Jackson Receives Distinguished Service Award

Jesse B. Jackson (second from right) received the 2011 Distinguished Service Award from the Southern Conference.

Charleston, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced today that Jesse B. Jackson is one of the 12 recipients of the league’s 2011 Distinguished Service Award. Each member institution selects an honoree based on that person’s contribution to the institution. Each award winner will be honored for their contributions at the Southern Conference Honors Dinner in Charleston, S.C., on June 1.

A native of rural Hickory Tavern, S.C., Jackson was the first in his family to earn a college degree when he graduated from The Citadel in 1980.  Following his father’s advice of “play sports, get involved, but do well in class first,” Jackson has always had a great admiration for the student-athletes who are able to succeed on the field and in the classroom.  With his loyalty to his alma mater, Jackson donated $1 million to The Citadel for football and baseball scholarships.  In 2010, Jackson was presented with the Society 1842 medal, celebrating his generosity by inducting him into The Citadel’s most prestigious lifetime giving society.

The Distinguished Service Award program was started in 2002 as a way for the Southern Conference to recognize those individuals from its member institutions who have contributed to all aspects of the university. This year’s honorees also include Mark Harrill (Appalachian State), Tomi Youngblood (College of Charleston), Ben T. Vernon, Jr. (Davidson), Dr. and Mrs. W. Bryan Latham (Elon), Ray and Pat Ballew (Furman), Ted S. Smith (Georgia Southern), Lynne Agee (UNCG), Michael Rice (Samford), J. Lewis Card, Jr. (Chattanooga), Kevin and Lynn Stanberry (Western Carolina) and Harry Pinkney Williams, Jr. (Wofford).

For more information on The Citadel Athletics, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics, the new www.CitadelSports.com.