DUE WEST, S.C. (courtesy erskine.edu) — Alumni and friends mingled on a mild spring day in Due West Saturday, April 13, in celebration of Erskine Alumni Day 2024. At the Alumni Association meeting in the morning, Jane Shelton Dale ’73 received the Alumni Distinguished Service Award, several other awards were presented, changes to the constitution and bylaws were approved, and a special announcement was made to attendees.
The day’s activities were highlighted by an “Erskine Eras Reunion Picnic” on the Mall and included music by Prettier Than Matt (with Jessica Skinner Sims ’09); reunions for the Class of 1964 and the “Class of 1984 & Friends”; a Kids’ Corner on the Mall; a special event for educators, “Teachers Talk under the Towers”; and a journey through the “History of the Alumni House” with McDonald-Boswell Professor Emeritus Dr. James W. Gettys ’62. A Garnet, Gold & Boom silent auction, scrimmage, and barbeque dinner were also on the day’s agenda.
The Alumni Association meeting in Bowie Chapel was led by Dr. Sanita Cousar ’77, president, who took the podium following a welcome by Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations Paul Bell ’84, who told attendees, “We hope you will enjoy one another’s company and end this day with gratitude that Erskine has been a part of your life.” Cousar invited Tripp Boykin ’92 to give the invocation and introduced Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson, who offered greetings to the assembled alumni.
“We’re just so excited that you all are here,” said Dr. Adamson. “This is a joyous time to thank everybody for what they have done. We’re not finished yet. It is April and the fiscal year at Erskine College ends in June. There are still opportunities, and we are grateful for your continuing support.” He expressed thanks for the Lord’s blessings and said he expects Erskine to end the fiscal year in the black.
Cousar thanked alumni board members who took a leadership role in the Annual Fund Campaign—the Rev. Dr. J. Barry Dagenhart ’82, ’93 (Sem.), Sarah Dagenhart ’82, Jacob DeLuca ’15, Crystal Noble ’01, Michael Noble ’99, and Kenneth Robinson ’78. “I am pleased to report that the Alumni Board participation with contributions and pledges is 100 percent,” said Cousar. She noted that $2,057,000 has been raised for the Annual Fund to date this fiscal year.
Ralph Patterson, Erskine vice president for athletics, announced that a new soccer field is under construction and will be named in honor of former Erskine soccer coach Ralph Lundy. “This project will help out at least 250 of our students,” Patterson said, adding, “Our student athletes deserve it.”
Noting that Erskine College has “a rich history in soccer” because of Ralph Lundy, Patterson introduced the famed coach, who spoke with great feeling about the school he served as a young man (1976-1986). “Erskine cares about their students. Erskine cares about taking care of their students,” Lundy said. “Erskine grows and develops them, just like they grew and developed me.”
Please click here to read more about alumni awards presented at Erskine’s Alumni Day.