Pulliam recognized for humanitarian accomplishments
May 1, 2016
Norman Pulliam, Sr. was named the first recipient of the Norman F. Pulliam, Sr. Humanitarian Award. The award was presented by Bobby Dobson, at right, chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind.
SPARTANBURG, SC – Spartanburg’s Norman Pulliam, Sr. is well known for his success in business. His real estate investments have strengthened the economy and provided thousands of jobs.
But on April 25, another side of this successful businessman was recognized. Pulliam was named the first recipient of the Norman F. Pulliam, Sr. Humanitarian Award. Named for Pulliam, the award celebrates those who give of their time, talent, and resources to make a significant impact upon the lives of the students of the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. The award was created by The Walker Foundation, the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind’s fundraising arm.
Pulliam’s contributions are well known throughout the state as Governor Haley recently acknowledged, “Norman Pulliam has been so generous with his time, efforts, and resources. He never wants recognition but those of us who know him, know that he loves children, that he loves people, and that he loves South Carolina.”
While Pulliam was building a successful career, he was working just as hard to improve the lives of South Carolina’s children. In 1986, Pulliam was appointed by then Governor Riley to serve as a member for the school’s Board of Commissioners. Pulliam went on to serve 20 years as a member of the Board of Commissioners with 13 of those years as chairman. Following his service as a member of the school’s Board of Commissioners, Pulliam joined the Board of Trustees for The Walker Foundation continuing his service to the students of the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind.
Under Pulliam’s leadership as board chairman, the school received numerous awards for academics, customer service, and employment of individuals with disabilities. Facilities were significantly improved with the renovation of academic, athletic, and arts facilities and the opening of new dormitories, library facilities, and playgrounds. Improvements in technology and safety were major initiatives. Extensive outreach programs were developed to serve students across the state.
Throughout his years of service, Pulliam has used his financial success to help others. He, along with the school’s former president Dr. Sheila Breitweiser, led the efforts to obtain funding to renovate Walker Hall, the school’s signature building. Upon completion of the project, Walker Hall’s auditorium was named in honor of Pulliam on the recommendation of a major donor who wished to acknowledge Pulliam’s many contributions.
Pulliam and his colleagues on The Walker Foundation Board have worked tirelessly to encourage their associates to support the foundation and the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. “Norman’s leadership has set the course for the outstanding school that our state enjoys,” said Bobby Dobson, chairman of the school’s Board of Commissioners. “His high expectations, compassion, and tenacity have led the way as the school has made ongoing quality improvements and built partnerships with individuals and organizations statewide.”
In 2006, a scholarship fund was established in Pulliam’s honor. Since that time, the scholarship has helped selected graduates with postsecondary and college expenses.
Even though Pulliam has been generous with his time, talents, and resources, he is also known for the encouragement and support he has given so many. He is known for taking the time to attend student and staff activities at the school, and to make phone calls and send cards to encourage others. He was always willing to open his home to others for special events.
In addition to serving the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind, Pulliam has served multiple boards and organizations including the Piedmont Chapter of the American Red Cross, Spartanburg Boys Home, Spartanburg Girls Home, the SC Department of Natural Resources, Spartanburg Regional Hospital Foundation, Limestone College, Spartanburg Development Council, Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce, Spartanburg Arts Council, and Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Pulliam served as president of Pulliam Investments from 1970 – 1999 when he was elected chairman of the Board of Directors, and now serves as chairman emeritus. He is a graduate of Clemson and received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University.
Pulliam and his wife, Jo, have three grown children and three grandchildren.
Founded in 1979 for the sole purpose of working directly with the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind, The Walker Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing resources that enable the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind to achieve its mission and goals. For more information, please visit www.walkerfdn.org or call 864-577-7582.
The SC School for the Deaf and the Blind is the state’s only specialized school for students who are deaf or blind. It offers pre K-12 educational programs on its main campus in Spartanburg and specialized vision and hearing services in school districts and homes throughout the state. For more information, go to www.scsdb.org or call the school’s toll-free number at 1-888-447-2732.
