Lowcountry artist Bob Graham creates winning design for Citadel’s 175th

The Citadel kicked off a yearlong commemoration of the college’s 175 anniversary during the Bulldogs’ football game against Newberry College at Johnson Hagood Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 2. A sweeping video exploring the history of the college was shown on the big screen, and the winning anniversary design by a local artist was revealed by the South Carolina Corps of Cadets on t-shirts, and with a presentation to the winning artist on the field by college officials.

The 175th Design Contest, which was launched in November 2016, drew the interest of 18 artists who submitted more than two dozen entries. A college committee selected the design by Bob Graham, who is a 49-year-old Charleston-born artists who lives in Mt. Pleasant.

During his extensive career, Graham has earned scores of local and national awards, including the Mayor’s Purchase Award at the Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Graham’s painting, which boldly proclaims the 175 years, incorporates several elements that identify the college and resonating with The Citadel family. They include the ring, seal, iconic checkerboard squad from the barracks, a color guard, and the South Carolina Corps of Cadets core values of Honor, Duty, Respect.  In the background the Long Gray Line of alumni extends from one side of the painting to the other, representing the college’s past and its future.

The winning design is available on t-shirts sold in the campus gift shop.