“We’re just wild about Harry” was the phrase in the mind and hearts of nearly 300 friends and former students of Harry W. Freeman ’43 in establishing an endowed scholarship upon his retirement from the College in 1990. The sentiment also served as the theme for the gathering – where the new scholarship was announced – to honor his 39 years of service to the College.
“Anyone who was lucky enough to have had Dr. Freeman as a teacher remembers him as a special person, the quintessential professor and one who will be deeply honored if the scholarship drive is successful,” says James Smiley, then-chair of the department of biology.
The drive’s success is indisputable, as nearly $150,000 was raised toward the original $100,000 goal. As a distinguished professor and chair of biology as well as past president of the Alumni Association, it’s only appropriate that Freeman’s scholarship supports both areas.
The scholarship, awarded by the Alumni Association, pays tribute to his unwavering loyalty to the College and is available to relatives of alumni. John C. Duane ’94, son of John P. Duane Jr. ’57 and Ann Wulbern Duane ’60, was selected as the inaugural recipient. After graduating from the College, he attended the University of South Carolina School of Law and was selected as the 2014 Assistant U.S. Attorney of the Year, Charleston Division. He is now senior counsel at Motley Rice LLC.