Three Lander University graduates in the fields of business and law are this year's winners of the Lander Alumni Association's top awards.
The honorees are Linda Latham Dolny, and Don Scott, of Greenwood; and attorney Angela Gilbert Strickland, of Irmo.
Dolny will receive the Grace Iler Norman Award, recognizing significant achievements within the alumni association and the university.
The Abbeville native graduated from Lander in 1969 with an education degree and spent 15 years in management with Union Carbide.
She and her late husband, Steve, were principles in PML Associates, in Greenwood, specializing in labor relations and leadership training. She also served on the Southeast Regional Federal Reserve Board
The Dolnys maintained close ties to Lander. She is a member of the university's Board of Trustees and, together, they endowed several scholarships and served as advisers in the College of Business and Public Affairs. They sponsor the annual South Carolina Scholastic Arts competition at Lander, which draws entries from more than 1,200 school-age children. The South Carolina Art Education Association presented them its 2006 Outstanding Business Supporter of Art Education Award.
In 2004, Lander awarded Linda and Steve honorary doctor of humane letters degrees to recognize their contributions to the university and their many civic and community achievements.
The Stephen B. Dolny Baseball Stadium, the centerpiece of the Lander's Jeff May Complex, is named in his honor.
Don Scott, of Greenwood, is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award given to graduates who gain distinction in their careers. He has been in sales since graduating from Lander with a business degree in 1975. He worked for 10 years in the textile industry and, since 1985, he has been with Thomson Reuters where he is sales director for the Eastern U.S., Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
The Westminster native said he is very honored to be chosen for the award, especially considering the previous recipients. "I feel good to be in their company." He places great importance on graduates to be active in the Alumni Association. He said Lander was a springboard to his career and he wants to help the university grow and prosper. "It's something to be proud of," he added.
Scott is a former president of the Alumni Association and a current member of The Lander Foundation's executive committee.
Lander is a family affair for Scott. Wife Cindy Young Scott graduated in 1976, and their two children are Lander alumni. Daughter Kendel graduated in 2007 and received a second degree in 2010, and son Brock graduated in 2009. The Scotts have established scholarships in their names.
Cindy's brother is also a Lander graduate, as are three nieces and a nephew who, Scott pointed out, came to Lander at his urging.
Angela Strickland, a native Wagener, was excited and surprised to learn of being named the 2013 Young Alumna of the Year. The award recognizes Lander alumni who have graduated within the last 15 years and serve their communities in exemplary ways.
She said of the award, "It means a lot to me. I loved my time at Lander." She and her husband, Rob Strickland, who played soccer for Lander, graduated in 2002, and she said their education was a great foundation for their careers.
Angela graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law and is now with the Columbia law firm of Bowman and Brooke LLP.
She was instrumental in forming the Alumni Association's Columbia Tower Club and served as its president. She was a member of the Lander Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Young Alumni Council.
She said she and Rob believe it is important for Lander graduates to be active with the alumni association and the university as a means of giving back. She added that, whenever opportunities arise, they also promote Lander to prospective students.
The Stricklands have two children: Vivienne, 16 months, and Finley, who will be 4 in April.
Myra Greene, director of Alumni Affairs, said of the award recipients, "They are very successful in their careers and each is a tremendous supporter of Lander."