Alumni

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.

Alumni News Flashes
Homecoming A high-flying Homecoming (press release) View the Homecoming photo gallery

The 1958 High School Graduating Class of Central Wesleyan Academy had their 50th reunion at Roy Collins Ole Town Central on July 26. Of the 20 original graduates, there are 14 who are alive today. Many of their spouses attended the event, also.
’79 Vicky Martin Smith received the 2008 Local and State MDA Personal Achievement Award for South Carolina. She earned a degree in psychology and Christian education. While in college, Smith worked with underprivileged children, teaching them about Christ Jesus and spent one summer leading the Children’s Ministry at her home church in Asheville. She also did practicum work with the Pickens County Alcohol and Drug Center and the Probation Office. She later attended Greenville Technical College, received an associate’s degree in marketing and worked part time in the college’s marketing department. After that, Smith accepted the position of regional coordinator of assistive technology for the Upstate of S.C. While in this position, she was nominated to serve on the Governor’s South Carolina Independent Living Council and served for two years as vice chairman. Smith and her husband, Jay, now own American Rehab & Mobility in Greenville, S.C. Their company sells and repairs durable medical equipment, aids to daily living and van conversions. They modify vans, install lifts, elevators, stair lifts and ramps and rent vans. The company also hosts the MDA loan closet for Greenville and surrounding area. ’86 JoAnn Hudson, says her decision to attend Central Wesleyan College was based on the need for her to attend classes yet allow time for a full-time job. “The attention that was given me to succeed and not give up is one of the reasons for the accomplishments that I have achieved since I left Central Wesleyan College,” Hudson said. “I continued my education at Clemson University, receiving my PhD. in developmental biology. Today I am director of Clemson University’s Electron Microscope Facility. My job involves finding solutions for industry and researchers by characterizing materials at the atomic and molecular level. The facility that I direct now has the reputation of being the most advanced electron microscope lab in the country.” ’96 ERA Riverside is pleased to announce that Tambra Hill has been promoted to general manager. In her new position, Hill will oversee the daily operations for the company, including client relationships and new business development. ’00 The Presidential Company has announced the addition of Tomika Rogers, a three-year professional, to its Greer office sales team. She is a member of the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors/AVE serving Greenville County and surrounding areas as a specialist in residential sales. ’01/’03 Pastor Josh LeRoy (’03) graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ken., in May of 2007. He and his wife, Laura McKenzie LeRoy (’01) are beginning The Bridge Project, an outreach ministry to the residents on the east side of Asheboro, N.C. It’s an effort to promote unity and build bridges through which Jesus Christ can be shared. They feel called to be prophetic witnesses of personal holiness, racial harmony and social healing within the community of Asheboro. ’05 Glenn D. Buddin Jr., is chief executive officer of Blue Ridge Bank of Walhalla, S.C. He recently graduated from the American Bankers Association (ABA) Stonier Graduate School of Banking in Philadelphia. OBITUARIES ’47 Ernest Wood, Roxboro, N.C., May 10, 2008. ’47 Exie Doss Newton, Greenville, S.C., June 25, 2008. ’59 Gaston C. Henry, Swansea, S.C., May 10, 2008. ’59 Ann “Latham” Agreda, Atlanta, Ga., June 28, 2008. ’62 Frankie Simpson Snyder, Edinboro, Penn., July 12, 2008. ’92 Louis Carroll Addison, Florence, S.C., May 24, 2008. ’04 Sandra Kay Caudle Baudier,Greenville, S.C., June 26, 2008. ’04 & ‘06 Terri Cowling-Isham, Columbia, S.C., July 11, 2008. SWU trustee emeritus and friend Dr. Francis Allred Mason, 88, passed away on July 11, 2008, in Atlanta, Ga. She served as a member of Southern Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees and was a trustee emeritus. Dr. Mason established the Allred-Mason Scholarship which has benefited many students. She served The Wesleyan Church and was afaithful prayer warrior.	BIRTHS ’64 Raina Elise Hilson, was born June 23, 2008. Grandparents are J. Paul Hilson and Debbie Hilson. ’69 Marlowe Lydia Rampey, was born June 26, 2008, to Elizabeth and Aaron Rampey. Grandparents are Buddy and Joan Rampey. ’01/’03 Anna Grace LeRoy was born July 20, 2007, to LauraMcKenzie LeRoy and Pastor Josh LeRoy. ’04 Cambria Gray, was born April 24, 2008, to Beau and Gidget Hamner. ’06 Melody Grace Dixon was born June 27, 2008, to Matt and Laura Hollingsworth Dixon. WEDDINGS ’02 Brooke Michelle Gilliam and Neil Lloyd Mathews were married on April 5, 2008. ’03 Janelle Elizabeth Beamer and Joel Scott Montgomery were married on May 3, 2008. ’04 William Glenn Yarborough III and Jennie Elizabeth Clark were married April 19, 2008. ’05 Jason Branden Burke and Ansley Lauren Greenway were married June 20, 2008. ’07 Martha Page Brownlee and Jeremy James Rogers were married June 21, 2008. Lindsey Nicole Carver and Ronald Craig Brown were married on Dec. 8, 2007. William Charles “David” Payne and Lisa Helen Daniel were married June 28, 2008. Sara Alena Masters and Tanner Brown Rhinehart were married June 7, 2008.