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Thursday, March 28, 2024 - 11:33 AM

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

First Published in 1994

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Tigerville, SC – The North Greenville University (NGU) community gathered on Nov. 19 at the Cannon Centre in downtown Greer for a Red Carpet Gala in thankfulness to its annual financial supporters. The evening was filled with musical performances from the Cline School of Music faculty and students, as well as testimonials from current students.

The university recognized donors who have shown exemplary service and commitment to giving to NGU. The 2018 Red Carpet Gala Awards were presented to: 

The Foundation/Corporation of the Year Award presented to the foundation, or corporation whose influence over an extended period has served to enhance and uphold the mission of NGU.

Tucapau Baptist Church recently celebrated the 120th anniversary of its founding in what is now Startex, SC, in Spartanburg County. The church started in a textile mill community. Though the mill is gone, the church’s ministry locally and through mission endeavors at home and abroad continues to thrive. In 2002, the church created the Dr. William C. Pate, Jr. Endowment at NGU, honoring their pastor for 20 years of leadership. Tucapau has given to NGU every month since that time, increasing the endowment and enabling many NGU students to pursue college degrees. Pate retired in 2011, after nearly three decades at the church, but the legacy of his ministry and the active work of the local church continue to bless the University. Tucapau is a Cherokee word for “strong cloth.” The fibers of Tucapau Baptist are woven in testimony of faithful investment in Christ-centered ministry. Accepting the award on behalf of Tucapau was Bill Horton, current worship leader for the church.

The Tip of the Sword Award recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to NGU through their financial support, dedication, and passion regarding Crusader Athletics.

Matt Jennings is director of operations and co-owner of Cherokee Valley Golf Club in Tigerville. He moved to the community in 2017 and has worked to strengthen the club’s association with NGU, which includes providing headquarters for NGU’s men’s and women’s golf teams. The 158-acre club is host to several tournaments benefitting NGU throughout the year. Under Matt’s leadership, Cherokee Valley is renovating its facilities and broadening programming for area residents. Reared in California and Ohio, Matt previously worked with three golf clubs in Ohio. He holds PGA credentials as a golf club manager and is certified through Ohio State University’s Turf Grass Management program. He and his wife, Renee, have two daughters, Ella and Rachel.

The Faculty/Staff Heritage Award given to a current or retired member of the university family whose gifts embody the spirit of the institution.

Dr. Linwood A. Hagin joined NGU’s faculty in 1999. He currently serves as dean of the College of Communication. Earlier this month, he was promoted to the post of associate provost for undergraduate studies and academic administration. He will move into that post in January. Hagin served as NGU’s assistant vice president for academics during the interim presidency of Dr. Randall Pannell. The Wisconsin native earned his doctorate in communication from the University of Tennessee. He completed a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree in speech communication and German from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He worked in radio news and management for eight years before beginning his academic career. He served on the faculty of six universities before him and his wife, Lisa, joined the NGU family. Lisa is NGU’s Hester Library director of technical services and archives assistant. The Hagins have created the Hagin Family Fund Endowment at the university. They have two children and one newborn grandson. They are members of North Hills Church in Taylors.

The Board Leadership Award is presented to a member of the university’s board of trustees whose support serves as an example to others.

Bill Tyler is owner/operator of the Chick-fil-A of Greer. He has worked with the company since the age of 15 and began operation of the Greer restaurant in 1987. Bill completed a bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant, and tourism from the University of South Carolina in 1986. He also has served as a bi-vocational worship leader for more than 22 years and is currently on the staff of Riverside Baptist Church in Greer. In addition to his service as board chair, Bill chaired the NGU presidential search committee which recommended Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., for the presidency in the spring of 2017. Tyler presided at the inauguration of President Fant in April 2018. He completes his current term as a trustee this year. He and his wife, Susan, have three children, Bo, a 2007 NGU graduate; Barrett, a 2016 NGU graduate; and Bailey, a current student at Anderson University.

The Leo Vernon Powell Legacy Award was awarded to three faithful NGU supporters. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on NGU through their leadership, inspiration, service, and financial support to NGU and its mission.

Dr. Lucile Massey Sullivan, a Georgia native, is a longtime resident of Greenville County. She is a 1952 graduate of Furman University, where she met her late husband, Hewlett K. Sullivan, Jr. They were married for 64 years before his death in 2015. The Sullivan family, led by Hewlett Sullivan, Sr., owned and operated Hale’s Jewelers for nearly 80 years. Hewlett and Lucile were active in business, civic and church activities throughout their marriage. NGU’s President Box at Younts Stadium is named in their honor, as is the Sullivan Art Gallery on the campus. He served on the boards of North Greenville and Charleston Southern University. It was at her husband’s insistence that Lucile agreed to serve as a member of the NGU Board of Trustees, and with his encouragement that she continued to serve. She has completed four terms as a member of the NGU Board and was recently elected to fill an unexpired term. She received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from NGU in 2004. She is an advocate for NGU, a member of Auxilio, and following a tradition she shared with her husband, is a dedicated Crusaders Football fan. Lucile served many years with the Girl Scout Council and in various community organizations. She is a member of Edwards Road Baptist Church, where she works with Baptist Women. She has four children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Daniel R. Boling and Martha Candler Boling both graduated from North Greenville Junior College in 1957. They have served as engaged alumni over the years, supporting the mission of their Alma Mater. Dan founded the Daley Corporation. He operated the Greenville-based construction equipment rental company for three decades. The Bolings have been active in philanthropic work with Christian ministries, including The Salvation Army. Dan has served five terms on the NGU Board of Trustees. Martha was born on the North Greenville campus while her father, Rev. Charlie Candler, was a ministerial student at the college. She taught third-grade students before her retirement. She is a past president of the North Greenville University Alumni Association. The Bolings have generously supported several NGU projects, including construction of the Hayes Christian Fine Arts Center, and the University’s alumni association. Members of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, the Bolings have a daughter, Jada Rene, and three grandchildren.

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