Murray White ’63, the 2019 Thomas Aurelius Stallworth ’55 Alumni Award

Murray White ’63, the 2019 Thomas Aurelius Stallworth ’55 Alumni Award

“I can’t think of an award that I’d rather be presented with,” Murray White ’63 said about receiving the 2019 Thomas Aurelius Stallworth ’55 Alumni Award.

“I knew Tom when I was at PC, and we developed a friendship that lasted a lifetime. I always had the highest admiration for him and his family. He was a great individual, and he was a great asset to Presbyterian College and to the Presbyterian Church as a whole.”

The Thomas Aurelius Stallworth ’55 Alumni Award is bestowed upon an alumnus or alumna who embodies the best characteristics of Thomas Aurelius Stallworth’s Christian leadership, strong and bold character, integrity, moral courage and values and who knows and demonstrates the true meaning of neighbor and friend.

White says PC helped instill these characteristics in him when he was a student.

White was an associate editor of the PaC SaC during his senior year and was managing and business editor of the Blue Stocking during his junior and senior years.

He served as a fraternity officer of Alpha Sigma Phi during his sophomore through senior years. Plus, he lived the College motto, “While We Live, We Serve,” by helping others in fraternity service projects.

“PC encouraged you to do extra-curricular activities,” White said. “I think you help shape an individual that’s just a little bit unique compared to some other graduates from other schools and universities.”

White continued to serve and lead after he earned a degree in social studies. He fulfilled his commitment to the Army and then returned to his hometown of Fort Mill, S.C. There, he enjoyed a career at the Springs – Close organization.

White served in the National Guard for 30 years. He served on the York County Council for 14 years and as the chairman for four of those years.

He also developed the first land trust in the Charlotte, N.C., region. The Nation Ford Land Trust has preserved and protected more than 12,000 acres in York County. The land trust is nearly 30 years old. White chaired it for the first 25 years.

In 2007, White was named the BMW Conservation Award recipient in recognition of his work with the Nation Ford Land Trust. According to the BMW website, the award is presented on an annual basis to individuals who have made lifetime contributions to protecting South Carolina’s natural, historic and cultural resources.

The Fort Mill Area Council and York County Regional Chamber recognized White’s efforts by establishing the White B. White Preservationist of the Year.

In April of this year, the Whites were inducted into the William Plumer Jacobs Society in honor of their generous philanthropic support of Presbyterian College.

White and his wife, Joyce, have been married for 55 years. They are active in the Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill. Both have served as elders and in many other capacities.

Join Us for Homecoming!

Homecoming is Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19. Please join us in Edmunds Hall at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19 for the Alumni Awards ceremony.

Please see 2019 Alumni Award Recipients for more about this year’s honorees.