Outstanding Alumni Awards Banquet Is April 23

Six Limestone College alumni will be honored during a banquet at Stephenson Dining Hall on Saturday, April 23, beginning at 6 p.m.

Those being recognized at the Outstanding Alumni Awards Banquet include Tommy E. Martin, Alumnus of the Year; Maurice B. Morrow III, Service To Church; Beth Love Swanger, Service To College; Judy Lynn Wright Wyles, Service To Community; Mary Brenda Humphries Wood, Service To Education; and Evan S. Goetz, Young Alumnus of the Year.

After receiving nominations in each category, the Limestone College Alumni Association selected the award winners. The awards recognize graduates who have distinguished themselves in their professional fields and are exemplary ambassadors for Limestone. Recipients reflect the high-standing character of their alma mater.

The program will include comments and a presentation from Limestone President Dr. Walt Griffin, followed by the introduction of the award winners by Limestone Director of Development and Alumni Candace Waters.

Martin (Class of 1968) is the Editor and Publisher of The Cherokee Chronicle newspaper in Gaffney, and has won numerous station and national writing awards. He has authored two books, I Will Kill Again: The Gaffney Strangler Story, and Son Of A Peach: Dear Near True Tales From The World’s Largest Fruit. Martin currently serves of the Limestone Board of Trustees. In addition to being a member of the Gaffney Rotary Club, a 45-year member of the Gaffney Elks Lodge, Martin has also served two terms on the Board of Directors for the Cherokee County Family YMCA.

“I not only learned from my professors and studies, I made a number of lifelong friends that have continued to add to my quality of life,” Martin said about his time at Limestone.

As Alumnus of the Year, Martin is receiving the highest honor that the Limestone Alumni Association bestows. It recognizes outstanding alumni who have made great contributions to their community, state, or nation through public service, distinguished themselves in their careers, and demonstrated a belief in the mission of Limestone College.

Morrow (Class of 1977) has served Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church as Senior Pastor since 2005. He played tennis during his time at Limestone, and after a successful stint as a high school tennis coach, he returned to Limestone to serve as the head tennis coach. During his playing days at Limestone, Morrow finished in the Top 16 in the national standings and became the first Limestone student-athlete to earn All-America honors.

“I consider my choice of Limestone College to have been a very fortunate one for me in my life,” he said. “The atmosphere of a small college informed far more than just my education. It taught many life skills.”

Swanger (Class of 1972) is a retired teacher from the Cherokee County School District. She has served as a member of the Gaffney Junior Woman’s Club, Cherokee Reading Council, Cherokee County Education Association, and the Gaffney branch of the American Association of University Women. Swanger is currently a member of the Limestone College President’s Advisory Council.

“My studies at Limestone allowed me to achieve my dream of being an elementary school teacher,” she said. “My experiences at Limestone definitely broadened my horizons and led me to be a lifelong learner.”

Wyles (Class of 1971) is the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Cherokee County. She continues to be the driving force behind Flossie’s Food Bank, a pet food drive program that involves local schools and churches.

“A liberal arts education is the greatest gift I received from my parents,” she said. “As the first person in my family to graduate from college, I was given a sense of pride, purpose, and responsibility that has served me well in all areas. The support and guidance from Limestone’s faculty and staff changed my life.”

Prior to her retirement, Wood (Class of 1967) spent 39 years in the Cherokee County School District as a second grade teacher. She has been honored many times for her contribution to education, including B.D. Lee Elementary School’s Teach of the Year in 1997, 1998, and 2006. She is a member of the National Education Association, the S.C. Education Association, and serves as Treasurer for the Cherokee County Reading Council.

“My studies at Limestone College inspired me to pursue a teaching career and prepare young minds for the future and to be the best they can be,” she said.

Goetz (Class of 2011) teaches Speech Communication at Armstrong State University, where he also serves as the Art Marketing Director for the Fine Arts Department. He is also the Creative Director for the Savannah Stage Company. Goetz also directs theatrical shows for Armstrong State’s Theatre program.

“Small classes, one-on-one interaction, and a liberal arts environment have molded my perception on life,” he noted. “Limestone College is unique in that it bridges the gap between growing up and becoming an adult. Because of the wonderful professors and administration, I have learned and experienced things I would not have been able to in a different and larger institution.”