College of Charleston: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
The College of Charleston, an institution steeped in history and academic excellence, has produced a diverse array of accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. For over 250 years, the College's alumni have left an indelible mark on American society, shaping its culture, politics, and progress. This article aims to highlight some of the most prominent graduates and former students, showcasing the breadth and depth of talent nurtured by this esteemed institution.
Architects and Visionaries
The College of Charleston has been a breeding ground for visionary architects. Robert Mills (1781-1855), who studied at the College in the late 18th century, is considered by many to be the first American-born architect. He is renowned for designing numerous prominent buildings, including the Washington Monument in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Patent Office Building in Washington, D.C.
Pioneers and Explorers
John Charles Fremont (1813-1890), a member of the Class of 1836, was a multifaceted figure known as "The Great Pathfinder." He led expeditions to explore the American West in the 1830s and 1840s, playing a crucial role in mapping and understanding the region. Fremont's legacy extends beyond exploration; as an outspoken opponent of slavery, he became the first Republican nominee for president in 1856. During the Civil War, he served as a major general for the Union and later as governor of Arizona.
Literary Figures and Critics
Ludwig Lewisohn (1882-1955), a graduate of the Class of 1901, was a prolific novelist, translator, and literary and drama critic. He made significant contributions to the world of literature and was one of the founding professors of Brandeis University. Herbert Ravenel Sass (1884-1958), a member of the Class of 1905, was a versatile and prolific writer who played a significant role in the Charleston Literary Renaissance (1920-1933). His works include several novels, such as War and Drums, Emperor Brims, and Hear Me, My Chiefs! Padgett Powell, Class of 1974, is an award-winning writer and novelist, having published four novels, including Edisto and Mrs. Hollingsworth’s Men. Josephine Pinckney was a novelist and poet in the literary revival of the American South after World War I. Her first best-selling novel was the social comedy Three O'clock Dinner (1945).
Political Leaders and Public Servants
The College of Charleston has produced numerous influential figures in the realm of politics and public service. Burnet R. Maybank (1899-1954), a graduate of the Class of 1919, served as mayor of Charleston, governor of South Carolina, and a member of the national legislature during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. Maybank chaired the Senate Finance Committee and played a key role in the development of the New Deal. Maybank Hall, a prominent academic building on campus, is named in his honor. James Edwards (1927-2014), Class of 1950, also served as governor of South Carolina and later became the secretary of energy under President Reagan. Arthur Ravenel, Class of 1950, has been an exceptional public servant. Glenn McConnell, Class of 1969, was an influential force in South Carolina politics for more than three decades, eventually serving as South Carolina's lieutenant governor (2012-2014) and later as president at the College of Charleston in July 2014. William Porcher Miles was an American politician who was among the ardent states' rights advocates, supporters of slavery, and Southern secessionists who came to be known as the "Fire-Eaters." He is notable for having designed the most popular variant of the Confederate flag. William Christie Benet Jr. was a Democratic Party politician who briefly represented the state of South Carolina in the United States Senate in 1918. Thomas F. Hartnett was a U.S. Representative from South Carolina. Joe Cunningham served as a U.S. representative for South Carolina's 1st congressional district from 2019 to 2021. Dylan A. Fernandes is an American politician from Massachusetts, currently a member of the Massachusetts Senate from the Plymouth and Barnstable district.
Read also: Comprehensive Ranking: Women's College Basketball
Media and Entertainment Personalities
Frank Blair (1916-1995), a member of the Class of 1934, was an early cast member of NBC’s The Today Show, serving as a newsman and anchor from 1953 to 1974. Matt Czuchry, Class of 1999, is an actor known for his roles on popular television shows like Gilmore Girls, The Good Wife, and The Resident. Thomas Gibson is an American actor and director, best known for his television roles as Aaron Hotchner on Criminal Minds, Greg Montgomery on Dharma & Greg, and Daniel Nyland on Chicago Hope. Orlando Jones is an American stand-up comedian and actor, known for being one of the original cast members of the sketch comedy series MADtv and for his role as the 7 Up spokesman from 1999 to 2002. Johnny Wactor was an American actor known for playing Brando Corbin on the series General Hospital and Johnny on the NBC series Siberia. Lu Parker is an American journalist, animal rights advocate, motivational speaker, and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss USA 1994. Tiffany Grant is an American voice actress and script writer known for her English-dubbing work for anime films and television series, such as Neon Genesis Evangelion. Casey DeSantis is an American former news journalist, television show host, and the current first lady of Florida. Erick Avari is an actor known for roles in The Mummy, Daredevil, and Mr. Deeds. Cary Ann Hearst, class of 2001, contributes vocals, guitar, drums and keyboard to her and her husband's band Shovels & Rope.
Athletes
Anthony Johnson, Class of 1998, is a professional basketball player who has played in the NBA for more than a decade. Brett Michael Gardner is an American former professional baseball outfielder who spent his entire 14-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the New York Yankees. Andrew Goudelock is an American professional basketball player for Kolossos Rodou of the Greek Basketball League (GBL). Heath Hembree is an American professional baseball pitcher who made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2013. Dontaye Dominic Draper is an American-Croatian former professional basketball player. Jarrell Isaiah Brantley is an American professional basketball player for Nagasaki Velca of the B.League. Grant Lucas Riller is an American professional basketball player for the Beijing Royal Fighters of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Elixabete Sarasola Nieto is a Spanish former footballer who last played as a goalkeeper for PSV of the Eredivisie Vrouwen. Joe Chealey is an American professional basketball player who last played for Juventus Utena of the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL). Antwaine Jermaine Wiggins is an American professional basketball player for Al Naft. Oliver Marmol is a professional baseball manager. Andy Craven is an American soccer player. Sean de Silva is a Trinidadian professional footballer. Chevez Goodwin is an American professional basketball player for the Força Lleida of the Liga ACB. Joanna Klatten is a French professional golfer who mainly played on the LPGA Tour.
Scientists and Innovators
Tabetha "Tabby" Suzanne Boyajian is an American astronomer and associate professor at Louisiana State University, known for her work on the highly unusual light curve of KIC 8462852, also known as Tabby's Star. Nafees Bin Zafar is a visual effects and computer graphics software engineer, currently Principal Engineer at DreamWorks Animation, and the first person of Bangladeshi origin to win an Academy Award in any category.
Other Notable Alumni
Madeleine Elise Westerhout is the former Director of Oval Office Operations at the White House. Arlinda Locklear is a nationally recognized legal expert on tribal land claims and treaty rights issues. Bruce McCaw Howe Hendricks is a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina and former United States magistrate judge of the same court. George Rogers is considered one of the preeminent historians of South Carolina.
Read also: Phoenix Suns' New Center
Read also: About Grossmont Community College
tags: #college #of #charleston #notable #alumni #list
