Alumni Awards Announced by USC
Staff Report From South Carolina CEO
Tuesday, August 14th, 2018
Congratulations to USC's 2018 Alumni Award Recipients! These awards are the highest honors reflecting the ideals cherished by Carolinians that include service, integrity, character and leadership. Hear from these Gamecock leaders during Homecoming at the Carolina’s Best Forum and Luncheon, Friday, Oct. 26 from noon – 2 p.m. Register at MyCarolina.org/Homecoming.
Student for a short time. Gamecock for a lifetime.
Algernon Sydney Sullivan
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, named for the great humanitarian and philanthropist, honors an outstanding graduate demonstrating professional excellence of character and service to humanity and is the highest honor awarded to Carolina alumni.
This year’s recipient is Cindy A. Jackson, ’81 Bachelor of Science in Education, College of Education
Ten years after graduating from the University of South Carolina, Jackson and her family became involved in international mission work – first living and working in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and later in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
In 2001, in an accident in her home in South America, Jackson sustained third degree burns and was medically evacuated back to the United States close to death. Five months later, after returning overseas, the direction of her life changed when she visited a public hospital and saw first-hand the suffering of burn victims where resources were limited. Combining her skills as a teacher with a creative approach based on her own two year rehabilitation experience, she founded the non-profit organization, Burn Care International.
With Burn Care International, Jackson opened her first full time clinic with a simple, reproducible and effective burn rehabilitation program using custom made pressure garments (sewn on site), physical therapy, nutrition and patient/family counseling. To date, over 10,000 patients have received care in these clinics.
Distinguished Alumnus
The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors a graduate whose professional and personal life has exemplified dedication and excellence in leadership, citizenship and voluntarism while offering a lifetime of devotion to the University of South Carolina.
This year’s recipient is Gerald W. Evans, Jr. ’81 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Darla Moore School of Business; ’83 Master of Business Administration, Darla Moore School of Business
Gerald Evans was elected chief executive officer and appointed to the Board of Directors of HanesBrands in 2016 after successfully guiding the company’s operations in executive positions since 2006. He served as HanesBrands chief operating officer from 2013 until his election as CEO in 2016.
Evans has led the rapid growth of the company’s international commercial operations, increasing the international contribution to overall net sales from approximately 10 percent to more than 30 percent, and has significantly increased profitability in both the Innerwear and Activewear business segments.
Evans has more than 30 years of experience in the apparel industry in marketing, sales and general management positions spanning the HanesBrands organization and its predecessor companies. Prior to his promotion to chief operating officer, Evans was co-chief operating officer of Hanes from 2011 to 2013. He served as co-operating officer, president international, from 2010 to 2011. Evans joined Hanes in 1983 as a member of the L’eggs marketing organization.
Outstanding Black Alumnus
The Outstanding Black Alumnus Award is presented to a graduate who has uniquely distinguished themselves in their professional career, shown remarkable leadership capabilities and positively impacted their community.
This year’s recipient is Dr. Akil Ross, ’05 Master of Education, College of Education; Doctor of Education, College of Education
As a first-year teacher, Akil Ross applied to the master’s program at the University of South Carolina’s College of Education with the ultimate goal of earning a doctorate in education and to one day be a school administrator.
Fast forward thirteen years and now Ross was named the 2018 National Principal of the Year for his service as Chapin High School principal. The honor, given by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, recognizes an outstanding middle level and high school principal who has made exemplary contributions to the profession and to students’ learning.
Chapin High School’s graduation rates increased from 82 percent to 96 percent under Ross’ leadership, with 90 percent of graduating seniors attending a two or four-year college. Math proficiency among African-American students also spiked 16-points during his tenure as principal.
In his work with students, Ross aims to foster an environment where students can be challenged while pursuing their own interests. Ross now serves as Lexington-Richland 5’s Director of Secondary Education where he oversees all of the district’s high school principals and works to support the schools’ academic efforts.
Outstanding Young Alumnus
The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award honors a graduate under 40 who represents the breadth and scope of new talent, has achieved extraordinary success in a chosen profession and has significantly set themselves apart from their peers.
This year’s recipient is Matthew Schreiber, ’03 Bachelor of Arts in History, College of Arts and Sciences; ’04 Master of Teaching, College of Education
With his education degree from the University of South Carolina, Matthew Schreiber shaped young minds as a high school teacher in Sumter, S.C. After teaching he returned home to New Jersey and joined WBI, a leading provider of institutional and private client wealth management solutions, as a Sales Associate. Schreiber raised over $500 million in assets for WBI and remains the largest single sales producer in the firm’s history. Since then, he has risen quickly through the ranks of the company due to his dedication, hard work and leadership skills.
Today, Schreiber serves dual roles at WBI: President, where he is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the firm’s business operations and Chief Investment Strategist, overseeing market and economic analysis, portfolio strategy and product design and development. His areas of expertise include investment product design, distribution and sales.
Outside of the business world, Schreiber is passionate about giving back to the community. As a former member of the University of South Carolina’s track and field team and a former teacher, he supports the university and its students through donations, as well as funding an endowed scholarship to support track athletes.
Honorary Life Member
The Honorary Life Member Award pays homage to friends of Carolina who enthusiastically support and tirelessly serve the University of South Carolina community.
This year’s recipient is Anita Zucker
Anita Zucker is the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of The InterTech Group, Inc. (TIG), which produces devices used in aerospace, aviation and power generation. One of the largest private companies in the United States, TIG and its affiliates operate in a diverse array of industries, from aerospace and specialty chemicals to real estate and entertainment.
A daughter of holocaust survivors, Zucker is passionately committed to Tikkun Olam, a Hebrew phrase meaning “repairing the world” or “healing the world.” Zucker has been and continues to be a leader for numerous organizations.
In 2012, Zucker was an instrumental figure along with alumnae Darla Moore and Marva Smalls in creating the McNair Center to advance South Carolina’s knowledge-based economy through innovative aerospace research, interdisciplinary education, economic development outreach and collaboration with the aerospace and allied industries and related government agencies. Within the center is the Zucker Institute for Aerospace Innovation.
Zucker holds Honorary Doctorates from the University of South Carolina, Medical University of South Carolina, The Citadel, College of Charleston, Johnson and Wales University, Yeshiva University and Clemson University.