UNION — A former member of the Union/Laurens Commission for Higher Education was honored during USC-Union’s 17th Annual Founders’ Day Program for his years of service on the commission and the role he played in the development of the university.
Rev. A.L. Brackett, pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, served on the commission from 1989 to 2000.
Brackett’s years of service on the commission and their impact on the university were recalled during Thursday’s Founders’ Day program in the Main Building Auditorium of the campus.
“Rev. Brackett was one of the early commissioners, he served 11 years on the commission,” said commission chairman Col. C. Richard Denton. “He was one of those early commission members who was instrumental in getting this university established and to the level it is today.”
Commission member Lewis Jeter cited Brackett’s commitment to USC-Union and his efforts to keep it open against attempts to close it.
“This honor is well-deserved,” Jeter said. “During the early years of the recession, there were those who called for the doors of USC-Union to be closed. Rev. Brackett called on others, on legislators and county officials to fight to keep USC-U’s doors open.”
Jeter also spoke of Brackett’s commitment to the community.
“Those who know him know that Rev. Brackett is a friend of those in need,” Jeter said. “He is always willing to help anyone in need. He is a friend to the community.”
Brackett was presented with a plaque honoring his service to the university by Brenda C. Childers, secretary/treasurer for the commission.
His daughter, Karen B. Browning, then unveiled a portrait of her father which will hang in the university Community Room with the portraits of all other Founders’ Days honorees.
In accepting these honors, Brackett spoke of the educational opportunities USC-Union has provided the community.
“I am delighted to have received this honor because of what this institution means to the city and county of Union,” Brackett said. “It gave our young people an opportunity to further their education. If it had not been for this school they may not have been able to go any further than a high school diploma.”
Brackett said the educational opportunities provided by USC-Union will be even more important in the future.
“It is because of the importance of education to prepare them for the jobs that we believe are becoming available,” Brackett said. “Because of this, USC-Union will be playing a large role in the future of this city and this county.”
Editor Charles Warner can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 14, or by email at cwarner@heartlandpublications.com.
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