Virginia Skinner Named Philanthropist of the Year

Virginia Bruorton Skinner was named Limestone College’s Philanthropist of the Year for 2015 during a luncheon at the Piedmont Club in Spartanburg on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

A Limestone alumna from the Class of 1950, Skinner has been a long-time supporter of the College. She has contributed to several capital improvement projects over the years, including the renovations of historic buildings such as Winnie Davis Hall of History, Hamrick Hall of Science, and Dixie Lodge. She also gave to the recent “Knowledge Is Power” Library Challenge and donates regularly to the Limestone Fund. Skinner has supported Limestone’s Athletics Department through contributions to the Saints Club.

Skinner, who received the “Service to the College” award in 2010, not only researched information for historical markers at the College’s main entrance and Quarry Drive, but also funded those projects. She has worked diligently with her classmates to organize and volunteer for special reunions.

She was presented with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Limestone in December of 2014. A native of Georgetown, she earned her B.S. in Chemistry and minored in Physics at Limestone. She was the senior class Vice President, directed the 1949 Limestone Follies, and served as President of the Chi Beta Phi Scientific Honors Society.

A member of the Limestone Board of Trustees from 1998 until 2003, Mrs. Skinner returned to the Board as Senior Trustee in 2011.

“Whatever the need, Virginia has been there time after time. She is one of the most inspiring people that I have ever met,” said Limestone President Dr. Walt Griffin. “Her relentless efforts have made critical differences in the lives of our students. We thank her for demonstrating the art of giving. She is a role model for friends and alumni who share her belief in the promise of the future for Limestone College.”

After graduation from Limestone, Mrs. Skinner established a career as a teacher in Georgetown. She taught physical science, chemistry, and physics for 23 years.