Hired as the first black female anesthesiologist at MUSC, Ebony Hilton ’04 is pulling from the support she received from her mother to encourage the next generation of girls to dream big.
The summer 2016 issue of College of Charleston Magazine is landing in mailboxes far and wide this week! This issue tells the story of dedicated faculty, students and alumni whose efforts have reached well beyond the borders of campus. Here’s a preview to pique your interest until your copy arrives.
This issue’s cover features Dr. Ebony Hilton ’04, the first black female anesthesiologist at the Medical University of South Carolina. Growing up in a single-parent household in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Hilton found the strength to follow her dreams of going into medicine after her mother began calling her “Dr. Hilton.” More than two decades later, the now real-life Dr. Hilton is offering that same support to the next generation of girls.
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When she started high school, Emily Torchiana was an outgoing tomboy who enjoyed living life to the fullest. But by the time she came to the College as a freshman, the once precocious teen was hiding a dark story of depression, anxiety and multiple suicide attempts after being the target of cyberbullies. At first, she hid her struggle, instead choosing to reinvent herself as a freshman senator for the Student Government Association and a member of Alpha Delta Pi. Today, the rising senior is a mental health advocate, helping others – and herself – by being honest and forthright about her journey.
After starring as India Wilkes in the classic 1940 film Gone with the Wind, Alicia Rhett was poised to launch a successful career as a Hollywood actress. Instead, she walked away from the limelight and came home to Charleston where she carved a path as an accomplished portrait artist. The College’s recent acquisition of Rhett’s personal papers offers new insight into this complicated woman, who – despite her best efforts – could never truly step out from behind the shadow of her Gone with the Wind character.
With the summer Olympics nearly upon us, the Cougar nation reflects on its own international talent. Athletes wearing maroon and white hail from nearly every continent, representing a diverse array of countries, including Chile, Trinidad, China, Cyprus, Poland, Germany and Canada.
Beyond these featured articles, this issue of College of Charleston Magazine – just like the College itself – has so much more to offer, with a wide range of stories highlighting the strength, perseverance and passion of the College community. Check it out!
