Erskine marks Alumni Day 2026 with enthusiasm

Alumni and friends attending Erskine Alumni Day 2026 on Saturday, April 18, enjoyed perfect weather, good fellowship, a variety of activities and events, and a picnic lunch—plus a poetry reading and a concert.

“There were games, face-painting, and snow cones on the mall with a picnic lunch for alumni and families,” says Director of Alumni Relations Jeanne Bell ’92. “Many spring sports played at home and the Garnet, Gold and Boom event, along with a baseball doubleheader, drew more than a thousand people.”  

Alumni talent was on display in the Bowie Arts Center, where Glenis Redmond ’85 offered poetry reading sessions, and in Memorial Hall, where Mac Frampton ’66 gave a piano concert.  

“Mac Frampton’s concert and Glenis Redmond’s poetry reading were huge hits,” Bell reports. “There was something for everyone, and people were happy to return to our beautiful campus—it was a great day!”  

Recently appointed Vice President of Advancement Jim Sanderlin offered a welcome at the Alumni Association meeting, and the Erskine Chamber Singers, accompanied by Associate Professor of Music Dr. Keith Timms ’84, performed a medley of American folk songs. The meeting was conducted by Alumni Association President Jim Moore ’77, who invited Alumni Board member Mary Pratt Horne ’22 to offer an opening prayer. 

A new slate of Alumni Association Board of Directors members was presented and approved, including Keisha Bentley ’06; Robert “Tripp” Boykin ’92; Jessica Douglas ’20; Janice Lee Hightower ’89; Ginger Walker ’70; and Catherine (Mary) Williams ’80.  

Members completing their service were recognized, including Ralph Bowling ’82, Gehrig DeFronzo ’20, Sherry McAdams ’81, Mary Pratt Horne ’22, Robert “Tripp” Boykin ’92 (who has been filling a vacancy on the board), and Dr. Wendy Childress ’21 (Seminary). 

The Alumni Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor given by the Alumni Association, was presented to Dr. Sanita Cousar ’77, who preceded Moore as Alumni Association president, has served twice on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and was a member of the Erskine Board of Trustees from 1996 to 2002. Happily married to Elijah Cousar, she is a mother of five and a grandmother of five. 

“Sanita’s Erskine story is basically one of love at first sight,” Moore said. “It started when she was 16 and continues today.” 

Cousar came to Erskine as a 16-year-old freshman in 1974, completed a major in English and a minor in music, and went on to earn a master’s degree in secondary education, an educational specialist degree, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership at the University of South Carolina. 

Her 39-year career as an educator included teaching high school English, serving as an English instructor at a technical college, and working in administrative roles in personnel and human resources, culminating in her service as Coordinator of Leadership Development and Chief of Human Resource Services for Richland School District One in Columbia.  

“Her influence in education has extended well beyond classrooms and school district offices,” Moore said. Citing her participation and leadership in professional associations, he also noted that she was the first African American woman elected to the board of Winthrop University and the first African American woman to serve in the top personnel position in Richland School District One. 

Cousar “led by example” as president of the Alumni Association and was “an advocate and spokesperson for all alumni.” A generous supporter of the Annual Fund, she has shared her time and wisdom with the Alumni Board since completing her term. In addition to serving her alma mater, she is active in three church congregations and is corresponding secretary of the Fairfield County Genealogical Society. “Erskine is proud of you, honored to call you one of our own, and delighted to present you with the Distinguished Service Award,” Moore said. 

Taking the podium, Cousar thanked her husband, colleagues, friends, and especially her parents, who taught her “to be good, to do good,” and inspired her by their example of church and community service. 

This year’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award, recognizing alumni who have begun to be a positive and encouraging influence in their community, church, profession, and alma mater, was given to Jayden Holder ’24 and presented by Alumni Board member Jennifer Dobson ’95, who offered a tribute to the young graduate.  

“In the fall of 2020, a young man with a quiet spirit and a brilliant smile stepped onto the Erskine campus as a freshman. People liked him immediately…but no one could have predicted the impact he and Erskine would have on each other over the next four years and beyond,” she said. 

As manager of the Flying Fleet Football team during the disruption of COVID-19, Jayden faced challenges. “It was not an easy time to be a team manager,” Dobson said, noting that the scheduled fall 2020 games were moved to 2021, combining two seasons into one year. 

Jayden also served as a Resident Assistant and on the Service and Leadership Team (SALT). “Perhaps his favorite role was helping to lead weekly Fleet Fellowship worship services for the student body,” Dobson said. “No matter what role he took on, he viewed each one as a ministry opportunity.” 

On campus, Jayden “was something of a big brother” to other students, providing counsel and praying with them. Now pursuing a degree in ministry at North Greenville University, Jayden enjoys counseling students and serves on the student ministry team. He is also active in the youth ministry of North Hills Church in nearby Taylors.  

“Jayden, we’re honored to present you with the Young Alumni Award and to encourage you to continue your life of joyful service to others.” 

The Erskine Service Award, honoring faithful volunteer service to Erskine, was given to Austin Walker ’19, president-elect of the Alumni Board, who is set to begin her term in 2027.  

“Austin is not one of those people who graduate and then disappear,” current president Jim Moore said as he began speaking about her. 

Active in campus organizations as a student, since graduating she has “rarely missed an Alumni Day or Homecoming,” Moore said, often bringing her young son Craig with her, and she also attends many special events on campus.  

While advancing in her career, serving in leadership positions in the City of Abbeville, Abbeville County, and Stoll Industries,”She has not missed an opportunity to promote her alma mater,” Moore said. “Austin has ensured that Erskine has a seat at the table in discussions regarding community development and strategic planning.”

Moore quoted Austin’s LinkedIn profile, which expresses her desire to enrich the lives of people “by building meaningful relationships and sharing the resources God has entrusted to us,” then concluded, “You have enriched Erskine by your service, and we are thankful.” 

The Honorary Alumni Award recipient was Joyce Guyette, who joined the Erskine staff in 1995 when Lee Logan ’67 hired her in the Office of Planned Giving. She then served in Public Relations, now Marketing and Communications. In the Erskine Staff Organization, she worked with the late Edith Brawley ’58 and others on the yearly Angel Tree project. As a writer and editor, she has “helped us celebrate milestones and achievements and gently informed us of losses and hardships,” Dobson said, “enabling us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.”  

The Chamber Singers led the singing of the Alma Mater and Alumni Board member Gehrig DeFronzo ’20 offered a closing prayer.

On Alumni Day, Erskine also welcomed prospective students for Junior Day, hosted by the Office of Admissions, and more than 1,200 attendees for this year’s Garnet, Gold & Boom festivities.

Shown at top of page, the Class of 1976, celebrating its 50th reunion, gathers in the Founders Room. Several other classes enjoyed reunions this year.

Watch this space for additional photos from Alumni Day.