SWU News:

April 21, 2006

SWU administrators behind bars for 'good'

Dr. David Spittal and Joy Bryant represented Southern Wesleyan University at the MDA lock-up.

Warning: being kind can get you locked up.

Southern Wesleyan University President David Spittal and Joy Bryant, executive director of alumni and constituent relations, were charged April 20 with aiding and abetting the Muscular Dystrophy Association with the intent of helping area residents with the disease.

“I never knew being arrested could be so entertaining,” Bryant said. “My warrant stated that I was being arrested for having a big heart. I was charged with being caring, good-natured and influential with my friends and associates.” 

Spittal and Bryant were picked up at the Southern Wesleyan University campus in Central and given a ride to the MDA’s maximum-appreciation jail site at the Ramada Inn in Clemson. The two were placed in a lineup, posed for their mug shots and then treated to jailhouse grub provided by local restaurants.

Spittal and Bryant then placed phone calls to friends and family to secure “bail money” in the form of MDA donations. Within 30 minutes, Bryant raised enough funds were to pay for several flu shots and an initial diagnostic workup at an MDA clinic. Spittal received a T-shirt for raising enough funds to pay for a child to enjoy a week of fun, friendship and laughter at MDA summer camp.

“It is reported that 76 percent of every dollar MDA spends goes directly to research, health care services and education,” Bryant said. “It was fun to work with others in the community for such a good cause.”