The College of Charleston Alumni Association is hosting its annual awards gala to honor its distinguished award recipients on November 20, at Charleston Place Hotel. The evening includes a one-hour cocktail reception, a seated three-course dinner and the awards presentation celebrating the following award recipients.
ARTICLE: Learn more about the event.
Sam Stafford III ’68, Alumni Award of Honor: This is the highest honor awarded by the College of Charleston Alumni Association and goes to a person who has made outstanding contributions to the Alumni Association or to the College. Sam Stafford has served as president of the Alumni Association and is currently serving on the Alumni Board again as the representative from the College of Charleston Foundation Board.
ARTICLE: Read more about Sam Stafford and the Alumni Award of Honor.
Mariana Ramsay Hay ’82, Distinguished Alumna or Alumnus Award: This award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions or to their communities over a long period of time and thus reflected very favorably on the College of Charleston. Mariana Ramsay Hay’s family has owned Croghan’s Jewel Box on King Street for over 100 years, and she has been a tireless advocate for local businesses and for the College of Charleston.
ARTICLE: Read more about Mariana Ramsay Hay and the Distinguished Alumna or Alumnus Award.
Cary Ann Hearst ’01, Alumna or Alumnus of the Year Award: This award recognizes a graduate for outstanding accomplishments during the past academic year. Cary Ann Hearst and her husband, Michael Trent, form the musical duo, Shovels and Rope, which was named Emerging Artist of the Year at the Americana Music Honors and Awards in Nashville.
ARTICLE: Read more about Cary Ann Hearst and the Alumna or Alumnus of the Year Award.
Brett Gardner ’05, Young Alumna or Alumnus Award: This award recognizes an alumna or alumnus whose life has expressed the finest of College of Charleston traditions through service to his or her community or profession. Brett Gardner is currently in his seventh season with the New York Yankees, owns a 2009 World Series ring and is considered one of the fastest base runners and best defensive outfielders in baseball.
ARTICLE: Read more about Brett Gardner and the Young Alumna or Alumnus Award.
Paul W. Steadman ’83, Howard F. Rudd Jr. Business Person of the Year Award: The Howard F. Rudd Jr. Business Person of the Year Award recognizes a graduate who has made significant contributions as a business leader to industry or profession. Paul Steadman has been president and CEO of The Steadman Agency, an independent property and casualty insurance and risk management firm, since 1977.
ARTICLE: Read more about Paul Steadman and the Howard F. Rudd Jr. Business Person of the Year Award.
Robert T. Ball Jr. ’66, Pre-Medical Society’s Outstanding Service Award in Medicine: This award recognizes a College of Charleston graduate whose practice of medicine represents remarkable achievement and who demonstrates an enduring commitment to the College and his or her community. Robert Ball is a seventh-generation Charleston physician who specializes in infectious diseases. He diagnosed and reported the first case of AIDS in South Carolina.
