Homecoming Weekend ceremony honors distinguished graduates and their enduring True Blue spirit
Presbyterian College celebrated the achievements of its alumni during the 2026 Alumni Awards Ceremony, honoring graduates whose lives and careers exemplify the college’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve.”
Held during Homecoming Weekend, the ceremony brought alumni together to celebrate professional excellence, community leadership and lifelong connections to PC.
Michael Wright ’05, president of the PC Alumni Association Board of Directors, welcomed attendees with a lighthearted reflection on the meaning of coming home. Wright recalled telling his mother during his freshman year that he looked forward to returning “home” to PC after Thanksgiving — a sentiment he said fellow alumni would understand.
“Isn’t it just great to be back home?” Wright asked.
PC president Dr. Anita Gustafson praised the honorees for demonstrating the lasting impact of a Presbyterian College education through their accomplishments and contributions to their communities.
“When we celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni, we are celebrating the impact of a Presbyterian College education,” Gustafson said.
Gustafson connected their achievements to the college’s four pillars for the future — mind, heart, spirit and strength — emphasizing academic excellence, community, faith and the continued support of the PC family.
“Their achievement demonstrates the power of a Presbyterian College education,” she said. “Their loyalty reminds us of the lifelong connections formed here. And their service shows us what it truly means to be True Blue.”
Honoring 50 years of True Blue loyalty
Gustafson also recognized members of the Ben Hay Hammett Society, which honors alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. Members of the Class of 1976, celebrating their 50th reunion, were welcomed into the society during Homecoming Weekend.
The ceremony also included a memorial observance led by the Lassiter Chaplain and Dean of Student Life, the Rev. Dr. Buz Wilcoxon ’05, honoring alumni and faculty whose lives and contributions helped shape Presbyterian College.
Outstanding Young Alumna – Emily Green-Conrad ’20
Emily Green-Conrad ’20 received the Outstanding Young Alumna Award for her accomplishments in government relations and public policy.
A former two-term PC student body president and the political science department’s outstanding senior, Green-Conrad earned a master’s degree from American University and a master’s in public health from Yale University. After five years with a federal lobbying firm, she became director of government relations for the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association. She also serves on PC’s Young Alumni Council.
In accepting the award, Green-Conrad credited her professors for preparing her professionally but said the lifelong friendships she formed at PC remain among her most treasured experiences.
“PC gave me a great education that prepared me for my career in government relations, but I think I’m most grateful for my friendships that I made here at PC,” she said.
Green-Conrad also expressed gratitude for meeting her husband, Avery, at PC and for the close friendships she maintains with former classmates.
“I think that’s what makes PC so special, is not just the amazing education we get while we’re here, but the people who continue to be part of our lives after leaving,” she said.
Outstanding Young Alumnus – Leason Horne ’21
Leason Horne ’21 received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award for his achievements in law enforcement and commitment to public service.
A former Blue Hose football player, Horne earned a bachelor’s degree in history with minors in political science and psychology. He began his law enforcement career with the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, where he was named Deputy of the Year in 2022. In 2024, he joined the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources as a game warden in Berkeley County, earning recognition as the agency’s 2025 Enforcement Officer of the Year and 2025-26 Unit Officer of the Year.
In accepting the award, Horne recalled visiting PC in 2017 for Accepted Students Day and realizing, while standing outside Edmunds Hall, that he had found his college home.
“At that point in time, I knew this is where I wanted to go to college,” he said.
Horne expressed gratitude to the professors and mentors who helped shape his experience and prepare him for a career serving others.
“I’m very thankful for all the professors who challenged me, helped me along the way, and definitely prepared me for my career and serving the communities that I live in,” he said.
Mike Turner Award – Irby Hipp ’73 and Fran Hipp
The late Irby Hipp ’73 and his wife, Fran, received the Mike Turner Award for their extraordinary dedication to Presbyterian College athletics and the Scotsman Club.
Irby, who died in October, was a devoted Blue Hose supporter whose enthusiasm for PC athletics and commitment to the college touched generations of alumni and friends. Fran, who was named an honorary alumna in 2024, accepted the award on behalf of the couple.
In presenting the award, Scotsman Club Council president Amy Revis ’85 recalled that one of Irby’s final weekends was spent cheering on the Blue Hose during a memorable football victory over Davidson.
Fran shared how much the recognition meant to her husband, recalling that shortly before his death, Irby expressed his determination to live long enough to attend the ceremony and receive the award.
She also reflected on Irby’s childhood connections to Mike Turner and their families’ longstanding friendship, which made the honor particularly meaningful.
Fran concluded by recalling a tribute delivered at Irby’s memorial service by the Rev. Andy Chambers, who described her husband with a fitting variation on a familiar Peanuts expression.
“Of all the Charlie Browns I know, you’re the Charlie Browniest,” she recalled Chambers saying before adding his own tribute to Irby: “He’s the Blue Hoseiest.”
Bob Waters Award – Bret Jones ’93
Bret Jones ’93, head boys basketball coach at Dutch Fork High School, received the Bob Waters Award for his outstanding leadership in athletic coaching and dedication to developing young athletes.
A former All-American point guard and South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame inductee, Jones has devoted 32 years to coaching basketball. His career includes positions at Presbyterian College, Lexington High School and White Knoll High School. He is now in his 10th year at Dutch Fork.
Jones was introduced by his former high school coach and mentor, Bailey Harris ’85, who later coached alongside him for six years at Lexington. Harris praised Jones as both an exceptional player and one of his closest friends in coaching.
In accepting the award, Jones credited Harris and his former PC basketball coach, Gregg Nibert, for shaping his philosophy of coaching and teaching.
“He taught me toughness and how to work through adversity,” Jones said of Nibert, recalling that the two often clashed during his playing days but later became close friends.
Jones emphasized that coaching is fundamentally about education and helping young people reach their potential.
“A coach is a teacher,” he said.
Jones also reflected on the lasting influence of PC, where he met his wife, Ashby ’95, and formed relationships that continue to shape his life.
“Presbyterian College is a special place,” he said. “I feel at home every time I step foot on campus.”
Mary F. Lehman Service Award – Bruce Ollis ’80
Bruce Ollis ’80 received the Mary F. Lehman Service Award for his exceptional dedication to Presbyterian College and his efforts to reconnect generations of Blue Hose alumni.
A former PC football standout, educator and coach, Ollis was a member of the legendary 1979 football team that rose to No. 1 in the nation. In 2025, he spearheaded a reunion of the 1977, 1978 and 1979 football teams, working with the college’s Advancement Office to bring more than 100 alumni back to campus. He continues to organize opportunities for former players, coaches and cheerleaders to renew friendships and strengthen their ties to PC.
In accepting the award, Ollis acknowledged that his motivation for organizing reunions was deeply personal.
“I want to see my teammates and classmates more often,” he said. “The connections here last a lifetime.”
Reflecting on the recent death of fellow alumnus Irby Hipp ’73, Ollis encouraged alumni to cherish those relationships while they can.
Ollis also expressed gratitude to the professors, coaches and staff members who influenced his life, including legendary football coach Cally Gault, and thanked those who helped make the reunions possible.
“This award is about service,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to the college’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve.”
Dum Vivimus Servimus Award – Cody Mitchell ’08
Cody Mitchell ’08, an attorney, military officer and South Carolina state representative, received the Dum Vivimus Servimus Award for his leadership and commitment to living out the college’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve.”
A 2011 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Mitchell has served as a municipal judge in the Pee Dee region and holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard. He also serves in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
Mitchell was praised for his ability to address complex challenges while remaining approachable and attentive to the people he serves.
In accepting the award, Mitchell reflected on the profound influence Presbyterian College has had on his life, from his education and military commission to the friendships that have endured long after graduation.
“PC, of course, has given me a lot,” Mitchell said. “It gave me an education. It gave me my commission. It gave me a lot of memories.”
But Mitchell said the relationships formed at PC remain its greatest gift, describing the college as a second home and its extended community as family.
“Relationships that aren’t blood-related, but are family,” he said. “So, PC’s family.”
Alumni Gold P Award – Col. Jack Zeigler ’79
Retired U.S. Army Col. Jack Zeigler ’79 received the Alumni Gold P Award, Presbyterian College’s highest alumni honor, recognizing outstanding professional achievement that brings distinction to the college.
A decorated Army Special Forces officer, Zeigler commanded numerous operational detachments during his military career, culminating in his leadership of the 1st Special Warfare Training Group. In that role, he oversaw a historic expansion of Special Forces training to support the Global War on Terrorism.
Since retiring from the Army, Zeigler has continued his commitment to military education as CEO of Advanced Computer Learning Company and through his involvement with PC’s Army ROTC program. Inducted into the college’s ROTC Hall of Fame in 2017, he also served as president of the ROTC Alumni Association during the program’s centennial celebration.
In accepting the award, Zeigler credited his liberal arts education and military training for shaping his leadership philosophy and professional success.
“Presbyterian College changed my life,” he said. “The liberal arts experience provided an opportunity to truly learn how to think and not what to think.”
Zeigler also emphasized the enduring influence of PC’s Army ROTC program, which has produced more than 20 general officers and maintains an active network of alumni around the world.
Reflecting on his continued connection to the college, Zeigler expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the institution that helped shape his life and career.
“I’m very thankful for my Presbyterian College community,” he said.
