Spartanburg Community College honors 2020 Wall of Fame Inductees
October 26, 2020
Spartanburg Community College honored four Upstate leaders for distinguished service and contributions to the College at the Wall of Fame induction on Thursday, October 22. Held annually, this year’s inductees included: Community service category: James M. Folk, former chair and member of the Spartanburg County Commission for Technical and Community Education; Harold D. McClain, retired SCC vice president of student affairs; Dr. Carol R. McFadden, volunteer at the SCC Cherokee County Campus; and in the SCC administration category: Henry C. Giles, Jr., retired SCC president.
“What makes an organization strong are the people and traditions. SCC’s tradition of the Wall of Fame is special because it showcases partnerships of the College, explained Dr. G. Michael Mikota, SCC president. “It’s incredible to see all the individuals who have been inducted into the Wall of Fame over the years and the many ways they have touched the college in such profound ways. Each one of these individuals we are celebrating today changed many lives.”
The SCC Wall of Fame was created in 1998 by SCC President Dan L. Terhune to honor those who have served the College in an extraordinary manner, making the pathway for those to come even better. Induction nominations are made by currently employed SCC faculty or staff and must meet the following qualifications: individuals must have made significant accomplishments on behalf of the college and either have been a faculty or staff member, or a member of the Spartanburg County Commission for Technical and Community Education, SCC Foundation Board, SCC advisory committee, a retired employee, or a community resident who had a significant impact on the college.
“I have the opportunity today to recognize one of our commissioners who served the college for 23 years, James Folk,” said Henry C. Giles Jr. when introducing the first inductee. Reading from Mr. Folk’s nomination Mr. Giles shared, “Throughout his service, Mr. Folk’s desire was to foster and develop Spartanburg Community College while providing quality, affordable education for students. Mr. Folk served in various Commission leadership positions and was instrumental in changing the College name from Spartanburg Technical College to Spartanburg Community College. He was an outstanding advocate for students and a champion of affordable and accessible education for all. Jim was always focused on what was best for our service area and how to best prepare students.”
Ron Jackson, SCC’s vice president of student services, welcomed inductee Harold D. McClain, former SCC vice president of student affairs. “It is with great pleasure and privilege that I introduce Harold McClain, who served SCC and the South Carolina Technical College system for 30 years.” McClain was recognized for fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the College; developing lasting community partnerships that included work with the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind to make SCC a welcoming place for students with disabilities. In addition, McClain developed the College’s first Early College program and was instrumental in the development of the Dan L. Terhune Student Services building, which centralized all student services.
Inductee Dr. Carol R. McFadden was introduced by Daryl Smith, executive director of the SCC Cherokee County Campus for extraordinary contributions to promote education and enroll students in the Gaffney and surrounding communities. “Dr. McFadden has been a dedicated supporter of SCC since the Cherokee County Campus was established, serving on the Cherokee County Campus Advisory commission for 10 years. She is by far the best recruiter that we have, and it is not uncommon to see her in the hallway talking to students to sign up for classes. Dr. McFadden exhibits exemplary leadership as the director of the Neighborhood Ambassadors Program, where she leads 60 volunteers from our community as they mentor students all the way through school. Her heart is tremendous and she has impacted the lives of thousands of people over the years.”
Dr. Mikota recognized inductee, Henry C. Giles, SCC’s sixth president, stating “Today we’ve heard about history and legacy and how they are the building blocks and foundation for the future. When you think about that, one name comes to mind in the South Carolina Technical College System and that is Henry Giles.” Mikota spoke of Giles’ 50-year service to SCC, his legacy of advocacy for students, faculty, staff as well as economic and workforce development opportunities for Spartanburg, Union, and Cherokee counties; and his work to develop initiatives advancing access to education including the SCC Downtown Campus and dual enrollment programs such as the Viking Early College and the Spartanburg County Early College High School.
Mikota added, “The true measure of any individual is not necessarily what they did, how much money they earned, but how many lives they touched throughout the history of their service. Henry, you are a true public servant in every sense of the word. On this momentous occasion, we highlight your service, your long legacy, your impact on this college, this community, and our state. Thank you for your career of service.”
