CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

July 13, 2010: Digit Matheny introduced Dr. Jairy Hunter, President, Charleston Southern University, for his extraordinary work at building the college’s reputation and fundraising.

According to Dr. Hunter, “CSU students, faculty, staff, and coaches are special. Our academic programs are rigorous and our campus is inviting. Our graduates are competitive and successful in their chosen fields. CSU is an university on the move, a recognized leader in higher education…”

Dr. Hunter talked about the special mission of the college to attract students of all walks of life who value an education augmented by the Christian faith. He elaborated on his four key tenets of leadership:

1. Integrity – “Character counts,” he said. Honesty includes an innate sense of rightness. Just as is stated in the Rotary 4-way test, we must live our lives in ways that benefit others.

2. Commitment – “We must see things through, no matter how small or big…” He shared the story of friends who were married for 65 years. Commitment means dedicating one’s self to bigger issues and other people’s needs ahead of self.

3. Common sense – We must always think clearly and simply about what needs to be done. Oddly, he said, common sense can often be difficult to come by. “It’s a rare quality, and must be cherished.”

4. Compassion – This attribute is best embodied by the 4-way test and mission of Rotary. He relayed the story of the student he once interviewed who vowed he only wanted to be a surgeon, the best surgeon, so he could help others who had no chance of decent care. That student became a successful surgeon, and on meeting him many years later, Dr. Hunter congratulated him on sticking to his plan and helping others, but the former student announced, he was selling his practice and seeking another path to indigent people in other parts of the world. He is an example of having an uncompromising calling to help others in much worse condition.

Submitted by Mark Danes, Keyway Committee