The Post and Courier Greenville

GREENWOOD, S.C.— Lander University has formally established the Curtis G. Shaw Pre-Law Society, honoring the late Greenwood native and distinguished jurist whose career exemplified public service, integrity and a lifelong commitment to the law.

The society’s inaugural event featured South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice John W. Kittredge, of Greenville, as the keynote speaker, who reflected on his longtime friendship with Shaw and credited him as an influential mentor in both his personal and professional life.

Kittredge spoke not only about the path to his career in law but also talked about the character required by members of the legal profession to sustain it. He shared personal stories from his decades-long friendship with Shaw, describing him as a steady presence and trusted mentor whose counsel extended far beyond the courtroom.

“I never planned to be a lawyer,” said Kittredge. “I was encouraged to go to law school and as a result I continued on in a legal career.”

Kittredge said that in his practice as a young lawyer he often found himself in Shaw’s courtroom. “I greatly admired him for his civility and kindness,” he said.

Dr. Lucas McMillan, dean of Lander’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, said establishing the pre-law society represents a meaningful investment in Lander’s future because it reinforces the University’s mission to educate ethical leaders and support students with aspirations in law and public service. It also positions Lander as a growing contributor to the region’s legal and civic landscape.

While it is common for colleges and universities to have pre-law societies, the naming of the society underscores the University’s desire to recognize Shaw’s impact on the law and the community. “This society will give our pre-law students a role model whose career reflects ethical leadership and public service,” McMillan said.

The Furman Department of Theatre Arts will present Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Wednesday, Feb. 18-Saturday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 21, and Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. in The Playhouse on campus. The performances are open to the public. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students. Tickets go on sale two weeks ahead of opening night.

Furman Professor of Theatre Arts Rhett Bryson directs Wilde’s most celebrated play in a dazzling farce of mistaken identities, secret lives and far too many cucumber sandwiches. Packed with biting wit, absurd romance and some of the most quotable lines in theatre history, “The Importance of Being Earnest” remains a sparkling satire of appearances, ambition, and—above all—the art of not taking life too seriously.

The Greenville Dream Team at Marchant Real Estate, under the leadership of Celeste Purdie, has surpassed $100,000 donated to local heroes through the Homes for Heroes program, marking a major milestone in the team’s commitment to those who serve the Upstate.

Homes for Heroes is a nationwide real estate network focused on delivering savings to those who serve. It offers significant savings to firefighters, law enforcement, military members, healthcare professionals, educators, and EMS personnel.

Led by Celeste Purdie and Heather Barajas, the Greenville Dream Team has assisted 47 hero families across the Upstate, helping them buy or sell homes while putting real dollars back into their pockets. The closing that drove the team beyond the $100,000 mark was the home purchase for veteran, Jammie Catoe, and his family.

“For us, this program is personal,” said Purdie. “As a veteran, I know that local heroes give up so much to serve. I am passionate about helping heroes achieve home ownership to build wealth and have a place to call home.”

Seabrook Marchant, Broker-in-Charge and Owner of Marchant Real Estate, emphasized the company’s dedication to this cause. “As a veteran myself, supporting and giving back to our heroes is core to who we are as a company. We are incredibly proud of Celeste’s commitment, a commitment that often means sacrificing additional commission revenue to ensure our heroes come first,” said Marchant.

The Greenville Dream Team’s advocacy reflects Marchant Real Estate’s broader commitment to making meaningful contributions to the region.

GREENVILLE, SC – To commemorate 40 years of expanding homeownership opportunities in the Upstate, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County has launched the 40th Anniversary Community Collection.

This multifaceted build project represents a strategic expansion of Habitat Greenville’s service models and a bold commitment to the future of affordable housing, said LaTonya Phillips, CEO and President of the affiliate.

The 40th Anniversary Community Collection features several landmark initiatives:
The Signature Four-Bedroom Home (600 Pendleton): A new construction designed to accommodate larger families, ensuring that Habitat’s mission remains accessible to households of all sizes.

The First-Ever Duplex (101 A&B): A historic first for the Greenville affiliate, this project introduces a high-density housing model to maximize affordability and land use.

The $400,000 Anniversary Campaign: A targeted fundraising effort to fuel the organization’s growth and sustainability for the next decade.
The Community Completion: The final phase of construction that will successfully finalize and close out this specific strategic development.

“This year marks a momentous milestone: our 40th year of service to Greenville County,” said Phillips. “Habitat has been a cornerstone of stability for local families, but as we celebrate this legacy, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. In a community where collaboration is the fabric of our identity, the rising risk to affordable homeownership has never been more pressing.”

To unify these efforts, long-standing initiatives such as the CEO Build will be integrated into the 40th Anniversary Community Collection.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Feb. 3, 2026) — After 20 years of celebrating the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas’ Golf Classic, we are thrilled to announce our 21st Annual Tournament is returning this year — and with a twist.
This year, the classic tournament will kick-off with a Pairings Party on April 21 at 6 p.m. hosted at the award-winning Hotel Hartness, Travel + Leisure’s No. 2 South Carolina Resort. The Pairings Party is the ultimate kickoff — and you don’t need a tee time to attend. Open to golfers and
non-golfers alike, this upscale cocktail experience is designed for young professionals, philanthropists and community connectors looking for a stylish night out with purpose.
For players who can’t wait to get on the green, the event will feature immersive golf simulators with exciting prize opportunities through our competitions. The celebration will also showcase exceptional culinary offerings and elevated networking opportunities as we celebrate and launch the tournament with a memorable, resort-style kickoff.
Golfers of every skill level are also invited to join us for tournament day at The Cliffs at Mountain Park on April 22 at 8:30 a.m., playing together for connection, community and a shared purpose. The day kicks off in spirited style with a premium Bloody Mary Bar before golfers take on the
course’s scenic fairways and signature challenges. Celebrations continue with lunch on the course as play carries on throughout the day. Following the final round, guests are invited to head to The Cabin at the Cliffs at Mountain Park for a game-day buffet. The Castillo mobile Cigar Lounge will remain on site, so it’s not too late to make a selection and unwind as the winners are announced.
With every swing, you help provide a home away from home for families facing their child’s medical journey. Registration is now open for an unforgettable day of purpose and play.
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Spartanburg, SC — Startex-Jackson-Wellford-Duncan Water District (SJWD) is proud to announce that Paul Glover has been named 2025 Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC) Water Treatment Operator of the Year for the Blue Ridge Foothills District, one of ten districts in the state of South Carolina.

The WEASC Water Treatment Operator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding dedication, technical expertise, and commitment in the direct operation of a water treatment facility in the state of South Carolina. Paul’s recognition highlights both his individual excellence and the high standards upheld by SJWD’s water production team.

“Paul is one of SJWD’s veteran Water Treatment Plant Operators. He has experienced a variety of treatment challenges throughout his tenure and has allowed each experience to strengthen him as an operator,” said Bradley Norman, Director of Water Resources and Production. “Paul combines experience from his previous roles within the lab and watershed protection departments to create an operator with a comprehensive understanding of the ‘full picture,’ from source to tap.”

About SJWD Water District (SJWD)
Originally established in 1956, Startex-Jackson-Wellford-Duncan Water District (SJWD), with its team of dedicated professionals, is committed to providing the highest-quality water services to the rapidly growing western portion of Spartanburg County. For more information, please visit SJWD.com

About Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC)
The Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC) represents more than 3,000 wastewater professionals dedicated to protecting South Carolina’s water environment and is affiliated with the Water Environment Federation. For more information, please visit scwaters.org.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (February 2, 2026) – Truliant Federal Credit Union and the Truliant Foundation joined forces during the holidays to raise more than $100,000 to support regional food banks in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

The “Donate Dollars – Feeding Our Neighbors in Need” fundraising campaign launched in November 2025 with a credit union and foundation kick-off donation of $50,000 to food banks. The Truliant Foundation matched all subsequent gifts, bringing the final total to more than $107,000.

“Support for food banks is making a real, positive impact in our communities,” said Atticus Simpson, executive director of the Truliant Foundation. “With these funds, organizations can continue to help more families access nutritious meals, even as costs rise and demand grows. Every contribution helps strengthen the safety net that food banks provide.”

The funds are being distributed to four organizations: Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina will receive $53,200, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in Charlotte will receive $27,500, Harvest Hope in South Carolina will receive $11,000, and Feeding Southwest Virginia will receive $15,500.

About The Truliant Foundation
Established in 2023, the Truliant Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity with a purpose to lift up and transform Truliant member communities through charitable giving, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships. The Foundation strives to be a catalyst for growth for established nonprofits seeking the support and guidance they need to flourish and spark positive change in their communities. The Foundation also provides college scholarships to Truliant members and relief funds to Truliant employees facing unforeseen personal hardships. Learn more or donate at Truliant.org/Foundation.

Spartanburg, S.C. — Converse University is pleased to welcome back GRAMMY and Emmy Award–winning a cappella ensemble The King’s Singers to campus for another captivating performance as part of the Carlos Moseley Chamber Music Series. Returning to Converse by popular demand, the ensemble will present the third concert of the season in Daniel Recital Hall on February 9 at 7:30 pm.

The King’s Singers have represented the gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for more than fifty years. They are renowned for their unrivaled technique, versatility and skill in performance, and for their consummate musicianship, drawing both on the group’s rich heritage and its pioneering spirit to create an extraordinary wealth of original works and unique collaborations.

What has always distinguished the group is their comfort in an unprecedented range of styles and genres, pushing the boundaries of their repertoire, while at the same time honoring their origins in the British choral tradition. They are known and loved around the world, and appear regularly in major cities, festivals and venues across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Along with earning a place in Gramophone magazine’s inaugural Hall of Fame, the King’s Singers have also received two Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award.

The Carlos Moseley Chamber Music Series offers the Upstate community the experience of seeing world-renowned musicians perform in the intimate venue of Converse University’s Daniel Recital Hall. Founded by Carlos DuPré Moseley, the series has hosted a wide range of musical guests, including Yo Yo Ma and Marilyn Horne.

Tickets to this event include a post-concert champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception, where guests will have an opportunity to meet and talk with the performers. For tickets, purchase online at converse.edu/events or contact the Box Office at Converse by emailing boxoffice@converse.edu or calling 864.596.9018.