Welcome to the Southern Wesleyan University
Alumni Association page!

As an alumnus of SWU, you’re part of a family. The Southern Wesleyan University Alumni Association is here to assist all alumni in a spirit of Christian service. Whether you’re looking for networking opportunities or looking up a long-lost classmate, we can help.

As you browse through the alumni page, may you be blessed with fond memories of your time as a student. Maybe you lived on campus in McDonald Hall with your closest girlfriends. Maybe you met weekly with a small group of other working adults to complete your degree. Regardless of the program, every former student is an important part of the SWU alumni family. Each alumnus and their memories of SWU is a thread in the fabric of what makes Southern Wesleyan University the institution it has become.

2012 Alumni Awards

Southern Wesleyan University alumni were recognized April 14 for their outstanding efforts in ministry and business during an annual awards luncheon on the university’s campus in Central. Pictured, from left, are Danielle Eiler, receiving the Young Leader Award posthumously for her son Travis; D. Jonathan Watts of Boaz, Ala., Professional Excellence, School of Education; Janelle Beamer of McCormick, S.C., Professional Excellence, School of Business; Rev. James Wiggins of Central, S.C., Alumnus of the Year; and Jessica Hubbard, Young Leader Award. Not pictured is Dr. Bill Jenkins, who received the Professional Excellence Award for the College of Arts and Science.

SWU’s Bryant named SCAAD president

Joy Bryant, executive director of alumni and constituent relations at Southern Wesleyan University, was elected as president of the South Carolina Alumni Association Directors. The announcement was made Jan. 27 at the close of the SCAAD Winter Conference, held at Asheville, N.C. SCAAD is a professional organization of all alumni directors from both private and public colleges and universities across South Carolina. She will serve a two - year term as president. This leadership role also allows Bryant to assume the position as chairman of the SCAAD board, which meets twice a year to assist in the leadership development conferences for alumni directors of South Carolina. “I can easily see why the South Carolina Alumni Association Directors would elect Joy as their next president. She is personable, knowledgeable and wonderfully connected. She is a natural for this role and will help move this organization to even newer heights in the next two years,” said Dr. Todd Voss, president of Southern Wesleyan. “Joy has demonstrated outstanding leadership as Southern Wesleyan’s executive director of alumni and constituent relations,” said Rev. James Wiggins, vice president for development. Wiggins adds that in her 14 years at Southern Wesleyan, Bryant has served effectively in a number of roles. “Following in the leadership shoes of Mrs. Ann Cameron, director of external relations at the University of South Carolina, will be a tall order,” said Bryant. “Working with alumni professionals across the State of South Carolina is an honor. I look forward to the next two years of serving in this role.”

“Happy Days” Homecoming at Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University alumni and their family members “cruised in” to the campus in Central, joining students, faculty and staff for “Happy Days,” a 50s-themed Homecoming celebration Nov. 5.

Alumni and their family members were treated to athletic events, entertainment, a classic car show, arts and crafts, games, a drive-in movie with the hit TV classic “Happy Days” and times for reconnecting with classmates during the event, which took place Nov. 5 at Southern Wesleyan. Homecoming festivities also included a homecoming chapel service at Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center, Homecoming coffee at the president’s home, reunion luncheons and dinner on the grounds.

Southern Wesleyan also crowned its 2011 Homecoming Queen, Amy Shepard, a Human Services major from Winder, Ga.; and Homecoming King, Colicus Jones, a music major from Williamston.

The Warriors volleyball and basketball teams enjoyed Homecoming victories. The Lady Warriors defeated Brewton-Parker College, 3-0; the Lady Warriors Basketball Team defeated Barber Scotia College 90-73; and the Warriors defeated Barber Scotia 93-51 at Historic Tysinger Gymnasium.

• View more Homecoming photos

Happy birthday, Bernice Carter Joy Bryant, Southern Wesleyan University’s executive director of alumni and constituent relations, paid a visit to convey birthday greetings to Bernice Carter, 98, at her home in Hemingway, S.C. Carter continues to drive her own car and spends time at the local senior center playing piano four days a week, is active in church work and hosts a group in her home once a month. Carter is a 1952 graduate of Southern Wesleyan. Bernice and her late husband Clifford were adult students that attended school while working to keep three churches going in the 1950s. It is no surprise to look back in the old Centralian yearbook and find the quote from this couple, “It is better to wear out than to rust out.” Mrs. Carter was full of stories and love for her days at Central. During the visit, Bryant reports Mrs. Carter having her yearbooks to show during the visit.

Bryant was able to take a recent yearbook and share scenes of the SWU campus with Mrs. Carter, who says she wants to plan a trip to the Upstate soon to see the campus. She also acknowledged she wants to put her brick in the Alumni Walk along with one for her beloved Clifford.  She wants to see those when she visits the campus. Carter loves to play the piano and shares her love of music at the local senior center.

Two alums share 98th birthday

Black	Sanders

Sue Binns Black of Clemson, S.C., and Willyne Correll Sanders of Charlotte, N.C., both celebrated their 98th birthday July 29. Joy Bryant, director of alumni and constituent relations and Rev. James Wiggins, vice president for development, presented gifts to Black and Sanders at two separate birthday celebrations. Black and Sanders share more than a birthday – they share the honor of being Southern Wesleyan’s two oldest alumnae.

Sue was married to Watson Black, who served The Wesleyan Church in local church ministry and as District Superintendent for the North Carolina West district. Her son, Dr. Robert Black, is also a graduate and a long-time member of Southern Wesleyan’s Religion faculty.

Willyne is the daughter of W.D. Correll, who was one of the first graduates of the theological program, receiving his degree in 1911 when the university was known as Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute. She is the only person to have attended elementary, secondary and junior college on the campus in Central. Correll Hall, the facility that houses Southern Wesleyan’s administrative offices, is named for her father.