TIGERVILLE — The North Greenville University presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Jim and Ann Black of Easley as the couple who has made a significant contribution through a lifetime of leadership, inspiration, service and commitment to North Greenville University and its mission.
The ceremony was held last November at the Events Center at Greer City Hall for its annual donor appreciation and recognition dinner when the university recognized those who have given exemplary service, commitment, and lifetime giving to North Greenville University.
Jim Black grew up in the Greer Community and attended Greer First Baptist. He graduated from Greer High School and the Citadel with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. He was commissioned as an Infantry Officer. He went on to accomplish a very successful career in the Insurance Business.
Ann Black graduated from Conway High School as an honor graduate and is a graduate of Coker College. She went on to earn her master’s degree in education from Clemson and became a nationally certified school psychologist and held a career as a licensed psycho-educational specialist.
In 1968, Jim Black began his working relationship with North Greenville as a trustee where he has served under every president from President Neely until present. In 2002, Jim received an honorary doctorate of humanities.
After his retirement in 1996, he spends his time with Ann and his family, always looking for opportunities to promote NGU.
Other awards included:
Dr. Cathy Sepko from Greer received the faculty/staff heritage award given to a current or retired member of the university family whose gifts embody the spirit of the institution.
Dick Brooks Honda of Greer was the recipient of the foundation/corporation award of the year. This award is presented to the foundation or corporation whose influence over an extended time period has served to enhance and uphold the mission of NGU. The award was presented to co-owners Bill and Stacey Jackson and Ed Rich, Dick Brooks Honda dealer manager and general manager.
The Board Leadership Award was given to Gary Glenn from Greenville. This annual award is presented to a member of the university’s board of trustees whose support serves as an example to others.
The Legacy Award was given posthumously to Richard Kilpatrick of Chesnee whose generosity of resources exceeds all others during the past year. His award was accepted by his sister and brother-in-law, Myra and Arthur Phillips.
Mark Dupes from Sweetwater, Tenn., was awarded the Tip of the Sword Award which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to NGU through financial support, dedication, and passion to Crusader athletics.
Dr. Ralph Hendricks from Simpsonville was awarded the Lifetime Legacy Award which recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution through a lifetime of exemplary service to North Greenville University and a personal commitment to the financial sustainability of the institution.
At the age of 100, Hendricks is still very active and enjoys going to the office to take care of the day to day operations of his business, Hendricks Properties, Inc. in Simpsonville.