Notable Alumni

From famed architects to accomplished attorneys and renowned writers, alumni of the College have made their mark on American society throughout the last 225 years. Some of the more prominent members of the alumni are listed here:

Robert Mills (1781-1855)

Mills studied at the College in the late 18th century. He is considered by many to be the first American-born architect. Mills designed the Washington Monument as well as the Department of Treasury building and the U.S. Patent Office building.

John Charles Fremont (1813-1890), Class of 1836

Known as the Great Pathfinder, Fremont explored the West in the 1830s and 1840s. In 1856, Fremont, an outspoken opponent of slavery, was the first Republican nominee for president. During the Civil War, he served as a major general for the Union and, in 1861, issued a proclamation (overturned by President Lincoln) freeing slaves. He later served as governor of Arizona.

Ludwig Lewisohn (1882-1955), Class of 1901

Lewisohn was a novelist, a translator and a distinguished literary and drama critic. He was also one of the founding professors of Brandeis University.

Herbert Ravenel Sass (1884-1958), Class of 1905

A versatile and prolific writer, Sass was a significant figure in the Charleston Literary Renaissance (1920-1933). He wrote several novels, including War and Drums; Hear Me, My Chiefs! and Emperor Brims.

Burnet R. Maybank (1899-1954), Class of 1919

Maybank served as mayor of Charleston, became governor of the state and served in the national legislature during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Maybank chaired the Senate Finance Committee and played a key role in the development of the New Deal. Maybank Hall, one of the main academic buildings on campus, bears his name.

Frank Blair (1916-1995), Class of 1934

Blair was an early cast member of NBC's "The Today Show", serving as a newsman and anchor from 1953 to 1974.

George Rogers (1922-1997), Class of 1943

An award-winning writer, Rogers is considered one of the preeminent historians of South Carolina.

James Edwards, Class of 1950

Edwards served as governor of South Carolina. He became the secretary of energy under President Reagan and was president of the Medical University of South Carolina from 1983 to 1999.

Arthur Ravenel, Class of 1950

Ravenel has been an exceptional public servant. He was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1953 to 1958, a South Carolina senator from 1980 to 1986, and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986. In 1996, he returned to the South Carolina Senate, serving until 2005. In 2006, at the age of 79, he was elected to the Charleston School Board. The bridge connecting Charleston to Mt. Pleasant bears his name.

Glenn McConnell, Class of 1969

McConnell has been an influential force in South Carolina politics for more than three decades. Elected to public office in 1981, he served as the president pro tempore of the South Carolina Senate from 2001-2012. He is currently the Lieutenant Governor of the state.

Arlinda Locklear, Class of 1973

Locklear is a nationally recognized legal expert on tribal land claims and treaty rights issues. She is the first Native American woman to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Padgett Powell, Class of 1974

Powell is an award-winning writer and novelist. He has published four novels, including Edisto and Mrs. Hollingsworth's Men.

CALLIE SHELL, CLASS OF 1983

Official White House photographer for Vice President Al Gore from 1992 – 2000. Has also been a frequent contributor for Time magazine.

ANTHONY JOHNSON, CLASS OF 1997

13-year veteran in the National Basketball Association. Johnson has played for six different teams, and has been a key role player as a point guard, helping three of those teams make it to the NBA Championship Series.

NAFEES BIN ZAFAR, CLASS OF 1998

Academy Award winning visual effects engineer (2008 award for technology) who contributed his talents to the special effects in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,”“Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring” and “Flags of our Fathers,” among others. 

BRETT GARDNER, CLASS OF 2005

Drafted by the New York Yankees in 2005, this business major spent three years in the minor leagues, and was called up to the majors in 2008. He subsequently secured a regular role as a starting outfielder with the Yankees, and up until the 2012 season, he was an important contributor on offense as well.

CAROL HANNAH WHITFIELD, CLASS OF 2007

As a finalist on “Project Runway, Season 6,” this business major showcased her fashion designs to all of America. Her notoriety meant trips to Dubai, encounters with A-list celebrities, and two appearances at the Emmys.