Rotary Club Of Aiken

Avery Spears-Mahoney, Exec. Director of North Augusta Forward
2024-11-18 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Newberry Hall, 117 Newberry St SW, Aiken, SC, 29801, United States
At North Augusta Forward, our mission is to inspire, lead and implement a united vision that provides the best possible quality of life for the community of North Augusta, SC.
Through this mission, our vision is for North Augusta to become the “community of choice” to live, work and play within the River Region.
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Veteran's Day - NO MEETING
2024-11-11 12:30 - 13:30
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Jimmy Foley, Veteran's Day Panel
2024-11-04 12:30 - 13:30
First known as Armistice Day, President Woodrow Wilson set aside the day of November 11 (the first anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending World War I) to recognize and thank our American soldiers for their service. This day was declared a National Holiday in 1938, and in 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all American Veterans.
“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” —Douglas MacArthur
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Wade Cleveland - Rotary Exchange Program
2024-10-28 12:30 - 13:30
Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity for young people who spend anywhere from a few weeks to a full year as an international student hosted by local Rotary clubs.
Are you interested in learning a new language or meeting new people? Rotary Youth Exchange is the opportunity of a lifetime for the more than 8,000 students who participate each year. By sharing your own culture and embracing a new one, you help foster global understanding—and learn a great deal about yourself and your home country in the process.
What is a Rotary Youth Exchange?
Is an exchange right for me?
Exchanges are for people ages 15–19 who:
Have demonstrated leadership in their school and community
Are flexible and willing to try new things
Are open to cultural differences
Can serve as an ambassador for their own country
How much does it cost?
Costs vary from country to country. Local Rotary clubs generously host students and provide room and board with a host family and a small monthly stipend. Participants are generally responsible for:
Round-trip airfare
Insurance
Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
Spending money, additional travel, and tour fees
How can I apply?
Learn more about the types of programs offered, and specific application process required. Because the selection and orientation process can be lengthy, we suggest you apply 6–12 months before you plan to leave.
Can I host an exchange student?
Hosting an exchange student can be an incredibly rewarding experience for your family, providing an international experience without leaving home. Host families provide room and board and share their lives with exchange students, involving them in family, community, and cultural activities.
Interested in learning more about being a host family?
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Bill Reynolds, Aiken County Capital Project Sales Tax V
2024-10-21 12:30 - 13:30
If voters in Aiken County approve Capital Project Sales Tax V in November, it would generate more than $260 million that could be used to pave dirt roads, construct new facilities and more.
County Council’s ad hoc study committee received a report from county staff about the projected revenue during a meeting Tuesday at the Aiken County Government Center.
The total amount was based on population figures and point of sale data from the S.C. Department of Revenue, the county’s deputy administrator and chief financial officer, Lynn Strom, told the committee.
County staff used the same data to determine how the money would be divided among the county and its 10 municipalities.
Aiken County Council considers selling land in Sage Mill Industrial Park
The county would receive the biggest chunk of the proceeds, $127.6 million.
Aiken’s share would be $79.7 million
North Augusta would receive $48.6 million.
Burnettown and New Ellenton would get $2.4 million and $2.03 million, respectively.
Wagener would receive $1.6 million, and Jackson’s share would be $1.2 million.
Perry and Salley would get $256,000 and $271,000, respectively.
Windsor’s share would be $206,000.
Monetta would receive $190,000.
County staff wanted to make sure that all the municipalities would receive at least 15 percent more from Capital Project Sales Tax V than they did from Capital Project Sales Tax IV, based on projections.
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Dr. Carl Henson, CMO & CSO of Chief Outsiders
2024-10-14 12:30 - 13:30
Dr. Carl Henson will give a brief overview of Artificial intelligence (AI) and how it has shifted the paradigm by creating new avenues for growth across all industries and businesses.ˆ
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Terry Lee, Founder and Executive Director of Overflow Foundation
2024-10-07 12:30 - 13:30
The mission of Overflow Foundation is to Pour Hope Into Life by promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention, as well as providing mental health education.
Our Story
Overflow Foundation was founded in 2019 by a mother who was grieving the loss of her oldest son. Following a dual diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD) and bipolar disorder (BPD), her son succumbed to severe depression and died by suicide on September 6, 2018. Noting the rise in suicide rates by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the National Council for Behavioral Health, Overflow Foundation desires to join the fight against suicide by infusing hope into the lives of individuals and families who have been affected by suicide, mental illness, and SUDs.
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William Tucker, Wills and Trusts
2024-09-30 12:30 - 13:30
While Wills and Trusts do have a lot of overlap, there are also several differences between the two. Ultimately, both are ways to say who will receive your assets. They just do it in different ways, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
One big difference between the two is in how and when they take effect. Wills don’t go into effect until you pass away, whereas a Trust is effective immediately upon signing and funding it.
It may be easier to think of a Will as a “simple” document. Wills allow you to:
Name guardians for kids and pets
Designate where your assets go
Specify final arrangements
While it is an easier process, the simplicity of a Will does come with some drawbacks. For example, Wills offer somewhat limited control over the distribution of assets. They also most likely have to go through some sort of probate process after you pass away.
A Trust is a bit more complicated, but can provide some great benefits. Trusts:
Offer greater control over when and how your assets are distributed
Apply to any assets you hold inside the Trust
Come in many different forms and types
Keep in mind that after you create a Trust, you also need to fund it by transferring assets to it, making the Trust the owner. This does make Trusts a little more complex to set up, but note that Trusts have one major benefit over Wills. They’re often used to minimize or avoid probate entirely, which is a huge plus for some people. This alone could more than justify the additional complexity of setting up a Trust.
Bill joined Hull Barrett in 1980 and is a senior partner in the Aiken office of the firm. He practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, real estate, and business/corporate law and has extensive experience on wealth transfer issues for individuals and owners of closely held businesses, the administration of decedents’ estates, as well as residential and commercial real estate transactions and small business transfers.
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Dr. Melissa Martin, USCA Pacer LIFE Program
2024-09-23 12:30 - 13:30
USCA LIFE (formerly Pacer LIFE) is a two-year program that:
serves students with intellectual disabilities;
provides individual support and services;
focuses on academic and social inclusion;
provides access and skills for gainful employment;
integrates person-centered planning and
offers a meaningful credential.
Students work on individualized goals in academics, employment, social engagement, and independent living.
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Katheryn Fields, Marketing and Development Director of Georgia Rotary Student Program
2024-09-16 12:30 - 13:30
Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) Chair Bert Guy recently announced Katheryne A. Fields as the inaugural Marketing and Development Director. In her role at GRSP, Fields will work to strengthen the program’s strategic initiatives, fundraise and market the student scholarship program throughout the state. In the role, Fields will be working closely with the GRSP Chair, officers, directors, and trustees as well as Georgia Rotary Clubs, GRSP students, government officials and the public.
Fields brings more than 20 years of writing, communication, marketing, strategic planning and corporate events experience, 10 in a supervisor’s position with five of those years in public education and non-profit foundations for education. “I am excited by this opportunity to serve and promote that ‘Peace is Possible’,” said Fields “I have witnessed the benefits of the student scholarship program. I am excited to connect and and reinforce the bonds between Rotarians, education leaders, alumni of the program and the state at large.”
Fields began her career as a sports writer for the Griffin Daily News and served as a state editor for the Asheville Citizen Times. From 2010 to 2015, Fields served as the Marketing Director and brand ambassador for Chick-fil-A of Griffin. In recognition for her efforts in the community, she received the Griffin-Spalding County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year Award in 2013.
Fields previously represented Southern Crescent Technical College as the Director for Institutional Advancement from 2015 to 2019. During her tenure at SCTC, she was responsible for fundraising for the college by acquiring funds, grants, gifts and scholarships. In that role, she collaborated with various department deans and vice presidents plus SCTC Foundation Trustees to create civic and donor presentations as well as grant applications. She assisted the Foundation in raising $175,575 in grants in Fiscal Year 2019 and helped acquire the Foundation’s largest-gift-to-date, $1,000,000 for College Renovation and Expansion in FY 2018. She was named the recipient of the 2019 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award for SCTC. Most recently,
Fields served as the marketing director for Gordon State College, where she served as the primary spokesperson for the college and as the crisis management adviser to the president. Fields managed the college’s website and social media platforms. She created a five-year strategic enrollment management marketing and communication plan at Gordon to spearhead the branding efforts and recruiting initiatives within the college’s 14-county service region. A native of Rome, Ga., Fields holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Berry College. She is an alumna of 2018 Leadership Griffin and 2017 Leadership Henry chamber programs. A Toastmaster and former Rotarian, she is excited to return to her local club in Griffin, where she and her husband Dale, an avid golfer, reside. “Katheryne’s experience in higher education, marketing and development will prove invaluable to GRSP,” said Guy. “Her impressive accomplishments speak to her abilities. I am extremely happy that Katheryne has joined our team and know she will quickly contribute to our program.” Fields will began her new role effective January 22 and can be reached at kfields@grsp.org.
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Liz Stewart, Aiken County Planning Commission Update
2024-09-09 08:30 - 09:30
The Planning Division assists developers with their plans for land development such as creating new subdivisions and manufactured home parks and with site plans for non-residential developments. This division is also responsible for transportation planning and zoning administration.
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Labor Day Holiday - NO MEETING
2024-09-02 12:30 - 13:30

Rotary Readers, Dr. Lisa Fallaw, Principal, East Aiken Elementary
2024-08-26 08:30 - 09:30
Started in 2013, Rotary Readers is a signature program and joint literacy project between Aiken Rotary Club and East Aiken School of the Arts. Rotarians and other volunteers work with small groups of students to improve reading skills. Volunteers are assigned to groups of four, and at least one member of each group works with a small group of students (usually four) for thirty minutes each week to improve reading, reading comprehension and vocabulary. This program encourages a love of reading and provides the students with positive role models. Throughout the school year, relationships are built, and volunteers are invited to attend school programs.
At the beginning and end of the school year students are tested and annual program results are presented to the club to monitor the success of the program. Over the seven years, the annual results have been overwhelming positive of the impact of the program on the participants. The program is modified each year to better serve the students and continue to improve results. Over five hundred volunteers have participated over the seven years the program has been in existence.
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Corey Murphy, Superintendent of Aiken County Public School District
2024-08-19 12:30 - 13:30
Dr. Corey Murphy has been named the next superintendent for the Aiken County Public School District.
“I consider this to be the honor of my life,” the veteran educator said. The announcement came during a special called board meeting Monday night. Murphy’s employment contract will become effective July 1, 2024. His contract is for a three-year term of employment.He will replace King Laurence, who retires this summer.
Murphy was one of three finalists for the position. He was selected over Chan Anderson and Amy Morris Edwards.
Murphy has served as chief officer of operations and student services since 2020. He received his doctorate, educational specialist, Master’s of Education and Bachelor’s of Science in biology degrees from the University of South Carolina.
Murphy’s experience also includes stints as chief of staff at Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools in Williamsburg, Virginia, five years as principal at Beaufort High School and five years as principal of Great Falls Middle/High School. He was an assistant principal at Camden High School as well as a classroom teacher for the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Eau Claire High School.
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Mark Ward, the Walk to End Alzheimer's Walk Organizer
2024-08-12 08:30 - 09:30
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.
Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk® ; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk
While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.
How to Participate in 3 Easy Steps:
Register
Register for your local Walk.
Start or join a team and invite others to walk with you.
Fundraise
Start fundraising and spread the word.
We’ll provide tips and coaching every step of the way, including easy ways to recruit others and raise funds.
Walk day
Join us on Walk day.
Come together for an inspiring community event that celebrates our commitment to ending the disease.
Have a question? Please refer to our FAQ/Website Help page.
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Club Assembly
2024-08-05 12:30 - 13:30
Club President, Forest Mahan, will give us an overview of Rotary, Avenues of Service, Club background and demographics, brief SWOT overview. He will also discuss goals for 2024-25, and list of officers and board members. He will give out Service Awards from last year.
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Carmen Landy, Assistant District Governor (Area 8)
2024-07-29 08:30 - 09:30

Jim Tunison, President of Aiken Chamber of Commerce
2024-07-22 08:30 - 09:30
Tunison is “the next generation in Aiken,” Jameson continued. “He’s young, he’s smart and he’s innovative. He engages very well with the business community and the community at large. He just exemplifies the same values the Chamber has and the community has.”
The Aiken Chamber of Commerce announced Tunison as Jameson’s replacement in a news release issued Thursday morning. It stated that the selection by the Chamber’s board was unanimous.
Board Chairman Charlie Hartz said in a prepared statement that Tunison has the energy and the experience as an Aiken Chamber leader and collaborator that the Chamber’s search committee was seeking.
“His confidence, professionalism and enthusiasm are precisely what we need to elevate our 5-star Chamber to new heights of service for our membership and community,” Hartz added.
Tunison is a graduate of Misericordia University in Pennsylvania. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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USCA/SRNS Interns Barry, Protecting Your Online Identity
2024-07-15 12:30 - 13:30
Whether you are logging into a bank account, sending an email to a co-worker, or posting a picture to a social media page, every action you take can potentially compromise your digital presence. Identity fraud has become an epidemic in recent years, and it is no doubt due in part to how little thought people give to their cybersecurity. And the things we do online can have massive consequences offline.
It could just be a few faulty credit card purchases or theft of your crypto assets. But it could also be someone using your SSN to access the credit they have no intention of repaying. Someone may also try to impersonate you on social media and interact with your friends with malicious intentions or share confidential information that could negatively impact your business. Even your former employer may get all data about your activities. These outcomes can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life. The good news? Avoiding problems is actually not very difficult. Below are five ways to protect your digital identity.
Ensure your connection is encrypted
Take a look at the address bar on your browser. See the little lock on the left-hand side? That means that this site is using encryption. By using such sites, you ensure that you are safely sharing your data. Unencrypted sites leave you vulnerable and put you in danger of having your personal information stolen.
Do a background check on yourself
When you think about your digital identity, you probably think of the things you see every day: your email, your Twitter feed, your YouTube account, and so on. Here is the thing: so much of what makes up your digital identity is what you do not see. The best way to see the complete picture is to run a background check on yourself.
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Using sites like UnMask, you can see your entire digital footprint. If you are applying for a job, a home rental, or credit, knowing all information about you that is available to others can help you prepare to answer tough questions. It also allows you to clear up any criminal or financial information that was falsely reported and delete anything online that you did not realize was there.
Another benefit to running a background check on yourself is to see if you are the victim of identity theft. You can see if someone is parading as you by looking through financial records, social media platforms, dating sites, and many other data sources. With this knowledge, you can take control before the digital breach makes its way to the real world.
Have a password manager
You have probably seen the password manager app that comes standard on many phones. These simple tools are crucial for ensuring that you use strong and unique passwords that are never repeated between accounts.
Creating passwords alone does not quite cut the mustard anymore. In a world where a single Facebook account can log you into several other services, all it takes is accessing one email account for a hacker to be able to access all other accounts. A password manager can help you update your passwords regularly, use strong passwords that cannot be guessed based on personal information, and use different passwords for all your accounts.
Most password managers are easy to use. All you need to do is set them up and let them autofill your login info when you get to your favorite sites. This also protects you from phishing scams. If a web page is fraudulent, your password manager will not enter the password.
Monitor your online activity
Too many people use the Internet on autopilot. Search, scroll, click, and repeat. It is as natural as breathing. However, if you are looking to protect your digital identity, it is crucial to be critical of every piece of information you type and share. Think about a post on Instagram, for example. Does your photo inadvertently reveal sensitive information? Is there something that could reveal the answer to a secret question on one of your accounts? Remember that your Internet presence does not exist in a vacuum.
It is also important to be mindful of phishing scams. As mentioned above, using a password manager is an effective way to stay safe. But it may not always be enough. If you ever get an email or text that requests information from you, always triple-check the source – even if it appears to be from a reputable organization. Never give up your information unless you 100% know where it is going. And do not click on suspicious attachments.
Monitor your offline activity
Managing your digital presence means minding your behavior in the real world. For example, you should always be skeptical about receiving calls out of the blue from your bank or utility company. Many scammers will attempt to contact you offline to validate information online.
They can then use this information to infiltrate your accounts, move around cash, and get their hands on your social security number. Although less common, some scammers will even attempt to contact you in person. Be wary of seemingly harmless interactions with people who seem to be a little too nosy for a casual conversation.

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Gary Bunker, Aiken County Council Chair, with an Aiken County Council Update
2024-07-08 12:30 - 13:30
Gary has been appointed to several committees. He served on the Mattie C. Hall Healthcare Commission (appointed by Councilman Rick Osbon) from 1997 through 2002, and served as chairman during the last year. He was on the Aiken County Board of Appeals (appointed by Osbon) in 2003 and the Aiken County Transportation Committee (appointed by Sen. Greg Ryberg) in 2004.
After his service on County Council, Gary served on the Board of the Economic Development Partnership (appointed by Councilman Scott Singer) from 2013 through 2014 and is currently serving a second stint on the Board of Appeals (appointed by Councilwoman Camille Furgiuele) from 2015 to the present.
Gary also has been active in the Aiken County Republican Party. He was president of the Aiken Republican Club in 2004, Chairman of the Aiken County Young Republicans in 1995, Executive Committeeman of the Aiken County Republican Party from 1997 to 1999, and chaired every Aiken County Republican Party Convention between 2003 and 2017. He’s held precinct level positions (variously precinct president and precinct committeeman) in Hollow Creek 53, Gem Lakes 60, and Gem Lakes 77 over the last 20 years.
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July 4th Holiday - NO MEETING
2024-07-01 12:30 - 13:30
“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” – Abraham Lincoln
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Jim Costigan, Security for Masters, LIV Golf Tournaments
2024-06-24 12:30 - 13:30
Jim Costigan, who has experience with the FBI, and U.S. Navy, and served as head of security for The Masters golf tournament.

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End of the Year Party
2024-06-10 12:30 - 13:30

Dr. Forest Mahan, President of Aiken Technical College
2024-06-03 12:30 - 13:30
Dr. Mahan received a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Charleston and a master of arts degree and a doctor of philosophy degree in Higher Education Administration from USC Columbia. Before his current position, Mahan was the vice president for academics at Northeastern Technical College. He began his career as a history instructor at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, where he later became dean of arts and sciences. Dr. Forest Mahan became President of Aiken Technical College in 2016, becoming the College’s fifth president since it opened in fall of 1972. Classes for Aiken Technical College began in temporary facilities in Aiken. One hundred and seventy-seven students enrolled in the first class of what was then the Aiken Technical Education Center. The current campus opened in the winter of 1973. The name was changed to Aiken Technical College in March 1978. The original ATC campus consisted of three buildings constructed at a cost of $2.3 million — $80,000 provided by Aiken County and the remainder from federal education grants. The campus has seen great expansion over the past few decades. The Dale Phelon Information Technology Center opened for classes in the fall of 2000 and includes the College’s library, classrooms, offices and meeting space. In the summer of 2001, construction of the $3 million, 30,000-square-foot CSRA Manufacturing and Technology Training Center was completed. A 52,000-square-foot Health and Science building was added in fall 2003 to allow the College to offer radiologic technology, surgical technology and medical coding programs. It was completed at a cost of $7.6 million. The Associate Degree in Nursing program became available there in fall 2005. With the completion of the Health and Science Building, a student commons was created and dedicated to Senator Thomas L. Moore in 2004. The 700-800 Building was renovated in 2003-2004 and opened for classes in 2005. The renovation created multimedia classrooms, a state-of-the-art Testing Center, and an inviting and well-equipped Academic Success Center. ATC opened its 6,090-square-foot Enrollment Services Center in the Ashley J. Little Administration Building in 2013. By combining the College’s admissions and records, financial aid, and academic advising into one convenient location, ATC has streamlined the enrollment process for students. During the summer of 2014, the College broke ground for its new Center for Energy and Advanced Manufacturing. To fund the $8.5 million project, the College received a $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and $2.4 million from the S.C. state legislature to use along with $1.5 million of College funding. The ATC Foundation also led a $2 million capital campaign, Putting Knowledge to Work. The funding sources combined allowed the facility to be completed without debt. The Center for Energy and Advanced Manufacturing was dedicated in September 2015. ATC was once home to the Knights men’s basketball program from 1991-2013, and the Lady Knights women’s fast pitch softball program from 2006- 2013. The College offers opportunities for student leadership and development through a number of clubs and organizations, including the Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Campus Ambassador Program, Student Veterans Association, Christian Life Club, Student Nurses Association and the American Welding Society. Through partnerships with local, regional and national nonprofit organizations, government entities, industries and educational institutions, ATC has created numerous pathways to assist veterans in achieving educational goals or advancing within their military careers. The ATC campus is home to nearly 300 veterans and veterans’ dependents. More than four decades after its founding, ATC has grown into a multi-service, two-year comprehensive college offering numerous educational opportunities in college transfer credit and noncredit health, public service, business, industrial engineering, nuclear and computer technology programs.

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Memorial Day - NO MEETING
2024-05-27 12:30 - 13:30
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
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Mental Health -- ARMC, Aiken Center
2024-05-20 12:30 - 13:30
Acute Care Crisis Stabilization Program
About Aurora Pavilion Behavioral Health Services
Since 1991, Aurora Pavilion Behavioral Health Services has brought renewed hope for those suffering from emotional, behavioral and addiction problems. The 62-bed facility, located on the campus of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, is accredited by The Joint Commission. The facility offers comprehensive, individualized treatment services by a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, clinicians, mental health technicians and recreation therapists who are committed to high quality care.
RESPOND
Aurora Pavilion Behavioral Health Services offers a free, comprehensive community service called RESPOND. This resource is designed to assist you by providing free clinical assessments, information and referral services for psychiatric and substance use problems. The RESPOND team of professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 803-641-5900 or 800-273-7911.
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Staff Sgt Ryan Pitts, Medal of Honor Recipient
2024-05-13 12:30 - 13:30
Ryan Pitts is a former United States Army soldier and the ninth living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the War in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts joined the Army in 2003, at the age of 17 under the delayed entry program. He attended basic training and advanced individual training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.
Pitts then went to the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga., before being assigned as a radio telephone operator for the 4th Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment and 173rd Airborne Brigade at Camp Ederle, Italy from 2004-2005. He remained headquartered at Camp Ederle as part of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Abn. Bde. from 2006 to 2009.
While assigned to the 173rd, Pitts deployed twice to Afghanistan. His first deployment in 2005 lasted 12 months. His final deployment spanned 15 months beginning in 2007. Pitts departed the active-duty Army in 2009.
His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from the University of New Hampshire at Manchester. He currently resides in Nashua, New Hampshire where he is in business development for the computer software industry.
His military education includes the U.S. Army Airborne School, U.S. Army Pathfinder Course, and the Warrior Leader Course.
Staff Sergeant Pitts’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal w/ “V” Device, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/ “V” Device and three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp and two Loops, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral “4”, NATO Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Combat Action Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Parachutist Badge.

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Aiken Rotary Scholarship Program, 2024
2024-05-06 12:30 - 13:30
For many years, the Rotary Club of Aiken has awarded scholarships to worthy students. We awarded a $7,500 scholarship to 23 students from the Class of 2023 for a total of $172,500.
This scholarship is open to all 2024 graduating high school students who live in Area 1 or attend an Area 1 school, including homeschool students. Each of this year’s scholarship winners will receive $7500.

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Tim Hardee, President of the South Carolina Technical College System
2024-04-29 12:30 - 13:30
Hardee has served over 30 years in education in South Carolina, including 15 at Central Carolina Technical College. He has been honored by Coastal Carolina University with the Outstanding Alumni award as well as the Sumter Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Achievement Award. Prior to entering higher education administration 15 years ago, he served as a teacher, coach, counselor, principal and administrator on the K-12 level.
With a B.S. in Psychology from Coastal Carolina University, Hardee also holds an M.Ed. in Counselor Education and an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. He currently serves as a member of the South Carolina Workforce Development Board and is a graduate of the South Carolina Economic Development Institute, the Furman Diversity Leaders Institute, and Leadership South Carolina.
Last year, Governor McMaster invested $12 million in South Carolina’s technical college system to train residents in the Palmetto State for high-demand jobs.
After seeing more than 6,000 students trained through this program, the governor says technical jobs will play a large part in the state’s future economic success.
“South Carolina has the best technical college of any state in the country,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “It’s getting better and it’s getting stronger.”
The Palmetto State is home to 16 technical colleges including Midlands Technical College which currently has around 9,000 students enrolled.
“Our 16 colleges educate and train more than 134 thousand South Carolinians each year,” said Roger Schrum of the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education. “Our ‘Ready SC’ program trained more than 5,300 people for new and expanding companies in our state. Our ‘Apprenticeship Carolina’ program has just over 42,000 employed apprentices across the state this year.”
To help South Carolinians find high paying jobs in technical fields and to develop the state’s workforce, the governor announced a $25 million investment into ‘Workforce Scholarships for the Future’ program. The program helps technical college students afford the training or degree necessary.
“It is our job to see that this enormous talent pool we have in our state is prepared, educated and ready to do the work,” McMaster said. “Businesses of all kinds, from manufacturing to life sciences, are looking to come here.”
Coupled with $39 million allocated by the General Assembly in this year’s state budget, the program expects to train or retrain approximately 40,000 South Carolinians.
“This will bring forth an opportunity for people to gain a skill, get a good job and work here in the state of South Carolina,” said Dr. Tim Hardee, president of the South Carolina Technical College System. “That’s what it means on an individual basis.”
One technical college president spoke about the difference scholarships make in individual students’ lives. She uses student Lynn Rogers as an example of someone who made a career move.
“Like many of our students, Lynn could not have pursued this change in her career if it had not been for the ‘Workforce Scholarships for the Future’ program,” said Dr. Hope Rivers, Piedmont Technical College president. “On behalf of the presidents of the 16 technical colleges around the state, we thank you.”

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Dr. Robert Bank, Director, SC Dept. of Mental Health Agency
2024-04-22 12:30 - 13:30
Robert Bank, MD, was appointed acting director of the South Carolina of Mental Health by the South Carolina Mental Health Commission in September of 2022.
Dr. Bank, who began his career at SCDMH as Chief of Outpatient Services and Psychiatric Training director at William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute in 1982, has served the Agency in multiple leadership positions throughout his tenure.
Dr. Bank received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loyola-Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, and completed his internship, psychiatric residency, and research fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He served nine years of active duty in the Army Medical Corps, as Chief of Outpatient Services at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center while stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and Chief of Community Mental Health Activity at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
In subsequent years, he served as medical director for programs at Palmetto Richland Hospital, Three Rivers Behavioral Health, and United Behavioral Health; in addition, he maintained a general psychiatry private practice for 22 years.
Dr. Bank became executive director of the Columbia Area Mental Health Center in 2006 and assumed a dual role as deputy director of Medical Affairs of the SCDMH in 2008. He left his role as center director in 2018 and continued to serve as deputy director of Medical Affairs; at present, he maintains this position as well as his role as acting state director.
He has served as a clinical professor for the USC School of Medicine Department of Neuropsychiatry since 1984. In addition, he has served as President of the South Carolina Psychiatric Association and is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is Board Certified in adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Bank has authored and co-authored numerous publications, most recently on the treatment of schizophrenia. He has been recognized by multiple organizations for his work, receiving the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Chapter of NAMI, the Outstanding Partner Award from the University of South Carolina Medical School Department of Neuropsychiatry, and the South Carolina Psychiatrist of the Year from NAMI-South Carolina, among others.

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