2019 alumni awardees named for UofSC Alumni Association

The University of South Carolina Alumni Association has named the following recipients of this year’s alumni awards. These awards are the highest honors reflecting the ideals cherished by South Carolinians that include service, integrity, character and leadership.

Algernon Sydney Sullivan

This year’s recipient is Sinclair E. Lewis, ’58 Bachelor of Arts in History, College of Arts and Sciences

Sinclair Lewis enlisted in the US Air Force and served two tours in the war zone. Following his return to civilian life, he enrolled as a day student at The Citadel and the following year transferred to the University of South Carolina.

It was at South Carolina that he found and made his commitment to God, Church and the American Legion program teaching young men the values of God and Country, Palmetto Boys State.. In June of 1992, the Governor of South Carolina, the honorable Carroll Campbell, awarded Sinclair the Order of the Palmetto.

Distinguished Alumnus

This year’s recipient is Dr. Gerald E. Harmon, ’73 Bachelor of Science in Physics, College of Arts and Sciences

Gerald Harmon serves as a clinical professor at two of South Carolina’s medical schools, a commitment that has been well recognized as he has been named “Community Educator of the Year” by both the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians and the South Carolina Area Health Education Consortium.

Harmon served the nation in both Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and later in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, holding responsibilities as chief surgeon for the National Guard Bureau and assistant surgeon general for the U.S. Air Force. He retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Major General.

Outstanding Black Alumnus

This year’s recipient is Dr. Bambi W. Gaddist, ’88 Doctor of Public Health, Arnold School of Public Health

Bambi Gaddist has committed the past 35 years of her professional life working in the area of human sexuality with a specific focus on HIV/AIDS/STI community level mobilization, behavioral intervention and research, technical assistance/capacity building, and the elimination of other health disparities.

In 2008, Gaddist was selected as a CNN Hero and featured on CNN/Essence Magazine’s “Recapturing The Dream” during August 2009. Gaddist is co-founder and currently serves as CEO of the South Carolina HIV Council, a non profit HIV prevention organization, including the Wright Wellness Center, a sexual health treatment facility located in Columbia, South Carolina.

Outstanding Young Alumnus

This year’s recipient is James M. Landreth, ’16 Master of Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing

Empowered by his technical training from the University of South Carolina, James Landreth is a leader in both the US Navy and US Coast Guard. After demanding tours as a Submarine Officer in the Navy and equipped with his Master’s, James began his civilian career as the Lead Mechanical Engineer for the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter propulsion program.

James’ technical successes have had qualitative impacts on the agency’s global mission portfolio as well as quantitative benefits equivalent to millions of dollars saved in sustainment costs. The USCG named James the “2018 Engineer of the Year.” Further, the National Society of Professional Engineers recognized James in the “2018 Top 10 Engineers in Federal Government.

Honorary Life Member

This year’s recipient is Morris M. Cregger, Jr.

Morris M. Cregger, Jr. is the owner and CEO of Cregger Company, Inc. and of Cregger Capital Investments, Inc. In 1978, he purchased the plumbing division of Kline Supply Company and founded the Cregger Company, Inc., in West Columbia, South Carolina. In partnership with his wife, Sheila, he has grown the company into one of the top 40 largest distributors of plumbing, electrical and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning products in North America with 35 locations. Its subsidiary company, Cregger Capital Investments, Inc., has over 60 income-producing properties and holds equity positions in the development of several housing projects.