Ward family impacts CSU

The legacy of the Johnny Ward family includes five Charleston Southern graduates, years of service and multiple students impacted by the five endowed scholarships the Wards have funded.

Ward, the retired founder of W&W Truck & Tractor, Inc. of Moncks Corner, wasn’t involved with CSU until his two daughters attended. Then president, Dr. Jairy Hunter, talked with Ward about joining the newly formed Board of Visitors program. Ward did join, and in 1991 he was named to the Board of Trustees. He is currently serving in his fifth term on the BOT, his 23^rd year of service as a trustee.

Ward’s wife, Sandra, has been an active member of the CSU Women’s Council for the last 25 years. The Women’s Council raises funds for scholarships and has worked to beautify the campus grounds. Sandra and fellow council member, Peggy Sineath, helped plant the oaks on Buc Club Boulevard that were donated by the Women’s Council.

Ward said the students are the perfect example of why he continues to give to CSU. He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive. Are you having a bad day? Take your mind off yourself and go do something for someone else.” His giving has also included contributing the money for CSU students to build Habitat for Humanity houses.

President Dondi E. Costin said, “God gives all sorts of people talents and resources. Not everyone is generous like the Ward family. Their contributions demonstrate how we have been called to lay up treasures in heaven.”

Ward said, “CSU has been good to us; we have met some wonderful people.” He said the Board of Trustees are some of the finest people you will ever come across. “You work hard when you are on the Board, but you get more out of it than you put in. One thing about the Charleston Southern Board is, we all agree to disagree without hard feelings. I learned a lot about business ethics through serving as a trustee,” he said.

Ward Family Connections:

• Johnny Ward, Board of Visitors, Board of Trustees, Buc Club Board of Directors, Legacy Society, lifetime member of President’s Club, Honorary Dr. of Public Service, 2009
• Sandra Ward, Women’s Council, Legacy Society, lifetime member of President’s Club, Distinguished Service Award, 2006
• Robin Ward Nichols, 1991 graduate
• Terri Ward Austin, 1991 graduate
• Matthew Ward, 2008 graduate
• Morgan Brinson Fann, 2008 graduate
• Contessa “Tessa” Ward Peterson, 2018 graduate

Scholarships:

Ward Family Endowed Scholarship
Sandra B. Ward Endowed Scholarship
First Baptist Church Moncks Corner Endowed Scholarship
Terri T. Austin Endowed Scholarship
Robin Ward Nichols Endowed Scholarship

Related Stories