Each year the Carolina Alumni Association and the University of South Carolina present a number of prestigious awards to our most dedicated and qualified alumni. These awards recognize their commitment to the University, their communities, or their professions.
The Association presents the Distinguished Alumni, Algernon Sydney Sullivan, Outstanding Black Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni, and Honorary Life Membership awards during the annual Homecoming Awards Gala.
Complete a nomination form online today!
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2009 Award Recipients
The University of South Carolina presents its highest honors to several University alumni and supporters during Homecoming activities on Friday, October 23, 2009. The award recipients will be honored at the Homecoming Gala at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Honorable William C. Hubbard, ’74, ’77 law
William Hubbard has been a member of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees since 1986, serving as chairman from 1996 to 2000. He has also served on the University’s Development Foundation Board, Educational Foundation Board, and Engineering Dean’s Executive Council. Mr. Hubbard is currently a partner at the Columbia-based law firm Nelson Mullins, Riley, and Scarborough. He has earned numerous awards throughout his career, including the Order of the Palmetto in 2002; the 2007 Professionalism Award for the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit; and the prestigious John F. Williams Award from the Richland County Bar Association. Mr. Hubbard was also a founding director for City Year-Columbia, a youth service organization. Watch video. Read profile.
Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award
Sister Carol Keehan, '80
The award is named for the great humanitarian and philanthropist and is given to an outstanding alumnus or alumna who has served others in a manner that goes beyond what is required by the individual’s job or profession. Sister Carol, a member of the Daughters of Charity for more than 40 years, is the president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association of the United States, the trade group for Catholic hospitals based in St. Louis. She has held influential roles in the governance of a variety of health care, insurance, and educational organizations. She’s been an advocate to ensure that the United States develops a “fair and just health care policy” for all citizens, including those with no health insurance. A registered nurse, Sister Carol has been a hospital administrator and executive for more than 35 years and has spent time testifying on Capitol Hill, arranging conferences, making speeches, and publishing articles. Watch video. Read profile.
Outstanding Black Alumni Award - Taj Troy, ’98
Taj Troy is a major in the S.C. Air National Guard and has previously been honored by the USC College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management with an award for Technology Support and Training Management. While a student at the University, Mr. Troy was active in the Air Force ROTC and was a resident advisor for two years. He joined the Air National Guard during his junior year. He became an F-16 pilot and flew 14 combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was also the orientation pilot for a special flight with Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier. Mr. Troy is a licensed funeral director and assistant manager for Troy’s Funeral Homes Inc. in Mullins, S.C., and is very active in his community. Watch video. Read profile.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Sara Wardrip Armstrong, ’94, ’99 MBA
Sara Wardrip Armstrong is director of member services for the Republican National Committee. Her division supports the 168 national committee members across the country, and she serves as a liaison to assist in recruiting and helping candidates become elected at the national, state, and local level. Prior to her current position, Ms. Armstrong served at the White House as deputy director of the first lady’s Correspondence Office and director of the Visitors Office during the administration of George W. Bush. In 2007, she became Laura Bush’s deputy chief of staff, coordinating office operations and overseeing special projects such as interior renovations in the East and West Wings and the design and distribution of the annual White House Christmas card. Watch video.
Alumni Association Honorary Life Member Award
Dr. Jerry Odom
Dr. Odom is a distinguished professor emeritus and provost emeritus at the University, as well as the executive director for the University Foundations. A graduate of the University of North Carolina in 1964, he earned his doctorate in chemistry in 1968 from Indiana University. Prior to becoming University provost in 1997, Dr. Odom served as dean of the College of Science and math. In his 40 years at the University of South Carolina, he has won numerous awards including the Russell Research Award for Science and Engineering, the Mungo Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, Lilly Foundation Senior Teaching Fellow Mentor, Amoco Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award, and was an Alexander von Humbolt Fellow in Stuttgart, Germany. Watch video.
Staff to contact for additional information:
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Lynn G. Bradley, '84
Assistant Executive Director of Alumni Engagement
LynnB@CarolinaAlumni.org
803.777.3989
"My Carolina is football games, tailgating with friends, ZTA sisters, and a great place to work!" |
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