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Interview with Martie Curran - OH 588
Martha Hardin Curran
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is of longtime Director of the Alumni Office, Martha Hardin “Martie” Curran. Martie worked at Winthrop the 1980s until she retired in December 2015. She was born and raised in Rock Hill, SC and was a Winthrop Training School graduate (Class of 1960). In the interview she discusses her childhood growing up in Rock Hill and attending the Winthrop Training School, as well as her career at Winthrop.
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Interview with Anthony Jospeh DiGiorgio - OH 594
Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with former Winthrop president, Dr. Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio. Dr. DiGiorio (1940-2020) served as Winthrop’s ninth president for 24 years from 1989 through 2017. In this interview former President DiGiorgio discusses the later years of his tenure and his vision of Winthrop’s future.
In his more than two decades as Winthrop president, Dr. DiGiorgio led the college's conversion to Winthrop University and its commitment to individual academic program accreditation. Upon Anthony DiGiorgio's retirement from the presidency, the Board of Trustees conferred the titles of President Emeritus. Dr. DiGiorgio began his presidency at Winthrop after serving the College of New Jersey for 19 years in a variety of faculty and administrative positions, including vice president for academic affairs.
In addition to receiving numerous national accolades for overall institutional excellence, Winthrop, under DiGiorgio's leadership, achieved recognition for its dedication to "Education by Design," a concept that intertwines the planning, design, and expansion of campus facilities with the nature and character of Winthrop's learning community.
In addition to extensive adaptive re-use and renovation of Winthrop’s many historic buildings and spaces, new facilities added to the campus and its environs through this initiative have added immeasurably to the quality of life for all in the campus community. The new facilities include the Courtyard at Winthrop; the Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center; Leitner Wall; Winthrop Ballpark, Softball Complex, Memorial Tennis Courts, and Belk Track; Culp Chiller Plant, Owens Hall; Carroll Hall; Scholars Walk; Hardin Family Gardens; the Campus Center, itself, and almost 15 acres of land ensuring the university's westward growth path for years to come.
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Interview with Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio - OH 590
Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio and Gale Nesius DiGiorgio
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with former Winthrop president, Dr. Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio and his wife and former first lady, Gale Nesius DiGiorgio. Dr. DiGiorgio (1940-2020) served as Winthrop’s ninth president for 24 years from 1989 through 2017. In this interview former President DiGiorgio and former First Lady, Gale DiGiorgio, discuss their background and pre-Winthrop career as well as their first few years at Winthrop.
In his more than two decades as Winthrop president, Dr. DiGiorgio led the college's conversion to Winthrop University and its commitment to individual academic program accreditation. Upon Anthony DiGiorgio's retirement from the presidency, the Board of Trustees conferred the titles of President Emeritus and First Lady Emeritus to Dr. DiGiorgio and his wife Gale. Dr. DiGiorgio began his presidency at Winthrop after serving the College of New Jersey for 19 years in a variety of faculty and administrative positions, including vice president for academic affairs.
In addition to receiving numerous national accolades for overall institutional excellence, Winthrop, under DiGiorgio's leadership, achieved recognition for its dedication to "Education by Design," a concept that intertwines the planning, design, and expansion of campus facilities with the nature and character of Winthrop's learning community.
In addition to extensive adaptive re-use and renovation of Winthrop’s many historic buildings and spaces, new facilities added to the campus and its environs through this initiative have added immeasurably to the quality of life for all in the campus community. The new facilities include the Courtyard at Winthrop; the Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center; Leitner Wall; Winthrop Ballpark, Softball Complex, Memorial Tennis Courts, and Belk Track; Culp Chiller Plant, Owens Hall; Carroll Hall; Scholars Walk; Hardin Family Gardens; the Campus Center, itself, and almost 15 acres of land ensuring the university's westward growth path for years to come.
Gale DiGiorgio also played a distinctive role on the Winthrop campus and in the greater Rock Hill community. She served the campus and community as First Lady with sensitivity, style and grace. She was also an occasional instructor to undergraduate students and a mentor to student affairs professional staff. In addition, she was active as a community volunteer with a special emphasis on the well being of children.
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Interview with Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio - OH 591
Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio and Gale Nesius DiGiorgio
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with former Winthrop president, Dr. Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio and his wife and former first lady, Gale DiGiorgio. Dr. DiGiorio (1940-2020) served as Winthrop’s ninth president for 24 years from 1989 through 2017. In this interview former President DiGiorgio and former First Lady, Gale DiGirogio, discuss Hurricane Hugo and its effects on Winthrop, Dr. DiGiorio’s inauguration in 1990, and other important events and milestones of the early years of their tenure.
In his more than two decades as Winthrop president, Dr. DiGiorgio led the college's conversion to Winthrop University and its commitment to individual academic program accreditation. Upon Anthony DiGiorgio's retirement from the presidency, the Board of Trustees conferred the titles of President Emeritus and First Lady Emeritus to Dr. DiGiorgio and his wife Gale. Dr. DiGiorgio began his presidency at Winthrop after serving the College of New Jersey for 19 years in a variety of faculty and administrative positions, including vice president for academic affairs.
In addition to receiving numerous national accolades for overall institutional excellence, Winthrop, under DiGiorgio's leadership, achieved recognition for its dedication to "Education by Design," a concept that intertwines the planning, design, and expansion of campus facilities with the nature and character of Winthrop's learning community.
In addition to extensive adaptive re-use and renovation of Winthrop’s many historic buildings and spaces, new facilities added to the campus and its environs through this initiative have added immeasurably to the quality of life for all in the campus community. The new facilities include the Courtyard at Winthrop; the Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center; Leitner Wall; Winthrop Ballpark, Softball Complex, Memorial Tennis Courts, and Belk Track; Culp Chiller Plant, Owens Hall; Carroll Hall; Scholars Walk; Hardin Family Gardens; the Campus Center, itself, and almost 15 acres of land ensuring the university's westward growth path for years to come.
Gale DiGiorgio also played a distinctive role on the Winthrop campus and in the greater Rock Hill community. She served the campus and community as First Lady with sensitivity, style and grace. She was also an occasional instructor to undergraduate students and a mentor to student affairs professional staff. In addition, she was active as a community volunteer with a special emphasis on the well being of children.
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Interview with Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio - OH 593
Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio and Gale Nesius DiGiorgio
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with former Winthrop president, Dr. Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio and his wife and former first lady, Gale DiGiorgio. Dr. DiGiorio (1940-2020) served as Winthrop’s ninth president for 24 years from 1989 through 2017. In this interview former President DiGiorgio and former First Lady, Gale DiGirogio, discuss the settling in phase of their tenure after the first few years.
In his more than two decades as Winthrop president, Dr. DiGiorgio led the college's conversion to Winthrop University and its commitment to individual academic program accreditation. Upon Anthony DiGiorgio's retirement from the presidency, the Board of Trustees conferred the titles of President Emeritus and First Lady Emeritus to Dr. DiGiorgio and his wife Gale. Dr. DiGiorgio began his presidency at Winthrop after serving the College of New Jersey for 19 years in a variety of faculty and administrative positions, including vice president for academic affairs.
In addition to receiving numerous national accolades for overall institutional excellence, Winthrop, under DiGiorgio's leadership, achieved recognition for its dedication to "Education by Design," a concept that intertwines the planning, design, and expansion of campus facilities with the nature and character of Winthrop's learning community.
In addition to extensive adaptive re-use and renovation of Winthrop’s many historic buildings and spaces, new facilities added to the campus and its environs through this initiative have added immeasurably to the quality of life for all in the campus community. The new facilities include the Courtyard at Winthrop; the Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center; Leitner Wall; Winthrop Ballpark, Softball Complex, Memorial Tennis Courts, and Belk Track; Culp Chiller Plant, Owens Hall; Carroll Hall; Scholars Walk; Hardin Family Gardens; the Campus Center, itself, and almost 15 acres of land ensuring the university's westward growth path for years to come.
Gale DiGiorgio also played a distinctive role on the Winthrop campus and in the greater Rock Hill community. She served the campus and community as First Lady with sensitivity, style and grace. She was also an occasional instructor to undergraduate students and a mentor to student affairs professional staff. In addition, she was active as a community volunteer with a special emphasis on the well-being of children.
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Interview with Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio - OH 592
Anthony Jospeh DiGiorgio and Gale Nesius DiGiorgio
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with former Winthrop president, Dr. Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio and his wife and former first lady, Gale DiGiorgio. Dr. DiGiorio (1940-2020) served as Winthrop’s ninth president for 24 years from 1989 through 2017. In this interview former President DiGiorgio and former First Lady, Gale DiGirogio, discuss Winthrop Athletics.
In his more than two decades as Winthrop president, Dr. DiGiorgio led the college's conversion to Winthrop University and its commitment to individual academic program accreditation. Upon Anthony DiGiorgio's retirement from the presidency, the Board of Trustees conferred the titles of President Emeritus and First Lady Emeritus to Dr. DiGiorgio and his wife Gale. Dr. DiGiorgio began his presidency at Winthrop after serving the College of New Jersey for 19 years in a variety of faculty and administrative positions, including vice president for academic affairs.
In addition to receiving numerous national accolades for overall institutional excellence, Winthrop, under DiGiorgio's leadership, achieved recognition for its dedication to "Education by Design," a concept that intertwines the planning, design, and expansion of campus facilities with the nature and character of Winthrop's learning community.
In addition to extensive adaptive re-use and renovation of Winthrop’s many historic buildings and spaces, new facilities added to the campus and its environs through this initiative have added immeasurably to the quality of life for all in the campus community. The new facilities include the Courtyard at Winthrop; the Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center; Leitner Wall; Winthrop Ballpark, Softball Complex, Memorial Tennis Courts, and Belk Track; Culp Chiller Plant, Owens Hall; Carroll Hall; Scholars Walk; Hardin Family Gardens; the Campus Center, itself, and almost 15 acres of land ensuring the university's westward growth path for years to come.
Gale DiGiorgio also played a distinctive role on the Winthrop campus and in the greater Rock Hill community. She served the campus and community as First Lady with sensitivity, style and grace. She was also an occasional instructor to undergraduate students and a mentor to student affairs professional staff. In addition, she was active as a community volunteer with a special emphasis on the well being of children.
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Interview with Carlos Elbert Evans - OH 596
Carlos Elbert Evans
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Carlos E. Evans whose primary trade is as a banker in Charlotte, NC. His wife, Lisa Hudson Evans is a 1975 Winthrop graduate and in about 1992 he was asked to help serve on Winthrop’s Foundation Board. He served on the board until about 2014. He served a chairman of the Foundation Board and the Real Estate Board for about the last ten years of his involvement with Winthrop University. In this interview he discusses his involvement with Winthrop with a focus on his relationship working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Walter Hardin - OH 605
Walter Anderson Hardin
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Walter Hardin. Walter Anderson Hardin worked for Winthrop beginning in March 1987 and retired as Associate Vice President for Facilities Management. Walters’s family has strong ties to Rock Hill from as early as the 1880s and to the beginnings and growth of Winthrop from the 1890s. He had several family members that were employees of Winthrop and Board of Trustee members. This interview delves into his rich knowledge of the beginnings and growth of Rock Hill and Winthrop. Anyone studying the history of Rock Hill and Winthrop would be well served by this interview. He also discusses his experiences with Winthrop in his role of Director of Facilities Management and his experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Mark Y. Herring - OH 608
Mark Y. Herring
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Dr. Mark Y. Herring. Dr. Herring was the Dean of the Library from 1999-2020. In this interview discusses his experiences working for Winthrop as well as his experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Thomas Nelson Hickman - OH 609
Thomas Nelson Hickman
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Thomas Nelson “Tom” Hickman. Tom came to Winthrop in 1989 as the Associate Athletic Director and served in this role until he became the Athletic Director in 1996. He retired in 2016. In this interview discusses his experiences working for Winthrop as well as his experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Shelley Jones and DeeAnna Brooks - OH 612
Shelley Kay Giles Jones and DeeAnna Lynn Brooks
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Shelley Kay Giles Jones and DeeAnna Lynn Brooks. Shelley Jones attended Winthrop starting in 1993 and graduated with a degree in English 1997. She was employed at Winthrop as the Events and Operations Manager in the President’s Office from 2005 through 2015. DeeAnna Brooks attended Winthrop from the in the 1980s and 1990s and received an undergraduate (Class of 1988) and a graduate degree (Class of 1993) from Winthrop. She was employed at Winthrop from August 1990 through November 2015. She was hired as the Events Coordinator and over the years was in charge of the Inn at Winthrop Space Reserves and her last role at Winthrop was as the Assistant to the President for University Events. In this interview they discuss their experiences attending Winthrop as students and working for Winthrop, as well as their experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with John Paul McKee - OH 618
John Paul McKee
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with John Paul “J.P.” McKee. JP came to Winthrop University as a graduate student from 1975-1976 and graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration. He was hired in August 1976 as budget Analyst. He later became an Assistant Vice President and then under President Martha Kime Piper, he was promoted to Vice President for Finance and Business until he retired in 2018. In this interview he discusses his early Winthrop career and his experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Pam Morrell - OH 619
Pam Morrell
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Pam Morrell. Pam, who professionally worked as a realtor and a professional mediator, was a member of the Community Leaders Advisory Board, York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and a member of Winthrop’s Presidential Advisory Board. In this interview she discusses her experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Betty Jo Rhea - OH
Elizabeth Josephine Dunlap Rhea
This interview was conducted as part of the Winthrop History Project, an initiative led by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters. The project seeks to document Winthrop’s transformation over Dr. DiGiorgio’s 24-year tenure, tracing the institution’s evolution from Winthrop College to Winthrop University. Designed as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s The Torch is Passed, which chronicles Winthrop’s history up to Dr. DiGiorgio’s presidency, this project preserves the voices and perspectives of those who played a role in shaping the university’s progress.
A key component of the initiative is a series of recorded interviews with members of the extended Winthrop community, ensuring that the story of Winthrop’s growth is told in their own words.
This interview features Elizabeth D. “Betty Jo” Rhea (1930–2022), a Rock Hill native and a trailblazing civic leader. Rhea made history as the first female member of the Rock Hill City Council (1978–1986) and later as the city’s first female mayor (1986–1998). She attended the Winthrop Training School through the 10th grade and remained closely connected to Winthrop University throughout her career, serving on both the Winthrop University Board of Visitors and the Winthrop Foundation Board.
For over 20 years, she hosted the City Minute, a local television program featuring interviews with prominent Rock Hill figures and community leaders. In this interview, Rhea reflects on her experiences growing up in Rock Hill, her longstanding relationship with Winthrop, and her collaboration with Dr. DiGiorgio on various initiatives throughout her career.
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Interview with William Rogers - OH 625
William Rogers
This interview was conducted as part of the Winthrop History Project, an initiative led by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to document the university’s transformation from Winthrop College to Winthrop University during Dr. DiGiorgio’s 24-year presidency. Designed to supplement Dr. Ross Webb’s The Torch is Passed, which chronicles Winthrop’s history up to Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure, this project aims to provide a comprehensive account of this pivotal period in the institution’s development.
A key component of the project is a collection of oral history interviews with members of the Winthrop community, including faculty, staff, alumni, and others who contributed to or witnessed the university’s growth. These firsthand accounts offer valuable insights into Winthrop’s evolution, presented in the voices and perspectives of those who experienced it.
Dr. William Rogers joined Winthrop University in 1989 and has served as a Professor of Biology for over three decades. Recognized for his contributions to academics and university service, Dr. Rogers was named Winthrop’s Distinguished Professor in 2002 and served as a faculty marshal from 2005 to 2010.
In this interview, Dr. Rogers reflects on his experiences as a faculty member, shares his impressions of Winthrop’s academic and institutional changes, and discusses his professional interactions with Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio during his presidency.
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Interview with Sarah Ruch - OH 626
Sarah Ruch
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Sarah Ruch. Sarah Ruch worked for Epicure and later Aramark Food Contractors as a caterer and then Director of Catering at Winthrop since 1989. In this interview she discusses her experiences and impressions working at Winthrop and his interactions with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Vivian Moore Carroll - OH 245
Vivian Moore Carroll
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
In her March 31, 2015 interview with Rebecca Masters, Vivian Carroll recalls her time at Winthrop as a day student in the early 1970s graduating in 1973 and later served on the Winthrop Alumni Board. Carroll shares her opinions on DiGiorgio’s administration and how Winthrop has changed since the 1970s. Vivian Moore Carroll Hall on Winthrop’s campus was named in her honor which features the Carroll Capital Markets Training and Trading Center, a facility that connects students to global markets through interactive technology.
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Interview with Harry M. Dalton - OH 261
Harry McRae Dalton
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is of longtime benefactor of Winthrop, Harry Dalton. Harry McRae Dalton graduated from Winthrop with a Masters in History in 1986 after taking usually a class a semester from 1976 through 1986. He also took classes towards a Masters of Business. Harry and his wife, Becca, participated in several Winthrop capital campaigns from the 1980s and 2000s. Winthrop’s former Life Sciences Building was renamed Dalton Hall on April 26, 2010 in honor of Harry and Becca Dalton. The Dalton’s are generous donors to Winthrop University whose donations include a $1 million leadership gift to establish the Harry and Becca Dalton Endowed Chair in Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies. In the interview he discusses his relationship to Winthrop and his experiences as a student and a benefactor to the University.
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Interview with Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio - OH 156
Anthony Joseph DiGiorgio
In his February 20, 2015 interview with Daniel Lee, Anthony DiGiorgio recollects the impact Hurricane Hugo had on Winthrop University and the Rock Hill Community. DiGiorgio discusses weather reports leading up to the hurricane, his personal experience with the storm, and the aftermath of Hugo on campus. DiGiorgio shares the ways in which Winthrop University assisted the community and its faculty and staff. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Dalton B. Floyd, Jr. - OH 597
Dalton Buford Floyd Jr.
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Dalton B. Floyd, Jr. who was a longtime member of the Winthrop Board of Trustees. He served on the board for many years and was also Chairman of the Winthrop Board of Trustees for a number of years. He also served on the Commission on Higher Education and as Chairman of the Commission before he served on Winthrop’s Board. In this interview he discusses his involvement with Winthrop with a focus on his relationship working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Cheryl Fortner - OH 598
Cheryl Ann Fortner
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Dr. Cheryl Ann Fortner. Dr. Fortner came to Winthrop in 1998 and is a Professor of Psychology. Fortner received Winthrop's Kinard Award for Excellence in Teaching (2017). College of Arts and Sciences' Outstanding Advising Award (2005), and multiple awards for service. Her campus service includes serving as the Chair of Faculty Conference (2007-09), Chair of the College Faculty Assembly (2003-04), and Chair of the Psychology Department's Curriculum and Assessment Committee. However, she is most proud of her involvement in Winthrop's numerous successful bids for U.S. Department of Education TRiO Achievers Program and Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate grants which provide life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged students. In addition to her role in Psychology, Dr. Fortner is the Director of the Winthrop McNair Scholars Program which is housed in University College. In this interview she discusses her involvement with Winthrop with an emphasis on her working relationship with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Samuel Foster, Sr. - OH 599
Samuel Rufus Foster Sr.
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Samuel Rufus Foster, Sr. (b. 1938) who was a member of the Winthrop Board of Trustees. Mr. Foster was a Chester, SC native but has lived in Rock Hill, since 1958. He worked in public education before serving in the South Carolina General Assembly from 1980-1992. He also served on the South Carolina Employment Commission. Mr. Foster served as principal of Fairfield and Sunset Park Elementary before being appointed principal of the segregated Emmett Scott High School in 1968 where he oversaw the closing of Emmett Scott as Rock Hill Schools became fully integrated. He then became the first principal of Northwestern High School in 1971. For all his work as a “Local Hero”, Mr. Foster was recognized by the Rock Hill Freedom Walkway as an inductee in 2021. In this interview, Mr. Foster focuses on his involvement with the Winthrop Board of Trustees and his working relationship with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Lee C. Gardner, Jr. - OH 601
Lee C. Gardner Jr.
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Lee C. Gardner, Jr. Lee is the CEO of Family Trust Credit Union. He moved to Rock Hill, SC in 1979 and beginning in the mid-1990s began a working relationship President DiGiorgio in an attempt discuss the future of the Textile Corridor in Rock Hill and how best for it to develop so that it could benefit Winthrop and the community. Lee later served on the Advisory Board that oversaw the Textile Corridor development. He also served on Winthrop’s Foundation Board and Real Estate Foundation, while he also met frequently with the Winthrop Business Department as well. In this interview he discusses his involvement with the Textile Corridor development, his roles with Winthrop and his experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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Interview with Debbie Garrick - OH 602
Debra Anne Garrick
This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.
This interview is with Dr. Debra Anne “Debbie” Garrick. Debbie is a Winthrop graduate (Class of 1987 and 1989) who attended Winthrop from 1983-1989 while she completed her Bachelors and Master’s degrees. She then worked as a temp in the Career Services Department for a time until she was hired fulltime in 1996 in the Career Services Department. After roughly nine years she began working in the Alumni Relations Office and served nine years as the Director of Alumni Services and later becoming Associate Vice President of University Advancement. In all she worked at Winthrop from 1996 through 2014 when she left to become the AMI Administrator for the City of Rock Hill. In this interview she discusses her student years at Winthrop, her Winthrop career in her various roles, and her experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
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