Nearly 150 Lander University alumni returned to their alma mater April 20-21 for the annual Alumni Weekend. For members of the Lander Class of 1968, the weekend was an opportunity to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Additionally, alumni award winners were recognized.
Donald Lloyd - Distinguished Alumni of the Year
Presented to a graduate who has gained distinction in his or her career.
A member of the Lander Class of 1983, Donald Lloyd used his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and his Master's in Business Administration from Francis Marion University as the basis for a 30-year career with experience in health finance, human resource recruitment, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic growth.
Today, Lloyd serves as president and chief executive officer for CHRISTUS St. Patrick Health System, provider of a host of medical services to the five-parish region of Southwest Louisiana. Lloyd is credited with linking the business strategy of CHRISTUS with its mission to "extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ" by offering pastoral, clinical and business opportunities to people of all faiths in the region.
Previously, Lloyd served as president of chief executive officer of Marion (S.C.) Regional Healthcare System. He negotiated its sale, which served as the foundation of the Carolina's Healthcare System.
While serving the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Lloyd spearheaded the alignment of clinical services with academic institutions, including the Medical University of South Carolina.
In addition to currently serving as a Lander Trustee, Lloyd and his family established the Clem P. Ham Endowed Scholarship for Lander healthcare management students.
Myra Greene - Grace Iler Norman Award
Presented to a graduate for their significant achievements within the Lander Alumni Association and the university.
After earning her degree in Sociology from Lander University in 1978, Myra Greene pursued her passion for theatre by studying and performing at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatre Training. Upon her return to Greenwood, she became executive and artistic director for Greenwood Community Theatre (GCT).
While serving with the GCT, Greene joined the Lander Alumni Association Board of Directors, and spearheaded the renovation of Chipley Hall. She joined the Lander staff as a part-time assistant in 2005 while also serving as executive director of Greenwood-Lander Performing Arts and adjunct theatre professor.
In 2010, Greene was named director of Alumni Affairs at Lander, and was a driving force behind the establishment of four Alumni Tower Clubs and a host of campus beautification initiatives. She was also instrumental in the establishment of the Lander Players Club, an organization for students interested in theatre for which she received the 2017 Advisor of the Year award.
In 2017, Greene retired from Lander as alumni director.
Greene's support for Lander students continues with the Mildred W. Greene Education Scholarship, which was established in honor of her parents, a funded scholarship for the Lander Players Club and a baseball scholarship.
Danielle W. Fields - Outstanding Young Alumni of the Year
Presented to alumni who have graduated from Lander within the past 15 years and who have served their communities in exemplary ways.
Danielle Fields launched her career in the banking industry shortly after receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with an emphasis in health care management from Lander University in 2007. She worked as a banker for Capital Bank in Greenwood from 2007-2010, before joining Countybank, also in Greenwood, as a relationship manager.
In 2015, Fields was promoted to the role of financial center manager for Countybank. Her responsibilities include ensuring that her branch meets established strategic goals and initiatives; forming and building upon a rapport within the community to spur business growth and support the needs of existing clientele; and overseeing the training of fellow team members.
In addition to her responsibilities with Countybank, Fields is in her second year of the South Carolina Association Bankers School, a three-year career development program for officers and administrators at commercial banks and savings institutions throughout the state, and is vice president of her class.
A believer in active community involvement, Fields currently serves as president of the Kiwanis Club of Greenwood; is a member of the Burton Center Board of Visitors and the Self Regional Foundation's Annual Support Committee; and is past-chair of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals group.