The members of the President’s Advisory Council walk the Wofford campus with an eye toward the future.
They see a campus evolving with new buildings, new goals and a bright outlook for students who followed them to Wofford and the thousands who are yet to come.
“People love Wofford,” says Heather Onstott Perrygo ’92, a member of the council and chief financial officer of a Boston-based biotech firm. “This is about re-engaging alumni and reinvigorating that base. We have incredible alumni — people who have done amazing things. Part of the council’s job is making sure those amazing things get fed back into the school.”
The PAC meets twice a year and is composed of about 30 members. Most are alumni. In discussions with President Nayef Samhat and other college administrators, council members seek to enhance Wofford’s vision for the future and to generate ideas that positively impact academic and athletics programming, enrollment and facility planning.
“The members of the President’s Advisory Council play an important role in advancing Wofford’s vision and helping the college evaluate its goals and ambitions from different perspectives,” says Samhat. “We appreciate the valuable input they provide and are thankful for their willingness to serve. As we formulate a vision of Wofford over the next several years and move into the public portion of For Wofford, our comprehensive campaign, their assistance and counsel will become even more important.”
Council members meet in several sessions over a two-day period in the fall and spring semesters. They represent much of the country, from Spartanburg and Greenville to Washington, D.C, New York City and Los Angeles.
Among the members is Dr. Blanding Jones ’92, a Los Angeles-based cardio-thoracic surgeon (right).
“The whole thing is about connecting people and trying to bring about ideas,” he says. “There’s a lot of commonality on what things might need to be done. … More than ever, the cost of education is exponential. More than ever, the college needs support in many ways or forms to continue its mission. It’s impressive to see the ‘people development’ here along with the physical development of the campus.”
Professional golfer William McGirt ’01 says he is honored to be on the council.
“It means a ton to me,” he says. “Wofford did so much in helping me get to where I am. To have the opportunity to give back is great.”
McGirt notes that considering and anticipating change is an important part of serving in an advisory role for the college.
“Everything has changed since I was here,” he says. “We have to think about now, but also realize that what we do will impact the college 20 and 30 years down the road.”
Margaret Green Young ’92, who looks at Wofford from two perspectives – as a successful graduate (she’s a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers) and as the wife of basketball coach Mike Young — agrees with McGirt.
“Some of our ideas today are about tweaks to what the college is doing now and how we can increase the impact of the things we already have planned,” she says. “I’m honored to be on the council. I love Wofford, and it makes me happy to spread the news.”