Honoring the Hunters

The university celebrated President Jairy C. Hunter Jr. and First Lady Sissy Hunter for their 34 years of leadership to Charleston Southern the week of April 16-21.

Highlights of the week included a special presentation from the Student Government Association at the annual Awards Day, a drop-in reception, and the unveiling of a granite marker expressing thanks for the Hunter’s 34 years of service. The marker will be placed in the brick walkway around the Reflection Pond.

At a dinner on April 21, friends and family shared thoughts on the Hunter’s leadership and impact on the university.

Dr. Joe Wren, retired pastor of Summerville Baptist Church:

• Dr. Hunter provided outstanding positive leadership. Graduates have gone out from CSU and made a difference in the lives of others with whom they come in contact. 

Dr. Jerry Williams, chairman, Board of Trustees:

• Lancaster (South Carolina) is proud of our native son. Because of Dr. Hunter, citizens of Lancaster have provided funding for 12 endowed scholarships, raised money to build the Hunter Center and enlarge it; the Brewer family provided funds to build the Brewer Center, and many other Lancaster names appear on rooms and halls in campus buildings.

Dr. Tim Spurling, past chairman, Board of Trustees:

• I’ve seen Jairy Hunter’s concern for others and watched him pray. He learned that enabling others to achieve their dreams is better than achieving his own.

Kevin Alford, president, Board of Visitors:

• Dr. Hunter was in the right place at the right time. I appreciate the things Sissy has done for the wives of Board of Visitors members. She has the spiritual gift of hospitality.

Shirley Whitfield, representing the Whitfield family, longtime supporters of the university:

• We give all glory to God to be able to honor Sissy and Jairy. Dr. John Hamrick, the first president, and Dr. Hunter were blessed by God to bring CSU to a bright and glorious future.

David Weiss, president, Alumni Association:

• It is amazing how God used the Hunters. They took quite a chance on CSU and poured themselves into the university. As alumni, we’ve reaped the benefits.

Kaye Wren, president, Women’s Council:

• The Women’s Council has raised more than $500,000 for student scholarships. The mover and shaker behind all this has been Sissy. She did everything possible to make the fundraising auction the best possible.

Wilbur E. Johnson, managing partner, Young Clement Rivers, LLP:

• CSU is a part of this community. CSU and Dr. Hunter have understood the notion of town and gown, and life in this community has been enhanced because of it. I also appreciate the outreach this university has made to African American students. 

Dr. Jill Hunter McElheny, daughter:

• Our family has been involved on campus. CSU has been more to us than just my father’s job.

Lilly Hunter, granddaughter:

• You are my inspiration.

Dr. Jairy C. Hunter III, son:

• Both of my parents have grown through the challenges presented to them at CSU. Take what you have learned from these amazing role models and demand that standards remain high.

Bill Crosby, representative, state of South Carolina, presented Dr. Hunter with the Order of the Silver Crescent on the behalf of the governor:

• The Order of the Silver Crescent is the state’s highest civilian award for significant contributions, leadership, volunteerism and lifelong influence with a region or community. Dr. Hunter is a previous recipient of The Order of the Palmetto.

To view photos from the many events celebrating the Hunters, click below.

Student Breakfast   Student Cookout  

Drop In Reception   Granite Presentation 

Celebration Dinner