Presbyterian College will name retired Brigadier General E. Eric Porter ’78 of Columbus, Ga., the recipient of its Alumni Gold P award.  The award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of an alumnus or alumna in his/her chosen profession which reflect honor upon the College.  Porter is an exceptional leader who has given more than 32 years of selfless service to our great nation, serving in the Active Army for 31 years, retiring in 2010.  Since his retirement from Active Duty, Porter continued his Service as a member of the Senior Executive Service assigned as the assistant deputy chief of staff, G-1, United States Army Forces Command.  In June 2016, he was promoted to deputy chief of staff, G-1, United States Army Forces Command.  

A native of Columbus, Ga., and raised in Columbia, S.C., Porter received his bachelor of science degree in business administration from PC in 1978 and later went on to complete a master of arts degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College.   His military education includes the Adjutant General Officer Basic Course, Adjutant General Officer Advanced Course, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Naval War College.  

A decorated veteran, Porter’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Master Parachutist Badge.

In 2014, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Adjutant General Corps Regimental Hall of Fame.  He currently serves on the Army Emergency Relief Board of Directors and the Army Morale Welfare and Recreation Board of Directors.   A passionate Blue Hose, Porter has been inducted into the Presbyterian College Reserve Officers Training Corps Hall of Fame and currently serves on the Presbyterian College Alumni Board of Directors as the ROTC Alumni Council Chair. Porter and his wife, Sally Martin Porter ’79, have two sons, Brandon and Cam, PC Class of 2015.

See all the 2017 Alumni Association Award recipients »