Honoring Ted Stern for philanthropy

On Nov. 15, Dr. Theodore S. Stern will be honored with the Outstanding Individual Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his philanthropic contributions to our community.

As the 16th president of the College of Charleston, Ted Stern transitioned the small liberal arts institution from a private to state institution. He helped create the College of Charleston Foundation in 1970 to protect the College's private assets as it made the transition. Now, 37 years later, the College of Charleston Foundation provided $1.6 million for scholarships and $2.3 million for programs, facilities and services for 2006.

President Stern was very visible on the College of Charleston campus during the years that I was a student, and he always encouraged us to be involved. Dr. Stern expressed the need for all of us to take leadership roles on campus and encouraged us as future graduates to carry on the tradition of giving time, talents and treasures to this wonderful institution, as well as the community in which we live. It is difficult to measure the influence he has had over the years on so many young people and the organizations that have benefited from his encouragement.

Ted Stern's fingerprints reach far beyond the streets of the College of Charleston. In 1974, Ted, along with four other individuals, founded the Coastal Community Foundation (CCF). It began with a $9,000 gift from the Charleston Rotary Club and today CCF manages $146 million in combined assets for grants and gifts that directly impact our community. In 1976, Ted served as the first chairman of the Spoleto Festival USA Board of Directors. Mayor Riley stated that without Ted Stern's "stature, energy, and vision Spoleto never would have happened."

Few people have the visionary foresight and leadership of Theodore S. Stern. Simply, these Lowcountry institutions would not be where they are today without Dr. Ted Stern. Today, at 95 years of age, Ted Stern is still a fixture at the College of Charleston and an active participant in many of the organizations he helped to create.

Ted Stern is a pillar of strength and optimism and an exemplary role model for philanthropy in our community. I look forward to honoring Ted for his significant impact in the Lowcountry on Nov. 15.

GREGORY D. PADGETT

Class of 1979

President, College of Charleston Foundation Board

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