The Wofford College National Alumni Association will present alumni service awards (sponsored by the Alumni Executive Council) on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. in the Papadopoulos Room.
Following the awards, President Nayef Samhat, Wofford’s 11th president, will host a Town Hall conversation with a question and answer session.
Young Alumnus of the Year
Thomas Edward Woods II ’00
After graduating from Wofford with a degree in computer science, Woods joined QS/1 Data Systems, a division of JM Smith Corp., as a computer specialist. He currently is the senior web developer for Upward Sports. He lives in Spartanburg with his wife, Nancy, and their three children. Woods spearheaded a fund-raising effort to develop the Richardson Summer Scholars Fund, which provides support for a paid summer internship for a rising junior or senior at Wofford. It honors trustee Jerry Richardson ’59 and his family for all that they have done for the participants in their endowed scholarship program. Woods also has been a leader in Black Boys of Distinction, devoted to positively influencing young African-American men.
Distinguished Citizen Award
Joella F. Utley, M.D.
Utley is a native of Clinton, Okla., and a graduate of Oklahoma City University and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Prior to her retirement, she was engaged in the private practice of medicine in Spartanburg. Well-read, widely traveled and forever curious, she and her late husband were true Renaissance people with a multitude of interests ranging from maintaining their roots with the land to a love of music. A gifted pianist, Utley earned a master’s degree in music at Converse College. She is a trustee of the National Music Museum, which houses the world’s premier collection of historical instruments. She just rotated off the Wofford College Board of Trustees after 12 years of service.
Distinguished Service Award
Van D. Hipp Jr. ’82
Hipp is chairman of the American Defense International, Inc. (ADI), a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm specializing in government affairs, business development and public relations. He is also well known to international television audiences as an expert commentator on defense matters. Hipp established the Hipp Lecture Series on International Affairs and National Security at Wofford. He was instrumental in bringing the GOP Presidential Candidates Debate to the Wofford campus in November 2011 and astronaut Buzz Aldrin to campus this past spring. He has served a three-year term on the Alumni Executive Council and is currently a sideline color commentator for Terrier
football games.