College.

1970

1969

PC ROTC unit gets high praise from the U.S. Army. The battalion is listed as one of the best units in the country.

1966

1962

1960

1959

PC ROTC adds a rifling unit, one of the first established in the U.S.

PC ranks 4th out of 21 colleges at the annual ROTC summer camp located at Fort Bragg, N.C. PC was ranked among colleges such as Clemson, Davidson, Wake Forest, University of Kentucky, and VMI.

PC opens ROTC to Lander students in state’s first cross enrollment. This is South Carolina’s first cross military enrollment program and the second in the southeast.

PC ROTC drops the freshman and sophomore requirement.

Presbyterian College is featured in The ROTC Journal.

The PC Rifle Team receives national honors by ranking 7th in the country.

A new general military science program is approved for Presbyterian College, converting it from infantry to a general program.

2003

Lt. Col. Joel Rexford serves as the PMS from 1987-1993. He develops the ROTC scholarship and starts the JROTC program at Clinton High School.

2001

Dean of Students Joe Nixon retires as Brigadier General in National Guard.

1996

1994

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) George L. Mabry Jr. ’40 earns the Medal of Honor for his actions as the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 8th infantry, in the Hurtgen Forest in Germany.

1993

1987

1988

General (Ret.) Ansel B. Godfrey ’22 and Major General (Ret.) George L. Mabry Jr. ’40 are the first inductees into the PC ROTC Hall of Fame.

Gayla McSwain ’82 becomes PC ROTC’s first female Battalion Commander.

1983

Maj. Gen. E. T. Williams, Deputy Commanding General, Third Army, pays a visit to Presbyterian College to inspect the school’s ROTC unit.

Presbyterian College honors its veterans with an armed forces memorial.

The total cost is $90,000 — all raised through alumni donations.

The memorial consists of five plaques, all listing names of PC alumni who lost their lives fighting for our country.

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Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Butch Kirven ’69 earns the Legion of Merit Award for his experience and military record.

Col (Ret.) Jack C. Zeigler Jr. ’79 takes Command Post at Fort Bragg Warfare Center, School in North Carolina.

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Rick Porter ’78 is promoted to rank of Brigadier General.

2012

Brig. Gen. (Ret) Joe Nixon ’63 inducted into PC ROTC Hall of Fame.

PC celebrates the 100 Year Anniversary ROTC.

2019

PC ROTC wins 1st place in the 4th annual Brigade Ranger Challenge by defeating Clemson, USC, Furman, Wofford, and UNC.

2011

2009

Brig. Gen. Rick Porter ’78 is inducted into PC ROTC Hall of Fame.

2006

2005

2004

Capt. Kimberly Hampton ’98 is the first female killed in combat on Jan. 2 during an attack on the helicopter she was piloting on a mission near the Iraqi town of Fallujah.

The Washington Monthly’s 2012 Liberal Arts College rankings list PC ROTC 2nd in the country behind VMI.

LETTERS HOME The Bee-Mail Letters were a Godsend, the era’s social media, and a lifeline for men in harm’s way, far from home.

“…her mailbag is filled daily with letters from these ‘PC’uns’ thanking her, telling her frankly of human feelings, in the stress of giant warfare, recounting incidents of battle and camp life, incidents humorous and pathetic. And she reads them all and digests them and weaves them together into her ‘Bee-Mail Letter,’ which is a running story of what PC men think and feel and where they are and what they are doing. To them, she is a true friend and to them, she will always be ‘Mrs. Bee.”’

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he Bee-Mail Letters were a collection of thoughts and stories from students and alumni serving in all branches of the armed forces. For four years, these PC’uns corresponded with Mrs. Lillian Brown, known simply as “Mrs. Bee” to many PC students serving overseas in WWII. From 1928-1945, Mrs. Lillian Gross Brown served PC as registrar. In 1945, she became the College’s first lady when her husband, Dr. Marshall W. Brown, was named the 13th president of Presbyterian College.

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– The Greenville News, 1945 edition.

During WWII, Mrs. Bee served as the editor and guiding spirit of the Bee-Mail Letters. By the end of WWII, she had sent a letter to every PC serviceman who was fighting in the war. Mrs. Bee’s mailing list reached more than a thousand names by the end of the war .

The College recognized the contributions of Mrs. Bee by making her an honorary alumna. The College also presented her with the Alumni Gold P Award, one of the highest awards that can be bestowed upon alumni. n

Mrs. “Bee”, before I close I must give you a funny story… about a Lt. friend of mine. He tented just opposite me.

At first, when the ‘alert’ would go off he would get out his ‘bunk’ rather slowly. Finally, he didn’t bother to get up but went back to sleep. A good many times nothing happened after the alert was given – the planes went elsewhere or were driven off. However, one night after the alert had sounded and this Lt. had gone back to sleep, planes were overhead buzzing around. He dashed up, tearing his mosquito bar, grabbed his clothes, helmet and shoes and ran to the fox hole. When he got there all he

had was his helmet in his hands. And he was in the nude, without a stitch on. All of us have laughed over that lots of times. It is funnier when you know the boy.

This is rather late to be writing to you but just received Bee-Mail #42 and couldn’t let another week go by without expressing my thanks and sincere appreciation for the wonderful job you have done. You have endeared yourself to all the boys and when we visit P.C. will feel like we are saying hello not to Mrs. Bee, the wife of the President, but to you as the big sister who has done everything she could to make all her brothers as happy as possible while away from home.

– Maj. Cornelius B. “Pete” Holcombe, India-Burma Theater, Jan. 7, 1946

– Chaplain Freeman B. Parker, Jan. 20, 1945

I’m engaged in writing history while it happens – or shortly thereafter – for the War Department…I have traveled much in the past six weeks (in one month, December – I slept in sixteen different cities, villages, or what have you). I have seen a wedding in the square before a cathedral in a bombed-out town. Life goes on in spite of the war. People here build deep cellars. Birth, marriage, death may be accelerated somewhat, they may be confused – but they do continue.

There is an amazing thing I can tell you. That is, how these Phillippinos live through a “hell on earth” bombardment along the beaches, and then greet us on the beaches when we step out of our landing craft. I noticed very many with white flags. There was a tremendous American flag flying from a palm tree when we landed.

– Lt. Joe Milam, Jan. 10, 1945

– Lt. Lenthiel H. Downs, “Somewhere in France,” Jan. 12, 1945

Our group including fighters, torpedo bombers & dive bombers were making a simulated attack on one of our carriers. We were coming in at 12,000 ft. and my group was the first to attack. I pushed over in a rather steep dive and started down very fast. At about 3000 ft., when I started to pull out, the controls would not respond – I couldn’t move the stick. The water seemed to be coming up very fast and it looked like I was going straight in spite of everything. I, therefore, raced my feet and using both my hands pulled back as hard as possible on the stick. Needless to say I blacked out completely and when I came to I was on my back about 500 ft. off the water.

– Lt. Lykes Boykin to President William P. Jacobs, Jan. 25, 1945

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THE WYSOR SABER A Symbol of Excellence

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t the end of every spring semester, less than a day before Presbyterian College celebrates Commencement on the West Plaza, a small but special group of seniors gathers for a different ceremony that marks their transition from Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets in the Highlander Battalion to commissioned officers in various branches of the U.S. military.

Its participants uphold generations of tradition and welcome servicemen and women who serve now and have served before.

Friends and family see these cadets take an oath to defend their country. They witness the silver-dollar salute marking the first time they are saluted by a non-commissioned officer. And they see one cadet honored above all others with a symbol of excellence that bears the name of someone they have never met and may know little about.

THE WYSOR SABER The saber, presented to the Highlander Battalion’s top cadet, is named for the late Col. Robert E. Wysor Jr., a former commandant of cadets and professor of military science from 1929 to 1937, who built PC’s ROTC program into one of the best in the Southeast.

In 1932, he began the tradition of presenting a military saber to the battalion’s top senior cadet; eventually, that tradition would also bear his name.

While it is difficult to remember someone who passed away before many people today were even born, there remain those who continue to keep alive Wysor’s legacy as a soldier, a leader and a community servant.

Wysor’s grandson, Michael Ivey ’93, is one of those people.

Each spring he and other family members help present the cherished award, and each spring he is awed by the commissioning ceremony and the ROTC community.

“It’s a humbling experience to witness,” Ivey said. “All those years, to see the same people devoted to serving our country, I hope it instills respect for and awareness of our military. It’s a ceremonial step toward a potential career centered on sacrifice and, for me, it’s emotional.”

Michael’s sister, Cindy Ivey, agrees, too, that the Wysor

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Saber continues to exemplify traits their grandfather lived by — honor, duty, courage, and doing the right thing. “(The award) is about patriotism, doing for others and setting an example,” she said. “My grandfather expected everyone to do their best — not perfection, but being a leader and a role model.”

With their brother Frank, Michael and Cindy Ivey grew up with a deep respect and admiration for the military. In addition to their grandfather, their father, Ben Ivey ’47, also was a military man. After serving in the U.S. Navy, their father went to PC and was himself a recipient of the Wysor Saber.

He also met and fell in love with Wysor’s daughter, Kent, the future Mrs. Ivey, and served as his alma mater’s professor of military science in the early 1970s.

“He was a very emotional supporter of the College,” Michael Ivey said. “Homecoming, for example, was a big deal in our house.”

“Clinton was a special place for the entire family,” Cindy Ivey said. At PC, her grandfather found a more permanent home and was always surrounded by local veterans and PC graduates.

“The Army is like a family,” she said. “We always feel connected.”

Today, both Michael and Cindy hope that the support the College community showed for their extended family over the years will continue for the Highlander Battalion at least another 100 years.

“I never served in the military,” Michael said, “but I have tremendous respect for those who have. When the (Wysor Saber) is presented, I hope people see the cadets as models for what excellence looks like. The award is an opportunity to quietly recognize that excellence.” n

The New Highlander Battalion awards more than $1 million in three- and four-year scholarships to deserving cadets. The scholarship includes a book allowance and a monthly stipend of $420, paid directly to the student. For more information about the ROTC program at Presbyterian College, please contact Recruiting Operations Officer Cynthia Murphy at 864-363-5662.

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WHILE WE LIVE, WE SERVE A Legacy of Service

From left to right: Capt. Phillip Carter ’12, Capt. Kel Harrison ’12, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Porter ’78,

Col. (Ret.) Jack Ziegler ’79, Maj. Brad Deloach ’04, 1st Lt. Evan Smith ’16, and 1st Lt. Cam Porter ’15

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etired Brigadier General Rick Porter ’78 wears a suit and tie most days. He serves as the G1 of the U.S. Army Forces Command, or FORSCOM, located at Fort Bragg, N.C. FORSCOM, the largest Army command, is a four-star headquarters responsible for providing combat units that are well-manned, equipped and trained before they go into combat. Porter is in charge of getting the right soldier with the right skills to the right place at the right time.

Porter hung up his uniform in 2010, except for special occasions like PC’s annual ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, where he frequently speaks. Decorations on his uniform reveal the loyalty and commitment he showed in 32 years of service to his country.

Awards and decorations like the Legion of Merit, the Master Parachutist Badge, and the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster are the same ones on the uniforms of some of the Army’s greatest soldiers, like George C. Marshall, whose framed portraits hang on the walls of FORSCOM. Porter is always surrounded by the presence of those, like Marshall, who served before him. Porter’s office is close to the All American Hall of Heroes, where plaques commemorating fallen soldiers line the walls.

All the same, Porter always makes it a point to engage with those he serves with now. He stops to talk with everyone he meets in the hallways, regardless of how decorated their uniform is.

“Every single day, as a leader, you’re building a team,” Porter said. “Every single day, you’re trying to motivate or

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inspire people, or crews, or groups, to do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do.”

Porter had the same approach when he led soldiers for the first time. He was in Wiesbaden, Germany, then and was a second lieutenant in charge of 32 soldiers.

“I tried to approach everything just like I would as a coach,” he said. “A coach inspires and motivates his players. He recognizes them for doing great things. He coaches them and helps them get better.”

Porter learned some of his leadership skills from his father, who was a command sergeant major in the Army and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Porter’s leadership style was also largely shaped by the ROTC program at PC. Porter didn’t plan to join ROTC when he arrived on the PC campus. Although his father served in the Army, Porter didn’t intend to follow in his footsteps. Instead, Porter had envisioned a different path for himself. He came to PC to play football, major in business administration and join the corporate world once he graduated. But all that changed the summer before his freshman year.

“I remember Coach Cally Gault gathering all the freshman football players in a classroom after practice,” Porter said.

“We were still in pads and were all sweaty, and Col. Cameron, the professor of military science, who was a very dynamic and charismatic kind of guy, came in and talked to us about ROTC.” Cameron went to all of the football practices. He learned the freshman players’ first names and called them by their first names. That meant a lot to Porter, who was 18 at the time.

“He gave us a big pep talk and encouraged us to join “Every single day, you’re trying to motivate or inspire people, ROTC,” Porter said. or crews, or groups, to do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do.”­ Others at PC also encouraged Porter to join – Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Porter ’78 ROTC. Dr. Fred Chapman, Porter’s academic counselor year and asked his father for advice. during his freshman year, noticed Porter needed to add a “He said, ‘I’ll support you in whatever decision you want to class to his schedule and asked him if he had ever considered make,’” Porter said. “Once I ended up signing a contract, he ROTC. was very excited and supported me every effort of the way ever “I was surprised that a faculty member would be encouraging since then.” me to apply for ROTC,” he said.

While in ROTC, Porter sharpened his leadership skills The seniors on the Blue Hose football team were also a big by leading squads or platoons in weekly drills. Field training influence on Porter. One that he and the freshman football exercises gave him more opportunities to lead. players looked up to the most was Bee Carlton, an offensive “We were war playing,” he said. “One minute, you’re in lineman and team captain. charge of an 11-person or 18-person team. You’re influencing “He was a role model to us,” Porter said. “He was in ROTC, and directing people, and you’re establishing priorities of work and Bee and another cadet would come by and visit us in our and effort.” dorm rooms.”

When he was a senior, Porter led the entire cadre of cadets as Carlton encouraged Porter to join, and was always battalion commander. He had attained the program’s highest “approachable,” Porter said. “He took the time to talk and ranking for a cadet but still had no plans to join the Army. didn’t act like you were beneath him,” Porter said. “He was Instead, he wanted to serve his three-year commitment to the willing to engage or take the time to chat with you at any Army and find a job in the corporate world, armed with a given time.” resume and leadership skills he picked up in ROTC. Porter thought about joining ROTC during his first two When he graduated, Porter married classmate Sally Martin years on campus. He had to decide at the end of his sophomore ’79. Porter wanted to revisit the places he remembered as a child and asked the Army if he could serve his tour in Germany. He changed his mind about not joining the Army while in Germany.

“The pursuit of adventure, travel and the heart to serve my country led me to join the Army after all,” Porter said.

Plus, he realized that the Army offered him a stable career during unstable economic times.

On his way to earning the rank of brigadier general, Porter proved himself as a leader throughout his military career.

He served as commander, chief or director on a number of assignments at home and abroad.

His work during his last assignment as deputy chief of staff G1 for the Army’s largest command impacted 75 percent of the Army. Porter made sure units were staffed properly while also sustaining soldiers, civilians and their families.

LEGACY CONTINUED While his body of work in the Army is enough to be proud of, Porter is even more proud that his son, Cameron ’15, will continue his family’s and PC’s legacies.

Like his father, Cam didn’t plan to join ROTC or the Army.

Like his father, Cam came to PC to play football, major in

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business and find a career in the corporate world after he graduated. And like his father, Cam changed his mind.

Cam has played sports all his life and always enjoyed being part of a team. Former Coach Harold Nichols and the Blue Hose football players made him feel like part of the team and helped him develop as a leader.

“When you’re in the huddle, the only thing that matters is the team going against you. The guys in the huddle are a band

1st Lt. Cam Porter ’15 and his team in Afghanistan.

of brothers joining for the same purpose,” Cam said. “And it’s truly the same thing in the Army when you put on your nation’s uniform. The one true thing you get when you serve in any military aspect is genuine, authentic leadership.”

Cam practiced his leadership skills while a cadet in ROTC, ultimately becoming battalion commander during his senior year. His experiences as a cadet complemented his experiences as a student and as a student-athlete.

“PC gives you the tools to be successful,” Cam said. “ROTC

and the Army teach you how to apply those tools.”

Dr. Tobin Turner ’96, associate professor of economics and business administration, and Dr. Suzie Smith ’82, Robert M. Vance Professor of Business Administration, were two of Cam’s professors who taught him the principles and techniques needed to be a successful manager or leader. Cam says he learned how to put those principles and techniques into practice as an ROTC cadet.

“You have an opportunity every week to get in front of different people and try a different leadership style and see what is effective,” Cam said. “You can go back and review it because it’s a no-loss game. You’re not playing with anybody’s money, time or life. But you’re getting those experiences, and getting that feedback, and that really helps to develop you as a strong leader.”

Cam decided to join the Army because of an experience he had six months after he graduated.

During a basic officer leadership course, Cam led a platoon of 28 paratroopers. Cam was 23 years old at the time, and the paratroopers he was leading were between 18 and 35 years old.

“I had a sergeant first class who was 35 years old as my platoon sergeant,” Cam said. “He looked at me as a 23-year-old kid, essentially calling me ‘sir.’

“He said, ‘Hey, we’re going to make you successful, sir.’ And that kind of attitude is really what drew me to the Army and be a part of that team.”

Like his father, Rick wasn’t excited at first that Cam decided to follow in his footsteps.

“When Cam was deployed to Afghanistan for nine months, his mother and I both worried about bringing him home safely,” Rick said. “But, just like my dad, I am more proud than you could ever imagine.”

The legacy of the strength of PC’s ROTC program covers generations. The strength of the program is evidenced in the lifetime of service to the Army by Rick Porter and his son Cam’s commitment to be a leader in the Army and serve his country, as did his father and grandfather. n

“When you’re in the huddle, the only thing that matters is the team going against you. The guys in the huddle are a band of brothers joining for the same purpose. And it’s truly the same thing in the Army when you put on your nation’s uniform. The one true thing you get when you serve in any military aspect is genuine, authentic leadership.” ­– 1st Lt. Cam Porter ’15

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THE

HIGHLANDER BATTALION A Collection of ROTC Alumni Quotes CLASS OF 1950 Edward B. Kenney ’50 I accepted regular Army commission as a second lieutenant in 1950 and served five years; entered Army Reserves as a first lieutenant and retired as lieutenant colonel in 1989. I served in the Korean War, as did most of our class. My military training at PC served as the vital groundwork for service as an infantry officer in the Korean War, where I led an infantry platoon in combat.

Jerry Smith ’50 I was commissioned in the spring of 1949 and graduated in January 1950. I joined the National Guard in March 1950 and missed the Korean War. I stayed in the Guard for 14 years and retired as a captain. PC ROTC and the my time with the National Guard helped me become a leader in both my professional life and also my personal life in church and service organizations. No wonder I support and praise PC every opportunity I get.

Ed Timmerman ’50 When I was a student, ROTC was a strong component of campus life.

PC ROTC was composed of a cadet battalion having three companies with three platoons each plus a military band. My PC professors and the ROTC military staff instilled in me discipline and focus, which were builders of character. After eight years of active and reserve duty, I was honorably discharged with the rank of captain. I credit PC and my military service for preparing me for a career in banking.

CLASS OF 1953 Kenneth Roland Thompson ’53 As a distinguished military graduate, I accepted a regular Army commission in Adjutant General Corps with a two-year detail in the infantry. I served more than 20 years and retired as an lieutenant colonel in 1973. The PC ROTC program gave me a very competitive edge all through my career, even when compared to my peer officers from military colleges and West Point. After retiring from the military, I taught 10 years at Brunswick Community College. I’m still teaching tennis to this day on my own court.

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Gayla McSwain ’82 The Army disbanded the Women’s Army Corps and began integrating women into the Army in 1978, when Gayla McSwain arrived at PC as a freshman. She joined the ROTC that same year and was the only female in her commissioning class in a cadre of 250 cadets.

The cadre selected McSwain to be the battalion commander during her senior year. She made PC history by becoming the College’s first-ever female battalion commander.

“ROTC gave me basic Army training with its emphasis on military history, weaponry, physical training, goal-setting, back-planning, and the development of organizational and principled leadership skills,” McSwain said.

In 1982, McSwain graduated from PC magna cum laude and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army. She went on to become one of the first to serve in the PATRIOT missile battalion. She served as an Army captain and officer-in-charge in former West Germany.

After four years of active duty, McSwain went on to earn a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law and begin a family.

She was a trial lawyer with McNair Law Firm for nearly 20 years before forming McSwain Law Firm LLC. She has served on a number of boards of directors and is currently a member of city council for the City of Goose Creek, S.C. “Indirectly, ROTC’s emphasis on planning and organization helped prepare me for all of those experiences, especially the child-rearing,” McSwain said.

CLASS OF 1958 Jim Newsome ’58 I was commissioned as an infantry officer and served on active duty for two years.

I attained the rank of first lieutenant, Airborne Path Finder.

At PC, we had “Drill” five days a week— when we reported, we were ready! My uniform’s patch said, “Follow me.” I’ve tried to institute that in my family, church, business and community life. My thanks to PC—everyday! Go Hose!

CLASS OF 1963 Ken Davis ’63 ROTC at PC was a positive experience for me. Something about its structure, discipline, the attitude of doing it and doing it right with its related culture drew me to it. The experience and opportunity helped mold my personal, as well as my professional, confidence and responsibility that has remained with me to this day. In 1968, I changed from the infantry branch to the Chaplain Corps and entered active duty as a chaplain in 1970, and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1992.

Gene Goodwyn ’63 I received the Wysor Saber as a senior in 1963. My company platoon leaders were Henry Gordon and Bob Arrowood. Our executive officer was Roe Callaway, and our first sergeant was Mike Lowrance. These men earned the award for me. I served on active duty from May 20, 1964 to May 9, 1966, as a first lieutenant and commissary officer at the U.S. Army Post in Orleans, France.

Murray White ’63 I was commissioned as an Armor officer upon graduation in 1963. After my Armor Officer Basic Schooling at Fort Knox, Ky., I was assigned to the 2nd battalion, 81st Armor, 1st Armor Division, in Fort Hood, Texas. My first battalion commander was George S. Patton IV, and he was an outstanding leader, mentor, who led by example. After my release from active duty, I joined the South Carolina Army National

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Guard and had many great assignments there. After a total of 30 combined years of service, I retired as a colonel in 2006.

CLASS OF 1965 Phil Burns ’65 I was commissioned in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps. I served two years active, during which I served 13 months in Korea. I stayed in the Reserves a total of 28 ½ years active and reserve, and I retired as a lieutenant colonel. My last three years before I retired, I was in a mobilization slot in the Pentagon. I was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal upon retirement.

Cleve Jacobs ’65 I was commissioned as a second lieutenant, Infantry, and served two years active and 28 years Army Reserve. I retired as a colonel.

Being commissioned probably was the best thing for a 22-year-old with no established goal in life. Two years of leadership in a mechanical infantry battalion prepared me for the “real” world. I worked for IBM after active duty and have managed my own business since 1970.

CLASS OF 1966 Buddy Guy III ’66 I was commissioned in May 1966 and spent 27 years on active duty in the U.S. Army. I retired as a lieutenant colonel. I then spent 13 years as the senior army officer teaching JROTC at a high school. The four years at PC gave me an opportunity to join organizations and enter into leadership and followership positions which helped me during my Army career. Watching and learning from PC faculty and fellow students were very useful to me in all areas of my life. There was a strong ROTC staff during my time at PC, and they prepared me well for a successful Army career. A highlight of my career began with being presented my commission by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Harold K. Johnson. I am very thankful for my time at PC! Neill A. Lindsay III ’66 I was commissioned as a second lieutenant,

U. S. Army Reserves, was a charter member of Wysor Rifles, and a distinguished military graduate of Presbyterian College.

The ROTC program gave me leadership skills in my everyday life: strong speaking abilities on the drill field or in the classroom and good habits that make the best management of producing success.

One should never accept mediocrity, should strive to stay ahead of assignments, and manage your time, motivate members, and go beyond what is required. The busiest students are the best students. Work hard and work smart. Follow this work ethic and success is limitless. Thank you, Presbyterian College, for your guidance.

Sam Waters ’66 I was commissioned in May 1966 as a second lieutenant, Transportation Corps.

ROTC training at PC had a profound effect on my life decisions. The combination of liberal arts and ROTC curricula offered a glimpse of the ideal versus the real world.

It taught me how to balance those often competing influences, which enabled me to fashion a successful path of professional and military achievements. In re-examining my past, I can forthrightly state that without ROTC as a significant component of my college learning, I am not sure I would have taken some of the risks necessary for my professional growth and development, and my successes and satisfaction; and, I would also add, without the steadfast support of my extraordinary wife, Mary.

CLASS OF 1967 Dan Montgomery ’67 The PC ROTC program turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me. I was commissioned on June 14, 1967 at PC and served 32 years in the U.S. Army. I retired on Oct. 31, 1999 at the rank of brigadier general. I served in the U.S., Vietnam, Korea and Germany.

The PC ROTC program provided me with the training and inspiration that led to my life as a soldier. I am eternally grateful for having been given the opportunity to serve our great nation and at the same

time represent the values instilled in me at Presbyterian College.

CLASS OF 1968 Lt. Col. (Ret.) George Randall (Randy) Grant ’68 I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery, later branch-transferred to the Adjutant General’s Corps.

Every blessing has prepared me for the next, and PC ROTC was among the first and most important. At PC, though our Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. Benjamin Ivey was critical to my selection as cadet battalion commander, Mrs. Kent Wysor Ivey and others like her in Clinton provided a welcoming room for our dates in their homes during game and party weekends. Upon retiring from the Army, guidance and assistance from PC alumni about “becoming a civilian” were invaluable. Laine Ligon, Bob Staton, Mike LeFever and other PC ROTC alumni were especially helpful. PC faculty, staff, alumni and friends, who have touched and blessed me, made possible most of the contributions in my military and public service careers. I will be forever grateful for that.

Shep Marsh ’68 I was commissioned at graduation, served two years mostly at V Corps Support Command Headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, and exited as a first lieutenant in August 1970. My exposure to U.S. Army training, including ROTC at Lanier High School in Macon, Ga., PC, Officer Basic School, Supply Management School, and active duty experience account for much of the leadership expertise I have today. The interpersonal skills I learned in my four years at PC supplemented the military leadership principles I have utilized since then. The most important lesson was: You manage things, and you lead people.

CLASS OF 1969 Don Adams ‘69 I have very fond memories of my time at PC and the ROTC staff and faculty! Congratulations to the ROTC program and to

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PC for this milestone! I was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduating from PC in May 1969. Having four years of ROTC at PC under Colonel Ben Ivey ’49 seemed hard at the time, but looking back it was a time of going from being a student to manhood. I feel very proud that I was able to serve my country. The discipline of the military training that I received while at PC and later was certainly a factor in being successful in my work later in life.

Bobby Byard ’69 I served a total of 28 years in the Army on active duty and active reserve, retiring as a colonel in 2006. Because the ROTC program was mandatory for all freshmen and sophomores, it presented challenges in getting unmotivated people to get things done. It taught me that perseverance and hard work are rewarded in the end; if it is not working, you are probably not following the instruction manual; it is not only important to do things right, but to do the right thing, and always put others (the troops) above self.

William B. Kirtland ’69 I was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corps and served for 20 years, retiring at the rank of major.

There were many learning opportunities at PC which contributed to my preparation as a U.S. Army officer. The most seemingly unrelated would be as a quarterback on our PC football team; however, that was a foundation upon which ROTC built.

ROTC gave me specific military and career training that was invaluable for leading, managing and motivating people.

Carlton Manley ’69 The main contribution PC made was that they required me to take two years of ROTC, where I was quite the rebel cadet.

If ROTC had not been required, by the time I reached the conclusion that being a

second lieutenant was better than being a private, it would have been too late to make a choice. I had not thought of it prior to now, but being a second lieutenant made the prospects of marriage quite reasonable, and I had the opportunity to persuade Belinda Rittter ’71 to marry me.

Although a reluctant ROTC cadet, I was proud of my commissioning, and on active duty, I took my assignments seriously and learned invaluable lessons that have helped me throughout my business career.

The photo is of me and Belinda Ritter Manley ’71 at the PC ROTC Military Ball near our one year anniversary in February 1971.

Tom Paul ’69 I was commissioned a second lieutenant, Field Artillery in 1969. After the Officers’ Basic Field Artillery School at Fort Sill,

Okla., I went to Jungle Expert School in Panama. From there I went to Vietnam, where I served with the 101st Airborne Division. When I returned, I went to seminary to prepare for pastoral ministry.

My service requirement kept me in the Army Reserves, which I chose to extend.

After 14 years, I transferred from Field Artillery to the Chaplain Corps, which paralleled my ministry as a civilian.

I served with an Army Reserve medical unit in Upstate New York while living in Canada, establishing French language churches. I also had brief postings in fascinating sites around the globe. After 30 years of service, I retired as lieutenant colonel. I continue to live in Montréal and serve as a pastor, father and grandfather of eight. Both my father, and WWII veteran, C. Huiet Paul ’40, and I were well prepared

by PC for our military and civilian service.

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) H. G. (Butch) Kirven Jr. ’69 It sounds strange today, but when I was a PC student, two years of ROTC were required for all physically able male students. That suited me fine since I had always wanted to earn a commission in the Army.

Regrettably, I honed my skills in drill and the manual of arms more than my academic opportunities. Faced with a non-optional sabbatical from PC at the end of my second year, I made the decision to enlist in the Army National Guard and apply for Officer Candidate School.

That worked out nicely because I was able to return to PC and graduate almost at the same time that I was commissioned a reserve second lieutenant in the United States Army. ROTC taught me three things: preparation, patience and perseverance. These “three P’s” have served me well throughout my military and civilian careers. One word comes to mind in thinking of both PC and ROTC: gratitude.

CLASS OF 1970 Brig. Gen. (Ret.) H. G. (Butch) Kirven Jr. ’69

“ROTC taught me three things: preparation, patience and perseverance,” said Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Herman (Butch) Kirven Jr. ’69. “These three P’s have served me well throughout my military and civilian careers.”

Kirven was one of the first general officers called to active duty following the 9/11 attacks. He served as a special adviser to the US FORSCOM commander on air and missile defense readiness. He then served as the deputy commanding general of the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command as part of Operation Noble Eagle. Kirven’s military career also included staff and command assignments at the battery, battalion and higher echelons.

Following his military service, Kirven established the Kirven Company, a real estate appraisal business in Simpsonville, S.C. He has also served as the chairman or as a member of the Greenville County Council since 2005. Kirven focuses on improving roads and transportation, better planning to address suburban growth, and innovative economic development. Greenville Business Magazine recognized him for his service to the community by naming him one of the 50 most influential people in 2017.

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Wayne Harris ’70 I served in the regular Army from 1970-2000, retired as a colonel and am a Vietnam veteran.

PC prepared me for the Army as a career by instilling service to others as a core belief. Both my scholastic experience and my ROTC experience demonstrated that leaders do not rest until they are sure everyone they are responsible for is taken care of: physically, emotionally and spiritually. And I learned to write, something all military leaders do constantly. My ROTC instructors taught me to write simply, and my English professors taught me to write convincingly. I am forever grateful for my PC education and the personal attention I received in the ROTC department.

Tom Stearns ’70, FACMPE In 1970, I was a distinguished military graduate, recipient of the Wysor Saber and received a regular Army commission. I served 4 1/2 years of active duty and earned the rank of captain.

PC’s ROTC program offered me a place to hone those talents and find a place at PC to be successful. I’ve had a wonderful career in the military and the private sector in healthcare management and served in many leadership positions in churches and nonprofits. ROTC gave me the opportunity to be successful when it would have been easier to give up.

I will always be thankful.

CLASS OF 1971 Jimmy Shaw ’71 I remember that during our ROTC training each Wednesday afternoon on the plaza, the song “Hair” was blasted from Spencer dorm.

I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps through the ROTC program upon graduation in June 1971.

I like to think that my experiences at PC, including vice president of SGA and president

of my fraternity, and the ROTC program prepared me for the following leadership positions after college: chair of several bar association organizations, president of my former law firm, elder in two Presbyterian churches, and moderator of the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Sun. PS: My father, Gaither, PC class of 1938, and my brother, Gaither Jr., PC class of 1969, were also commissioned through the PC ROTC program.

CLASS OF 1972 Thomas W. Mahoney ’72 I was commissioned with the class of 1972, served four years active and then 19 more years in the Army Reserve. I was mobilized once in 1996-1997 and sent to Bosnia as part of the NATO peacekeeping force. I retired in 1998 as a lieutenant colonel.

I went into the PC ROTC program with eyes wide open as evidenced by my being on an ROTC scholarship starting in 1968. As anyone old enough to remember can recall, this was the height of the Vietnam War. ROTC and the Army provide discipline, structure, support and a common goal that the mission and teamwork are larger or greater than any one individual. I used this same philosophy while working for a large corporation for 31 years.

CLASS OF 1978 David “Shad” Shaddrix ’78 I retired from active duty as an Army colonel in 2004. I was commissioned in the Army Signal Corps in 1978 after graduating from Presbyterian College as a distinguished ROTC cadet and earning a Bachelor of Science in psychology.

The PC experience was a blessing to me and provided a strong foundation to grow

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upon. It’s where I met my wife, Jen Folsom Shaddrix ’79, for starters. I am forever indebted to Coach Cally Gault ’48, Coach Bobby Strock and Coach Billy Tiller for giving me an opportunity and to the many other coaches, teammates, PIKA brothers, cadets, friends, and professors, particularly Col. (Ret.) Dewey Cameron and Dr. Claude H. Cooler for believing in me and providing the life lessons that would follow.

This group taught me that life is bigger than the self. The motto, “While We Live, We Serve,” was instilled from them while at PC and has taken on new importance over these many years and the years to come.

Greg Walker ’78 I was commissioned and served three years on active duty and three years in the Reserve. I served in the Army Corps of Engineers, and my rank was captain.

PC ROTC gave me the confidence and discipline to compete and win. It gave me the fundamentals to handle the challenges that come my way.

CLASS OF 1979 James Stanley (Stan) Couey ’79 I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1979 and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1999. The discipline, leadership training, and camaraderie I experienced as a cadet at PC helped prepare me for a military career that included two battery commands and one battalion command in the United States Army Field Artillery. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve our country for 20 years of active duty and then to pursue a second career in education with my math degree from PC and a subsequent master’s degree. I am currently in my 20th year at Trinity Christian School in Dublin, Ga., where I have taught math, coached numerous athletic teams and now serve as headmaster.

CLASS OF 1980 Richard M. Little ’80 I was commissioned on May 4, 1980. I served 20 years and reached the rank of major (O-4). PC ROTC provided the bedrock for how I conducted myself as an officer. Sgt. Maj. Lloyd Cain and Lt. Andrews served as role models who gave me motivation throughout my career.

CLASS OF 1982 Mike Smith ’82 I was very fortunate to take ROTC as a freshman and stick with it to commissioning. My coach told me to take it for the grade; little did I know it would lead to a wonderful 23-year career. I was extremely fortunate for my last posting in the Army to come back as the professor of military science and lead some outstanding young men and women. They are all senior majors now and leading great careers; which means two things: Presbyterian College prepared them well for success, and that I’m old.

CLASS OF 1983 Buddy Cheek ’83 I served nine years in the United States Army and Georgia Army National Guard as an Armor officer, earning the rank of captain.

The PC ROTC program allowed me to work with outstanding cadets who would later serve, some even giving their lives, for what we in the United States cherish and value so much from day to day. The discipline that was instilled while in the program and the confidence that comes from wearing the uniform have proven invaluable in many of the leadership roles I have held in my job and with many of the charitable organizations I have been associated with in the past. The time spent in ROTC and later in the Army and National Guard gave me that “can do” attitude that has helped me be so successful.

John Helman ’83 I served five years of active duty, reaching the rank of captain in Field Artillery. The ROTC cadre was outstanding at helping us to understand what we needed to be good leaders as Army officers. The program developed leadership and reinforced best practices as we were to embark on active duty service and beyond.

by that for 30 years plus. The ROTC staff at PC were outstanding, and they got me out of the gates at light speed: commissioned and graduated on the same day and a week later reported to Ft. Benning, Ga. with a full-time job and benefits and about to meet the world! (…and a great graduating class that was in May 1985!)

CLASS OF 1984

Edwin Patton Davis Jr. ’87, M.D. Col., US Air Force I served eight years in the Army National Guard and Reserve and 20 years in the Air Force on active duty as a physician. Lt. Col. Todd, the ROTC commander during most of my time at PC, really inspired me. The entire ROTC department was exceptional and provided great mentorship for all of us.

I’m fairly certain that had I gone to a larger school, I may have never even graduated. I needed professors who knew me personally and were willing to hold me accountable.

Plus, the educators at PC were the most gifted I’ve seen — remarkable since I’ve taken classes at the University of Tennessee and the University of South Carolina.

After my ROTC scholarship payback in the Army, I went to medical school at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Frankly, I owe my entire career to PC and the ROTC department.

Ed Morris ’84 I was commissioned a second lieutenant, Armor Branch in 1984. I reached the rank of colonel and served in the Army from 1984 to 2011. During a 27-year career, my wife, Simone Clark Morris ’85; children, Sean and Haylee; and I served the Army at more than 15 duty locations around the world, including deployments to Desert Storm, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Kuwait and Iraq.

Who knew ROTC would prepare me for a career in the military by training me to lead and instilling the importance of teamwork and service to others that I carried with me throughout my career and still today?

Through PC, I learned leadership skills and a lifetime of valuable career skills. I will always be indebted to PC and the ROTC program as I was able to travel the world and learn from many different cultures and counties… I will always be a Blue Hose!!

CLASS OF 1985 Harry F. “Pete” Petersen IV ’85 I served from 1985 to 1988 in the 82nd Airborne Division, 3/505 PIR as a first lieutenant.

It was my junior year when I committed to the U.S. Army and the Presbyterian College ROTC program. It was the first time I had any focus or any idea of what I was going to do with my life. I now had a direction and a purpose for sure, and it was another step toward just growing up. It was the first time in my life I had ownership of where I was going: real responsibility and accountability lay ahead of me. During those last two years of college, I learned and understood what “servant leadership” meant, and I have lived

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CLASS OF 1987

Lt. Col. Mason Kerr ’87 I served 28 years in the United States Army Reserve in the Adjutant General branch. When I enrolled at PC, I had no idea that I would become a member of our Armed Forces, but after accepting an ROTC scholarship freshman year, part of my future was set.

The ROTC experience prepared me for leadership and service with the planning, training and executing we were tasked with. I remember the ROTC students were planning one of the Thursday labs, and I was selected to conduct training on military hardware. I had to develop the training, present the training to the leadership and carry out the instruction during the lab. I

remember going out to the PKA house and presenting my class to John Bozard for him to sign off on my class. Years later I ran into John at the clothing store on Fort Jackson. I believe ROTC training developed a natural skill set that I have. Once I became involved in ROTC, I felt a calling to serve.

CLASS OF 1988 James Kennedy ’88 I served 26 years as both Air Defense Artillery then Multifunctional Logistician.

In 2014, I retired as a colonel. The ROTC program, and PC as a community, instilled heritage through the many honored alumni and their service. The cadre demonstrated and focused on the values of duty, loyalty, respect, honor, selfless service and personal courage before these were codified as Army values. The motto of Dum Vivimus Servimus not only applies to serve one’s country, but as a leader living by the values and serving subordinates ensuring they have the best training while caring for them and their families.

CLASS OF 1990 David Landrum Padgett ’90 I was commissioned as a second lieutenant from the PC ROTC program in 1990. I served 30 years in the United States Army Reserves and was awarded the “Legion of Merit” for 30 years of exemplary services.

The Highlander Battalion helped me gain an understanding of the importance of developing professional relationships with other officers, NCOs and soldiers.

Because of my time in the Highlander ROTC Battalion, I never shied away from getting my hands dirty, helping soldiers with the tasks at hand or taking on challenging assignments. I knew while going through the ROTC program that I had it in me to be a good officer and do great things during my service. I never gave up my desire to serve my country or the men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

CLASS OF 1991

Maj. Gen. George Lafayette Mabry Jr. ’40

Col. John T. Gentry Jr. ’91 I was commissioned a second lieutenant in Field Artillery in 1991 and continue to serve 27 years later. Currently, I serve the Georgia National Guard as chief of joint staff. The PC ROTC program ignited a warrior mindset in me that fuels my service to our nation, my state and the community I serve. The established Army values are the bedrock of my leadership philosophy.

George Lafayette Mabry Jr. ’40 played baseball and participated in ROTC at Presbyterian College before being commissioned as an officer in the U. S. Army. He eventually rose to the rank of major general and became one of the most highly decorated soldiers of all time. Mabry earned the Medal of Honor, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon any American, for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty,” according to the award citation.

Mabry was a colonel in 1944, when he was commanding the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, in an attack through the Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany. During the early phases of the assault, the leading elements of his battalion were halted by a minefield and immobilized by heavy hostile fire.

Mabry advanced alone into the mined area and established a safe route of passage. He then moved ahead of the scouts who were closest in rank and personally led the attack until he was confronted by a boobytrapped obstacle.

With the scouts’ help, he disconnected the explosives and cut a path through the wire. After moving through the opening, he found three enemies in foxholes and captured them with his bayonet. Mabry drove steadily forward.

He paced the assault against three log bunkers, which housed automatic weapons. He raced up a slope ahead of his men and found the first bunker deserted. He pushed on to the second and was confronted by nine on-rushing enemies. He knocked down one adversary with the butt of his rifle. He bayoneted a second before his scouts helped him overcome the others in hand-to-hand combat.

Accompanied by the riflemen, Mabry charged the third bunker under pointblank small-arms fire. He led the way into the fortification and prodded six enemies at bayonet point.

After consolidating the area, Mabry led his battalion across 300 yards of fire-swept terrain to seize elevated ground. There, he established a defensive position that provided his regiment a firm foothold on the approach to the Cologne Plain. Mabry’s superlative courage, daring, and leadership in an operation of major importance exemplify the finest characteristics of the military service.

Mabry ultimately earned the rank Major General and also received the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star. The war hero was memorialized recently when a portion of South Carolina highway in Sumter County was named The Maj. Gen. George L. Mabry Jr. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Memorial Highway.

CLASS OF 2009 Shelby Whitlow ’09 I was commissioned into the Ordnance Corps, medically retired as a company commander after eight years of service, and served two combat tours to Iraq. My highest award during service was the Bronze Star.

The ROTC program at PC ensured that I was better prepared to enter active military service than my peers from other schools. The program not only focused on my core soldier skills but my problem-solving skills as well. I learned to think quickly on my feet and assess anything that was thrown at me in the military and my daily life from the teachers in the classrooms, as well as the cadre in the ROTC program. PC went a step further and ensured that my knowledge was broad across multiple subjects with diverse courses and extracurricular activities. The culture at PC also helped me learn the importance of perseverance and courage to pursue my goals in life and never give up. It is because of that culture and leadership experiences in the ROTC program at PC that I have had the confidence and knowledge to start my own successful company upon leaving the military. n

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REMEMBERING A

NATIONAL TREASURE

F

ifteen years have passed since Capt. Kimberly Hampton ’98 was killed in Fallujah, Iraq, defending her country. Still, she remains in the hearts and minds of those close to the ROTC program and beyond. Last year, NASCAR honored Hampton when Kyle Larson’s car carried her name during the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend. The U.S. Department of Defense honored Hampton by naming its new school at Fort Bragg, N.C., Kimberly Hampton Primary School. Approximately 800 kindergarten and first-grade students attend the school.

And during the ROTC Commissioning Ceremony each year, a junior Highlander Battalion cadet who personifies hard work, courage, leadership and honor to school and country is presented with the Kimberly Hampton Leadership Award.

Hampton’s life continues to serve as an inspiration for all that she accomplished as a student, student-athlete, ROTC cadet and captain in the U.S. Army. A few of those who knew Hampton share their thoughts on the national treasure who remains in our hearts and minds.

THE STUDENT “Kimberly took my American Renaissance class during her last semester here at PC, and it took all of one class period for me to tall in love with her smile. Hers was a smile that hugged people; it was the smile of someone filled with joie de vivre. We clicked right away, and I loved teasing her about being so perfect.

After reading about her acing another tennis match, after handing her back yet another ‘A’ paper, I’d say, ‘You’re getting to be monotonous, Kim!’ And that beautiful smile would light up the room.

“She was more Renaissance than Shakespeare. She’d come to class one day wearing her Fellowship of Christian Athletes shirt; come in the next day carrying her tennis racquet and

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guzzling from her squirt bottle to cool down from practice; and show up the next day in her Army fatigues, combat boots shining. I’d say, ‘What’s the persona gonna be tomorrow, Kim?’ And there went that smile again.” - Dr. Dean Thompson, the Mary H. Edmunds and de Saussure Davis Edmunds Professor of English

STUDENT-ATHLETE “Kimberly and I were doubles partners her senior year.

We spoke the same language and communicated almost 100% without saying a word. It was really amazing. During spring break of her senior and my freshman year, we went to California to play four matches against highly ranked schools, including UC-Davis. We were underdogs for the whole trip.

“Kimberly got sick during the trip. In true Kimberly fashion, she didn’t let it keep her from playing. It took more than a cold and flu bug to stop Kimberly. We stepped out on the court that day, looked at each other in our unspoken language way, and she never wavered. I refused to let her down because I knew she would never let me down. She went out there sick as a dog.

“I told her I would do everything possible, not to move unless the ball came to her, to just go for broke and hope we came out on the other end. We started the match and went up 3-0 quickly. She did exactly what she needed to do. She was

NATIONAL TREASURE “None of her soldiers were hesitant about following her into combat. They were all confident in her leadership ability. She was a person who loved life, who loved doing her job, was very professional, and excited about being a scout pilot. She was the kind of person people gravitated to — a natural leader.” - Maj. Mark Teixeira. The squadron executive officer who worked with Kimberly for a year and a half at Fort Bragg and in Afghanistan

so strategic and smart that even in a moment where most would quit, she was hyper-focused.

“We looked at each other when we were up 5-2 like, ‘Okay, this is really happening? We are kicking their butts.’ Neither one of us said a word. We just finished the drill and won 8-2 against one of the top-ranked teams in the nation like it was no big deal. We did it all with me as a true freshman and Kimberly sicker than sick.

“That was Kimberly. She never quit. She never let anyone see if she was hurting when it mattered most or it was on the line. Definition of true leadership. Because she was this way, others followed.

“Looking back, it is so much clearer what her leadership would mean and meant at the time. Some people are born to lead. She was one of them. She brought out the best in everyone she encountered. Naturally. She led by example and was selfless in doing so.” - Clayton McGee ’01, Kimberly’s teammate and regional sales manager with Neos Therapeutics

BATTALION COMMANDER “There was a certain look that she could give her peers — and even people over her — that basically said, ‘You guys are embarrassing me. Straighten this out.’ It was a look that told you that you weren’t measuring up to the standards she set for herself and everyone else. She didn’t have to say a word.

“Everything about her, from her uniform to her mannerisms, was always that of a seasoned officer. It was like dealing with a mid-career captain when she was just a cadet.

Her instincts were just that good. She just knew what to say, what to do, and where to be. It seemed to just come naturally to her.” - Lt. Col. (Ret.) Larry Mulhall, Hampton’s professor of military science and current chief of police at PC

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“After she graduated, Kimberly volunteered to be a class agent working with the Annual Fund. Many times we have to really ask people to do fundraising, but she volunteered. She did everything that we asked of her no matter where she was in the world. She even planned some of her trips home so she could attend alumni board meetings.

Every time she went to a new assignment, she would email me about how excited she was and how she loved what she was doing by flying helicopters for our country. She made sure that I was to let her know what she could do for PC no matter where she was. I always have referred to her as ‘the best of the best,’ and I feel more strongly about that now.

I met and became friends with her parents, Dale and Ann Hampton. When you know them, you know why Kimberly was such a great person. In my mind, she is one of the Blue Hose greats.” - Randy Randall ’75, executive director of Alumni Relations when Kimberly graduated and current chairman, South Carolina Public Service Commission n

FOREVER BLUE HOSE: JOE NIXON ’62

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oe Nixon was a student at PC from 1958 through 1962. Then, all freshman and sophomore males who were physically able were required to take ROTC. Mandatory daily drills in ranks and uniform at 8 a.m. and before regular classes were part of being a PC student.

Although ROTC was mandatory, the experience prepared Nixon to be the leader he would become.

“Military discipline was designed to test and refine certain aspects of character in order to prepare us for leadership,” he said.

Nixon played on the Blue Hose football team too and was a member of the 1960 personal courage were consistent with leadership qualities Tangerine Bowl team. required in my job at PC,” Nixon said.

While serving as admission director, Nixon earned his He was also a captain on the 1961 team master’s degree in student personnel services and higher education at the University of South Carolina. during his senior year.

He continued to serve in the Army National Guard, Nixon completed eventually rising to the rank of brigadier general. Nixon’s ROTC requirements and then received a military service spanned 28 years.

In 1977, Nixon became dean of students, a position he commission as second lieutenant in the Army would hold for 25 years. “Action Joe,” as the students dubbed in 1963. He went on him in a comic strip in the 1981 PaC SaC, served the College to serve as a company during long evenings at student events, early morning commander at Fort discipline sessions, countless staff meetings and honor council Benning, Ga. He events.

Jean Brock, Nixon’s mother-in-law, established the Bessie thought about extending his Army career, but instead returned to PC as an assistant football coach and head track coach Copeland Nixon Scholarship Fund in 1992 to help students in the ROTC program while also honoring Nixon and his when Assistant Coach Billy Tiller offered him the positions.

After coaching for four years, Nixon began serving the mother.

In 1996, Nixon retired after a 28-year military career from College as an administrator when he accepted the call to become admission director. Those early morning drills and the South Carolina Army National Guard with the rank of ROTC courses prepared Nixon for his coaching and director Brigadier General. He continued his work at PC and was positions.

“Though I probably didn’t “I have been blessed to find and refine my true strengths within the context of recognize or live up to them at the time, Army core values of two institutions where I learned by discipline and example.” ­– Joe Nixon ’62 loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and

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named PC’s vice president of student life and dean of students in 2001. He held the position for two years until his retirement.

In 2002, the South Carolina College Personnel Association honored Nixon by establishing the Joseph O. Nixon Award for Chief Student Affairs Professionals. The award is presented annually to a college or university professional who has made outstanding contributions to his or her campus and to the field of student affairs has shown a commitment to students and has demonstrated leadership for student professionals in South Carolina.

Also in 2002, Nixon’s wife, Mica, and their children, Tracie ’89 and Bryant, honored Nixon’s leadership qualities by establishing the Joseph O. Nixon Leadership Award.

The award recognizes a graduating senior who, over the course

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of his or her PC education, has demonstrated superior qualities of leadership on behalf of the College community.

Nixon was inducted into PC’s ROTC Hall of Fame in 2011.

PC bestowed the title vice president of student life and dean of students emeritus for his loyal service to the College in 2013.

“I have been blessed to find and refine my true strengths within the context of two institutions where I learned by discipline and example,” Nixon said. n

Q&A WITH

CODY MITCHELL ’11 From ROTC Battalion Commander to Student Body President to Board of Trustee Member

“I don’t think I would be where I am today without PC. I don’t think that I would have probably made it into law school as quickly as I did. PC provided me the opportunity to be SGA president, KA president, battalion commander of ROTC, but more importantly, it provided me great friendships.” ­– Cody Mitchell ’11

C

ody Mitchell graduated cum laude from PC and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Army in 2011. Mitchell served as student body president, ROTC battalion commander, and president of Kappa Alpha Order before earning a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Today, Mitchell serves as an attorney at Lucas, Warr, White, & Mitchell in Hartsville, S.C., and as a judge advocate in the S.C. Army National Guard. He also serves as the municipal judge for the town of Bethune and city of Hartsville, both located in S.C. Mitchell talks about how ROTC and PC prepared him for law school and his career.

Q. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE IN ROTC? A. ROTC is one of the main reasons that I ended up at

Presbyterian College. Prior to probably the early spring semester of my senior year in high school and seeing the sign on I-26, I didn’t know anything about Presbyterian College.

One of my high school classmates, Jeff Brown, who’s also a graduate of PC, had already applied to PC and had been accepted. He received an ROTC scholarship, and he talked to Mike Smith about me. Mr. Smith was the professor of military science at the time and reached out to me.

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My mom and I went to Clinton the Monday after to visit PC on a rainy, dreary Clinton day, and we loved it. She loved it because it reminded her of a bigger version of Tusculum, which is located in her hometown. Also, we were welcomed like none other by the people of PC. ROTC is the whole reason that the Cody Mitchell / Presbyterian College story even exists.

Q. DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME YOU WERE PUT IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION IN THE ROTC PROGRAM? A. It was my sophomore year. We won the Ranger Challenge

for the Southeast ROTC program, which was a big deal. The Ranger Challenge is a weekend competition at Fort Jackson.

We competed against 13 or 15 other schools, and we won. I think it’s about eight or 10 events over a weekend afternoon and ending Sunday mid-morning. And we were able to win, which was a big deal for little PC to be able to beat the big schools. And I think that was probably the first time that people like Taylor Duren ’08, Corey Wynn ’08 and I were actually put in leadership roles. You trained, and you practiced, and you did different things all the time. We were doing this all while competing against senior cadets.

Q. HOW DID ROTC MAKE YOU A BETTER Q. WHO AT PC INFLUENCED YOU? A. I don’t think I would be where I am today without PC. STUDENT OVERALL? A. ROTC is an opportunity, but you have to reach certain I don’t think that I would have probably made it into law benchmarks. You do PT three times a week. You would normally be up about 5:30 or 6 a.m., you would do whatever the exercises were that day, and you would run. And then, of course, depending on the week, you’d have ROTC class two or three days a week. You knew that you had a certain GPA that you had to maintain, and your grades go into what they call accessions.

When you are a junior, you go to your summer camp out at Fort Lewis. You come back, they rate you amongst all the other ROTC cadets that had graduated that year, and that determines what your job is going to be. And you get to rate the different branches of the service, the infantry, or whatever, and your grade played a big part in that. So not only do you have your scholarship to worry about, but you have the rest of your military life depending on it. If you do better, it’s going to put you in a better position to actually get the branch (job) you want.

I know people I served with who were probably not great students normally, and when they got in ROTC, you could see a direct change, and they’re still serving and excelling and making PC proud. And I think if you talked to them, they would say that ROTC has a lot to do with it.

Q. WHAT HAS ALLOWED YOU TO EXCEL IN YOUR CAREER? A. It was instilled in me by my family long ago that the

most important thing that you could do is help somebody.

My Papaw, who everybody’s always heard about, even though they might not have met him, told me years ago that the most important thing in life was not about how much money you made, but it was about how many people you helped and how many friends you had. You normally got your friends from helping people. When you are an old man sitting on your rocking chair looking back at your life, you won’t think, “It’d be good to have some money” because you won’t remember the money. You’d remember the friendships you had, the people you helped, and people who helped you.

That’s really what mattered. I guess it goes back to Dum Vivimus Servimus with PC. That’s what matters, or at least it does to me.

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school as quickly as I did. PC provided me the opportunity to be SGA president, KA president, battalion commander of ROTC, but more importantly, it provided me great friendships. PC provided me one of my best friends. I’d say more than that; it provided me a brother. I’m an only child, but my brother is Brian Barnwell ’06. Brian has always been there when I needed him and without PC, I probably wouldn’t know him.

Mitchell Spearman ’03 is another one. Even though we weren’t at PC at the same time, we had the PC connection, and he has always helped me and has always supported me.

Dean Thompson, of course. How can you say anything about PC without talking about Dean Thompson? Dr. Hobbie was very supportive. Leni Patterson ’83 always makes me look good and gets me involved. Randy Randall ’75 is a great guy, and it’s always good to see him around.

I still remember every morning going into Jacobs Hall.

Mrs. Virginia Vance would be walking around campus, and I always stopped to speak to her. If you’re running late for class, what better excuse than to say, “I’m sorry, but I was talking to Mrs. Vance”? Or Mrs. Ellie Campbell, who was always with Mrs. Vance and always made a big deal if I was around. Ms. Emily Bailey also was very involved in PC. And then I would go down to GDH to find Johnny, who worked at GDH for who knows how long. Johnny always took care of me, and still does when I’m up there. And Ms. Lula Bell, who made me sandwiches all the time and tried to doctor me up if I was still feeling a little poorly in the mornings. Also, you can never forget the maintenance guys, Pork Chop and Ricky Hess, who always welcome you with a smile and ol’ Ricky even played a number of fraternity parties at the ol’ KA house.

If I didn’t mention Ginger Crocker, I would be flogged, but Ginger has always looked out for me. I was lucky enough to be adopted as one of her PC children. I don’t get to see her quite as much as either one of us would like, but she’s always been very good to me. Without PC, I would not be the person I am today. n

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COLLEGE LIFE AS A STUDENT CADET

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n an early, cold Thursday morning, Army ROTC Battalion Commander Brendon Mitchell ’19 and Company Commander Emma Shaw ’20 head to PC’s campus to meet fellow cadets in the basement of Jacobs Hall for physical training.

Mitchell and Shaw work closely together in their respective leadership roles this year, which involves communicating and distributing information to cadets. (Information usually funnels down from Mitchell to Shaw).

Family, career ambitions, and a coincidental love of soccer led both Mitchell and Shaw to Army ROTC at PC, where they’ve learned leadership and more.

During the morning, Shaw is charged with knowing who is present, a role she likens to real-life scenarios soldiers are faced with in the military. “(It) transitions into when we graduate and into the Army,” she said. “You need to make sure you know where your soldiers are – if somebody’s sick or missing – you have accountability for them.”

After a few minutes, the group of cadets, dressed in their Army black and gold physical training (or PT) gear, step out of the bunker and onto the cool, wet grass near Alumni Green.

Few people are awake when cadets begin their workout shortly before 6 a.m. Aside from the occasional sound of the swishing of their joggers and jackets, the campus is quiet and still. The dark grounds are illuminated only by light poles and

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buildings, where exterior light fixtures illuminate columns and trees.

A cadet explains an exercise and begins to count in cadence, as the others echo.

“Pain is temporary. Pride is forever,” Mitchell recites to himself before the group takes a run through downtown Clinton.

BRENDON MITCHELL ’19 Senior Brendon Mitchell has always wanted to see how far he could run, how far he could go, and how far he could push himself.

In those times, when his physical endurance is tested, mantras like those above become more than thoughts. He repeats certain phrases out loud to help “push through the pain,” he says.

He remembers encouraging himself through a combat jump in full equipment during airborne school the summer of his sophomore year at Ft. Benning. It also helps when he’s training, especially during PT tests.

“I know that pain will stop sometime, but that pride you have of accomplishing your goal will always last and always be with you,” Mitchell said.

He’s not alone in feeling that pride.

In the past four years, he’s learned communication, management, leadership and teamwork. He shares the

ROTC lab, training and class.

Time management is another skill he has mastered due to those busy days. Managing goes hand-in-hand with his major and professional plans.

Mitchell, a business management major, says he’s learning through his classes how his actions and behaviors can influence others to accomplish a goal, whether it’s completing a task for a manager or submitting a business proposal on time.

The position of battalion commander at PC has been a chance for him to break out of his shy personality and put that influence to work. But he’s not barking orders. He reinforces that team spirit he’s honed since childhood.

It gives others a chance to work through challenges and communicate with each other, he says.

“Through these last four years and the opportunities that I’ve had,” Mitchell said, “I’ve reached a potential that I never knew I could in the military.”

experiences with other cadets, including Shaw.

Both had their first taste of teamwork with soccer, a sport the two have played since childhood.

Mitchell, who played in middle and high school, says the team structure was a large part of what led him to the military, along with his uncle, who served as a helicopter pilot in the Navy.

Growing up, his uncle’s stories of flying and seeing different states intrigued him.

A middle school class project helped him ultimately decide on a career in the military.

The assignment involved Mitchell finding a career path he thought he’d want to pursue, and he discovered it one day flipping through a military magazine in class.

“I came across an article of an Army Ranger captain talking about his experience going to Halo or another specialized school, how he had to push himself,” he said. “It just really interested me. I researched more and, at that point, I really wanted to do something in the military.”

Mitchell was 16 then. When the college search rolled around, he only applied to institutions with Army ROTC programs. A friend from his high school near Charlotte, N.C., went to PC for soccer, so Mitchell added PC to his list.

“Touring the campus and talking to the PMS (professor of military science) helped me make my decision,” he said.

The campus is now Mitchell’s home and where he begins those early PT mornings that transition into 8 a.m. classes and afternoons full of time with friends and activities and, of course,

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EMMA SHAW ’20 Emma Shaw decided to join ROTC around Christmas of her sophomore year. She joined for a lot of different reasons, she says, but most of it had to do with looking at her future.

She wanted to graduate and jump into a career she believed made a difference or mattered. Many students see the medical field as the answer. A career in medicine was her original plan, too.

After connecting with Capt. Brian Casey, assistant professor of military science, during a career day in Neville Hall, she found the career opportunities she wanted in the military.

“That was really my biggest reason for joining, and I don’t regret it one bit,” Shaw said. “There’s never been a day I’ve regretted the decision even when we’re running during PT. It’s tough, but, at the end of the day, it feels like it’s worth it.”

Originally from Canton, Ga., Shaw came to PC on an athletic scholarship to play soccer. She remembers starting college not knowing what to do and joking about possibly changing her major during the team’s study hall.

“Every other week I’d say, ‘OK. I’m a history major. I’m a political science major,’” she said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I have always been interested in biology.”

When she decided on the major, she had to double-up on biology and chemistry courses. By the end of her freshman

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year, she started to find a direction.

Her goal off the field? After commissioning at the end of her senior year, she plans to branch medical service and apply to the Army’s Interservice Physician Assistant Program.

She was introduced to the career path after one of her friends mentioned to her his aunt was a physician assistant in the Navy.

“I’d never really thought about the Army or any military branch needing those positions. But of course, they do,” she said.

The only family connection Shaw has to the military is a step-brother at West Point.

After talking with her friend and learning more, she decided to take Casey’s advice from the career day: coming to lab or PT and experiencing the life of a cadet.

After participating, she called her mom and told her she wanted to join. With the support of her family, cadre and soccer coaches, she’s been able to continue to be a cadet and play the sport she calls her passion.

“Everybody has their thing,” Shaw said. “Soccer has always been my stress relief. Some of my teammates are my best friends. Now that I’m in ROTC, I feel like I’m a better cadet because I play soccer, and I’m a better player because I’m a cadet.”

Both are about teamwork and leadership, she said.

“As a leader, you’re trying to make the people on your team better. You’re trying to create other leaders. The better your team is, the better you’re going to do as a whole.”

After a Thursday morning workout, she joined her fellow cadets for breakfast. During the season, there’s admittedly a bit of a juggling act that goes on with ROTC, classes and soccer — including extra workouts and weightlifting.

But her professors, specifically her adviser, Dr. Ronald Zimmerman, sit with her each semester to figure out how she’ll tackle her requirements. The supportive environment at PC is similar to how she describes the ROTC program.

Just as you “never walk into GDH and meet a stranger,” she says fellow cadets become more than that, they are best friends.

And Shaw, who is one of only two female cadets in the program at PC, said she seldom thinks about that difference.

There are other women from Lander University and Newberry College in the New Highlander Battalion she sees once or twice a week. She also reiterated all of the cadets encourage her.

It could be heard as soon as she breezed in after the 3-mile run during PT that morning: “Good job, Shaw.” n

Stephen Frey Major Gifts Officer 864.833.8462 smfrey@presby.edu

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Your Alumni Board

Jon Baggett ’99 Stephanie Barksdale '13 Brian Barnwell '06 BoBo Beasley '78, President Lindsay Bickerstaff '90 Heather Boger '01 Karlie Cain '14 Danny Charles '65 Rob Coleman '11 Adam Cresswell '00 Harry Croxton '89 Ruddy Deas '66 Vaughan Dozier '03 Rad Free '69 Emily Grigg '03, Secretary Dan Hartley '69 Mary Frances Hartman '99 Shannon Herman '02 Kathryn Hix '00, President-Elect Sarah Hughes ’99 Jessica Jetton '99 Ashby Jones '95 Butch Kirven '69 Isaiah Lynn '15 Lewis Masters '84 Cody Mitchell '08 Jim Morton '76 Floyd Michael Nicholson '14 Weston Nunn ’07 Randy Randall '75 Jeremy Ransom '98 Brittany Reese '07 Emily Skinner '07 Brad Spearman '85, BOT Representative Felicia Stovall ’06 Amy Tinsley '08 Jim Todd ’09 Chuck Toney '85 Amy Warner '86 Joe Wideman ’13 Ashley Williams '95 Stephen Woods '90 Anne Worrell ’01 Jack Zeigler '79, Chair ROTC Alumni Council

It is an honor for me to serve as chair of the Army ROTC Alumni Council, especially during this 100-year anniversary of the ROTC program at Presbyterian College. As you well know, PC has a rich tradition of military service, producing a Medal of Honor recipient, 18 General Officers and countless company and field grade officers who are now leaders in the Army and in their respective communities. Military service reflects the PC motto, “While We Live, We Serve.”

Military service is an honorable profession and consistently one of the top five highly regarded professions in the United States. As an ROTC alumnus and retired military officer, I am proud to be affiliated with a strong program and knowing that future cadets will learn, train and grow into “Inspired Leaders for Life” through our alma mater’s program.

We invite you to attend this year’s Commissioning Ceremony on Friday, May 10 at 2 p.m. in Edmunds Hall to witness the commissioning of our new second lieutenants and celebrate the induction of Col. John Gentry in the PC ROTC Hall of Fame. I hope that you enjoy this edition of the PC Magazine which celebrates some of our most outstanding soldiers and alumni.

In the Spirit of PC,

Col. (Ret) Jack Zeigler Jr., USA ’79 Chair, ROTC Alumni Council The Alumni Association currently has five active alumni chapters. Below is a list of the chapters and contact information for the chapter presidents in case you’d like to know more or want to volunteer. Check out chapter Facebook pages for information about upcoming events.

Chapter Presidents: Atlanta Chapter: Jessica Jetton ’99 atlantapcalumni@gmail.com Charleston Chapter: Haley Harper Kelly ’09 charlestonpcalumni@gmail.com Charlotte Chapter: Joni Bratton Holmes ’08 charlottepcalumni@gmail.com Greenville Chapter: Diana Hofer Tiller ’97 greenvillepcalumni@gmail.com Midlands Chapter: Josh Hinson ’11 midlandspcalumni@presby.edu For information about the Office of Alumni Relations, visit our website. www.presby.edu/alumni Executive Director of Alumni Relations: Leni Neal Patterson ’83 Email: lpatters@presby.edu Office Phone: 864-833-8284

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Classnotes Forever Loyal Blue Hose

CLASS OF 1964

CLASS OF 1972

Buddy Barnwell ’64 was presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. Buddy currently serves as a senior partner at Horger, Barnwell & Reid in Orangeburg and specializes in civil litigation, personal injury, workers compensation, insurance law and products liability. He served as a special assistant to the South Carolina Legislative Council from 1965 to 1967, chief clerk at the Lawyer’s Title Insurance Company from 1965 to 1967, and a page at the South Carolina State Senate from 1964 to 1967. He served on the board of directors of the Orangeburg County Public Defender Corp. from 1969 to 1972, on the advisory board of the South Carolina Workers Compensation Commission in 1980, and as a member of the Orangeburg Human Affairs Communications from 1975 to 1978.

He was on the board of directors of the Jolley Acres Nursing Home from 1975 to 1988 and the Orangeburg Association of Retarded Citizens from 1976 to 1986. Barnwell was additionally a member of Orangeburg City Council from 2001 to 2017.

Julia Robertson Barnes ’72 was elected to the Anderson County School District Two Board of Trustees on Tues., Nov. 6, 2018.

CLASS OF 1969

CLASS OF 1985

Mike LeFever ’69 is serving as interim president and executive director of the South Carolina Commission of Higher Education (CHE).

For over 10 years, Mike served as president and CEO of South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. Prior to that, he was a principal in MG&C Consulting Services, LLC. He has served as the director of four different state agencies, including 13 years as the executive director of the Workers’ Compensation Commission and as deputy chief of staff for Executive Office Programs and Cabinet Affairs in the administration of Gov. Jim Hodges. CHE Chairman Wes Hayes noted, “Mike has the administrative experience and knowledge of higher education needed to keep the Commission moving forward.

Over the years, he has earned the respect of the Legislature and the education community, and I look forward to working with him in tackling important education issues facing our state.”

Chuck Toney ’85 is now the executive director of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. Chuck brings to the Food Bank extensive experience in communications, marketing and leadership. He comes to the Food Bank from Jackson Spalding, Georgia’s largest independent marketing communications agency, where he served as a senior communications strategist. Prior to working with Jackson Spalding, Chuck worked for almost 20 years in higher education communications and senior administration, including service as assistant to two University of Georgia presidents.

CLASS OF 1981 PC celebrates retirement The Rev. James Broome ‘81 celebrated retirement as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force at Robins AFB, Ga., September 2018. He currently serves as a therapist at the Atlanta VA Hospital. Three of his four sons currently serve in the U.S. Air Force.

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CLASS OF 1984 Cheryl Funderburk Maner ’84, a newcomer to the city of Columbus, Miss., has been selected to lead Heritage Academy’s development program. Cheryl has been hired to fill the position at the K4-12 college prep school and began her duties December 2018. Through her former position with the Pickens County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, she applied for grants on behalf of Clemson University, and she has written grants for The Friends of Fort Dobbs in North Carolina.

She also has experience reviewing grants for the U.S. Department of Education. Cheryl and her husband, Robert, have a son, Parker, who is an 11th grade student at Heritage Academy. They attend First United Methodist Church in Columbus.

CLASS OF 1991

CLASS OF 1998

Daniel McKinnon ’91 has been named executive vice president of exhibitions and events for MHI in Charlotte, N.C. He brings over 27 years of experience in show management to MHI. His most recent role was vice president of Global Client Solutions at FreemanXP.

Rick Green ’98 has been named the new commissioner of banking for South Carolina. Rick has served his entire career with the State Board of Financial Institutions, the agency charged with chartering, examining and regulating South Carolina state-chartered banks and credit unions. Since graduation from PC, Rick has completed corporate and executive leadership development programs with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. He also completed Graduate School of Bank Investments and Financial Management with the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.

CLASS OF 1992 Flori Chastain Pate ’92 has been named the 2018 News 13 Person of the Year for her work feeding the homeless in Asheville, N.C. She is the founder of Food Connection, a nonprofit that links restaurants with too much food to folks who don’t have enough. This effort has recently expanded to both Black Mountain and Charlotte, N. C. Since it started, Food Connection has rescued more than 70,000 restaurant-quality meals that otherwise might have been thrown away and has given to those in need.

CLASS OF 1996 Jay Cummings ’96 moved from Dallas, Texas, to Buford, Ga., and is now a senior sales director for Gilead Sciences. His wife, Hope, is a teacher for Gwinnett County Department of Education. They have twin girls, Polly and Dylan, who are involved in school and sports.

CLASS OF 1997 Charlie Barrineau ’97 has left the city of Greenwood, S.C., after 18 years where he has served as city manager to take on a new position in Columbia, as field services manager with the Municipal Association of South Carolina.

Robin Billington Boren ’97 is now senior vice president of finance and treasurer for Southern Company. In this role, Robin leads the Southern Company’s investor relations, corporate finance, business assurance, and risk management groups. Southern Company is nationally recognized as a leading energy company.

Robin has served as chief financial officer and treasurer for Gulf Power since October 2017, after serving as president of Pivotal Home Solutions since 2012. She joined then-AGL Resources in 2009 as assistant treasurer. Prior to joining AGL, Robin served as director of capital markets origination for SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Inc. She earned her MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Ginny Cobb Wages ’97, along with students at Arcado Elementary School in Gwinnett County, have raised $50,000 for #RecessforAll. Started by 10-year-old Zeph Everson, #RecessForAll’s mission is to create inclusive playgrounds for all students including shade for those who cannot be in the sun; playgrounds with no boundaries for those with vision challenges or those who use walkers or wheelchairs.

The goal is for there to be play equipment that all children can use regardless of size and mobility as well as equipment for those with sensory needs, anxiety, language and social challenges.

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CLASS OF 2001 The Rev. Amos Jerman Disasa ’01 has been named senior pastor and head of staff at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Texas. Amos and his wife, Sarah ’01, recently lived in Columbia, S.C., where he was co-pastor at Downtown Church, a new PC(USA) church that chartered in 2014 and has doubled in size under Amos’ leadership.

Prior to Downtown Church, Amos served as associate pastor at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia. Amos and Sarah have two children, son Abraham (9) and daughter Shepherd (7).

Tanisha Jenkins ’01 was named to Knoxville’s (Tenn.) prestigious 40 Under 40 list for her work at the University of Tennessee. She serves as the director of the Frieson Black Cultural Center through the Office of Multicultural Student Life, a position she has held since 2012. Her goal is to promote academic success, leadership development and equality for all students at UT. In 2015, she was awarded the first Tanisha L. Jenkins Beacon of Light Award by a group of her students. She serves as a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters, past president of the Southern Association for College Student Affairs, is a member of Knoxville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, was named the UTK chapter of the NAACP staff member of the year in 2017, and in May of 2019, will complete her Ph.D.

CLASS OF 2002 David Kinman ’02, an attorney with Butler Snow, has been listed in Birmingham Business Journals 2018 Rising Stars of Law as an up-and-coming lawyer in the Birmingham, Ala., metro area under the age of 40. Honorees were chosen based on their contributions to their firms, involvement in their communities and potential to shape the industry and Birmingham legal community for the future. David is a member of Butler Snow’s finance and real estate group and business services group. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers® for commercial finance law, by Chambers USA for banking and finance, and is AV-Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell®. David is a member of the Alabama State Bar, the Birmingham Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina.

Tyson Summers ’02 is leaving the University of Georgia, where he has been coaching since 2017, to be the defensive coordinator for the University of Colorado. Tyson was previously the head coach at Georgia Southern for two years.

CLASS OF 2004 Kyle Coker ’04 was inducted into the Colleton County High School Hall of Fame. Kyle played soccer for Walterboro High School from 1996 to 1999 and was named three-time All-Region (1997, 1998, 1999) and was a four-year varsity letterman. Across his career, he scored 132 total points, 47 goals and recorded 38 assists – leading him to hold the all-time record for points scored. In addition, he was honored with the Offensive Leadership Award (1997-99). He was a three-year starter on the Bulldog football team (1996-98) and was the kicker for 1997 Bulldog state championship team. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to Presbyterian College and would return home, where he coached soccer at Colleton County High School (2009-12) and remains active as a volunteer coach.

CLASS OF 2005 Bryan Jones ’05 was recognized among “10 Who Make a Difference” regarding his work with agriculture in St. Johns County, Fla. He manages his 1000-acre farm and business, alongside his father, with green beans and potatoes as the major crops. Bryan says his mission is to use agriculture as a tool to give back to his community. He serves as the president of the Putnam-St. Johns County Farm Bureau and volunteers his time with St. Francis House which operates a soup kitchen and shelter. He has also been involved with having a seat on the St. Johns Soil and Water Conservation District; Farm Bureau Fruit and Vegetable Oversight Committee (a state board

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position); Northeast Florida Growers Exchange; chairman of the oversight committee for IFAS; St. Johns County Extension Overall Advisor Board; and secretary of the Friends of Agricultural Extension Foundation. Bryan and his wife, Burton, have two children, Carter and Cameron.

CLASS OF 2006 David McCuen IV ’06 has been named city manager for the city of Anderson. David has served Anderson as assistant city manager since November 2015. David holds a master’s degree in public administration from Clemson University. He served as city manager for the city of Abbeville prior to coming to Anderson. During his tenure in Abbeville, his achievements included the development of Abbeville’s first multi-year strategic plan, downtown revitalization projects, and infrastructure upgrades.

Since coming to Anderson, David has been instrumental in economic development projects such as the Home2Suites by Hilton hotel and the location of West Point Home offices in downtown. He has had a key role in public safety initiatives in the police and fire departments, ensuring equipment upgrades and efficient organizational structures. David has also guided the implementation of a financial capital planning model to position the city for long-term growth and continued fiscal health.

David is a graduate of the South Carolina Economic Development Institute and is currently enrolled in a professional development program facilitated by the International Economic Development Council. Lifelong residents of the Upstate, he and his wife, Elizabeth Ann McLean McCuen ’09, live in Anderson with their children, Woods and Blakely Ann.

CLASS OF 2011 Will Davis ’11 and wife, Haley, welcomed a daughter, Harper Dalton Davis, on July 14, 2018.

CLASS OF 2013

CLASS OF 2015

Grace Aldridge Foster ’13 earned her Master of Arts in English from Georgetown University in 2017.

In the summer of 2018, she launched her writing training and consulting firm, Bold Type LLC. The company offers team trainings, executive coaching, and writing and editing services.

Grace draws on her experience designing and teaching courses on concise writing to U.S. Special Forces teams and directing college writing centers (including PC’s). Bold Type is based in Washington, D.C., where Grace has lived since 2015.

Zada Hyatt ’15 earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy in August 2018. She is now living in Columbia and working at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital.

Grant Burnette LeFever ’13, a Columbia native, has joined Burnette Shutt & McDaniel as its newest associate. Grant plans to focus her legal practice on employment law, family law, education law and litigation. A 2018 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Grant earned CALI Awards for workers’ compensation law and legal research, analysis, and writing.

Those prestigious honors go to the student with the top grade in the class. She also holds a master’s degree in Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi, a degree she completed while also attending law school. She graduated cum laude from PC with a degree in English and history. Prior to becoming an attorney at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, she served for more than a year as the firm’s senior law clerk. She’s written the chapter on workers’ compensation for the upcoming fifth edition of “Labor and Employment Law for South Carolina Lawyers.”

She also served as assistant editor for the book, a publication of the South Carolina Bar.

CLASS OF 2014 Megan Schaff ’14 and Seth Moreland ’14 are living in Baltimore, Md., and working in medical device sales. Seth works for DePuy Synthes as an orthopedic trauma sales consultant and Megan currently works as a consumable product specialist for Advanced Sterilization Products.

Both companies are part of the Johnson & Johnson family.

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Ashtin Frank ’15 & Jay Lizanich ’15 were married on Nov. 10, 2018 at Glassy Chapel in Landrum, S.C. Ashtin currently works at PC as the director of college and advancement events, and Jay is the owner of Summit Wealth Advisors in Simpsonville, S.C.

CLASS OF 2016 Matthew P. Mitchell ’16 and Kelly M. Cichon ’17 Matthew P. Mitchell ’16 and Kelly M. Cichon ’17 wed on the Alumni Green on Aug. 18, 2018. The wedding was officiated by Dr. Stefan Wiecki, associate professor of history. Jamie ’86 and Suzy Mitchell ’87, parents of the groom, and their daughter, along with the bride’s parents and sister, plus long-time PC supporter Izzy Brooks, made up the entire wedding party. Matthew was awarded a Master of Letters with commendation in medieval and early modern studies from the University of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland in November. He is returning to the University of Aberdeen to pursue his Ph.D. in history.

CLASS OF 2017

October 19, 2018

PC School of Pharmacy

Three PC alumni inducted into T.L. Hanna High School Athletic Hall of Fame

Mark Kay ‘80 lettered in football and track in high school. His team won two conference championships and the Upper State Championship in 1974. In track, he helped his team win three state championships, throwing the shot and discus. He earned a scholarship to PC in football, where he was a three-year starter at tackle and lettered four years in track. He currently lives in Anderson, S.C. with his wife, Jana, and son, Brooke.

Zach Loftis ’99 lettered in football and tennis in high school. He earned All-Region for four years in tennis, was AAA State Player of the Year and represented his high school on the Junior Davis Dr. Chandler Adkins ’17 wed Dr. Justin Horne on May

Cup team. In football he was a punter and place kicker, earning

12, 2018, in North Augusta, S.C. Chandler is currently

honorable mention All-Region and All-State. He earned a tennis

working as the pharmacy manager at CVS in Aiken, S.C.

scholarship to PC, where he earned All-South Conference for two years and helped lead his team to the nationals during his junior and senior years. He lives on the Isle of Palms, S.C., with his wife,

CLASS OF 2017

Emily, and their three sons.

Ebun Terry ’17 was an inside sales executive with 2018 MLS Cup Champions Atlanta United. He has moved to Memphis to work with Tim Howard’s USL Championship team, Memphis

Dina Padgett Grant ’94 lettered in tennis for six years, including her seventh and eighth grade years. She earned All-Conference honors for four years, as well as an Upper State Championship in 1986. In 1987, she won a state championship, finishing with a team record of 15-0. She compiled a record of 130 wins and 20 losses, and in her junior and senior years was team captain and MVP. She earned a tennis scholarship to PC, where she earned AllConference in singles and doubles three years and was team captain her junior and senior years, as well. She was awarded the Lonnie McMillian Courage Award her senior year. After PC, she coached the girls’ and boys’ teams for three years at Greenville High School, earning Conference Coach of the Year in 1999. In 2009, was named Berkeley Middle School’s Teacher of the Year in Moncks Corner, S.C. She currently lives in Johnson City, Tenn., with her husband, Steve, and their five children.

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Build on the Promise.

Make a gift that will transform the future of Presbyterian College for generations to come. Give to PC this May on our annual Giving Day! Interested in learning more about ways you can make your mark on the future?

Contact us or visit our website for more information.

Amanda Dowdle ’14 Director of Annual Giving Office of Advancement 864.833.8228 adowdle@presby.edu

www.presby.edu/giving 42

In Memory of...

Robert Michael (Mike) Turner ’48 of Clinton, S.C., died December 15, 2018, at the age of 92.

Erving Weeks Boggs ’70 of Campobello, S.C., died February 6, 2019, at the age of 70.

Frank E. Walton ’48 of Simsbury, Conn., died February 23, 2019, at the age of 91.

Larry C. Duke ’69 of Hartsville, S.C., died September 15, 2018, at the age of 71.

John Holland Hunter ’49 of York, S.C., died October 22, 2018, at the age of 90.

Henry Joseph Dalla-Valle ’73 of Atlanta, Ga., died October 22, 2018, at the age of 67.

Philip Aaron Davis ’50 of Charlotte, N.C., died October 20, 2018, at the age of 90.

William G. (Bill) Besley ’86 of Columbia, S.C., died November 24, 2018, at the age of 54.

William Jessie Jolly ’50 of Denmark, S.C., died December 1, 2018, at the age of 93.

Donald Nathan (Nat) Hall ’87 of Blythewood, S.C., died January 4, 2019, at the age of 55.

Lonnie S. McMillian Jr. ’50 of Madison, Ala., died December 30, 2018, at the age of 90.

Wilder Grover Little ’51 of Marietta, Ga., died October 18, 2018, at the age of 88.

H. David Lindsey Jr. ’53 of Greenwood, S.C., died November 5, 2018, at the age of 87.

Benjamin Wilson Macmillan ’54 of Charleston, S.C., died December 17, 2018, at the age of 88.

Francis Robert Jackson ’56 of Charlotte, N.C., died October 16, 2018, at the age of 84.

COL (Ret.) Victor S. Vierra ’57 of Columbus, N.C., died October 14, 2018, at the age of 85.

John William Ledford ’58 of Charleston, S.C., died November 1, 2018, at the age of 87.

Lawrence Edmund Young ’58 of Clinton, S.C., died October 25, 2018, at the age of 82.

Dr. Earl C. Alford ’59 of Newberry, S.C., died January 15, 2019, at the age of 84.

Dr. Olice H. (Sonny) Embry ’59 of Columbus, Ga., died November 10, 2018, at the age of 81.

Norman D. (Sonny) King ’59 of Clinton, S.C., died February 18, 2019, at the age of 85.

Dorothy Chandler Pry ’59 of Greenville, S.C., died December 10, 2018, at the age of 81.

Barbara Rabb Stone ’66 of Marietta, S.C., died January 18, 2019, at the age of 93.

Dr. Charles H. Coker Marshall W. Brown Professor Emeritus of History

February 5, 2019

Professor Charles H. Coker served on the Presbyterian College faculty from 1967 to 1999. He held a Bachelor of Arts from Wofford College as well as both a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. Coker was recognized in 1977 with the Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award, in 1985 with the Outstanding Faculty Service Award, and in 1998 as PC Professor of the Year. His areas of expertise included European history, medieval history and British history. Coker is remembered fondly by many alumni as well as by both current and former members of the Department of History.

James W. Spradley Board of Trustees Emeriti

October 25, 2018 James Watson “Jim” Spradley passed away on Oct. 25, 2018, at his home in Eastman, Ga., at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn M.Spradley, and is survived by his children and grandchildren. Throughout his career, Jim gave of his time, talents and resources to many organizations, including Presbyterian College. Though not a graduate himself, his daughter, Meredith S. Spradley ‘86, his son-in-law, Jody Spradley ‘84, and his grandson, Tripp Spradley ‘12, all graduated from the PC; and his son, Jimmy, served on the Board of Trustees from 2009-2017. Jim and Marilyn were members of the Society of 1880 in the William Plumer Jacobs Society. In appreciation for their years of philanthropic support, Spradley Hall, housing for seniors, was named in honor of the Spradleys. Jim served as a valued member of the Board of Trustees for 31 years. In 2002, the College named Jim an honorary alumnus, bestowed upon him the title of Trustee Emeritus, and awarded him with an honorary doctor of commercial science degree.

“Jim Spradley was a true, long-time friend of Presbyterian College. Through his generous giving and his effective leadership on the Board of Trustees, he impacted the lives of hundreds of PC students, faculty and staff. We will always remember his kind, giving spirit and will be forever grateful for his generosity toward Presbyterian College,” said President Bob Staton.

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November 11, 2018 Dr. Charles T. Gaines began teaching music at PC in 1965, the first year the College became fully co-educational. He taught until 1998. Gaines led the development of the PC music program over the years with courses in music appreciation, theory, church music, conducting, piano and voice, choir, and music history. He became chair of the department of fine arts, which included art, music and drama, and later became chair of music when each arts area grew to become independent.

He founded a number of groups while at PC, including the Presbyterian College Choir. The choir performed three to four concerts each year, appeared at special events on campus and toured during Spring Break.

Gaines formed the Madrigal Singers, which consisted of 16 choir singers who sang English and Italian madrigals to students in the dining hall. The group also performed across the southeast.

Gaines began Broadway Cabaret, a program that consisted of tunes from Broadway shows. He led the group on several European tours, traveling from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy, to churches in Scotland and Austria.

To honor his dedication to the Presbyterian College Choir, alumni of the choir established the Charles T. Gaines Music Scholarship when Gaines retired in 1998. The College designated him as the Charles A. Dana Professor Emeritus of Music at his retirement.

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Celebrating 100 years of PC ROTC

Dr. Charles T. Gaines Charles A. Dana Professor Emeritus of Music

Presbyterian College 503 South Broad St. Clinton, SC 29325

COME HOME INSPIRED | LOYAL | BLUE HOSE HOMECOMING 2019

OCTOBER 18 -19

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Presbyterian College is an equal education opportunity institution. The College’s admission standards and practices are free from discrimination on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, disability, ethnicity or national origin. As required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Crime Statistics Act, information regarding crime statistics, campus safety, crime prevention and victim’s assistance is available on the PC website at http://www.presby.edu/campus-life/campus-police/crime-prevention/crime-statistics/. A paper copy of the report is available by request. In Compliance with Title IX, Presbyterian College does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities it operates. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the Presbyterian College Title IX Officer or to the Office of Human Resources. More information is available at http://www.presby.edu/title-ix/.