Through his emphasis on quality and the wise allocation of resources, B.F. “Bannie” Kennedy has left a lasting impression on USC-Union.

That is what officials said Monday as Kennedy, longtime member of the Union/Laurens Commission on Higher Education, was honored during the university’s 14th Annual Founders’ Day Program.

“I can tell you that in the years he was chairman of the commission, his insistence on quality, his insistence on putting the resources on where productivity is — to the faculty and retaining students — has left an indelible handprint on USC-Union,” Dean Hugh Rowland said.

Kennedy, who served as chairman of the commission from 2004 until 2008, was presented the Founder’s Day Citation by Col. C. Richard Denton, the present chairman.

“I have some really big shoes to fill,” Denton said.

Denton pointed out that Kennedy is a Union native and he and his late wife, Myrna, returned to Union in 1992 after retiring from a distinguished career as senior executive with DuPont.

“Union County is fortunate that he has brought home and given the benefit of his many talents to civic services and support and improvement to many programs in this county,” Denton said. “He has given generously of his time and efforts to many commissions, councils and boards in Union County. But most important is his service to the Union/Laurens Commission for Higher Education. He has been instrumental in leading and furthering the continued development of USC-Union. His contributions and generosity have helped make this institution the quality school that it is today.”

Denton also urged those present to support the university monetarily.

“This university is the most important asset this county has,” he said. “We need the support of all of you, the support of our government, our officials to help make this university the potential success it can be. We are looking and hoping to expand even more. We are seriously looking at a School of Nursing — something else to bring more jobs and employment to the county.”

Debbie Littlejohn, vice chairman of the commission, presented Kennedy with a plaque.

“This is an extreme pleasure for me,” she said. “I have admired Mr. Kennedy since I became a member of this commission.”

Kennedy thanked those present for the recognition.

“One of my greatest satisfactions in my life since retiring to my birthplace has been to promote and defend this institution,” he said. “USC-Union is not a premier academic institution; but it is a premier opportunity institution. The extraordinary faculty and staff excel in challenging the minds and ambitions of the students through the educational process. The commission on higher education is dedicated to the growth and defense of USC-Union. Both of these groups deserve our appreciation.”

Kennedy’s portrait was unveiled by his granddaughter, Grace Kennedy. A doctoral student in mathematics at a university in California, she made a special trip to Union for the founder’s day ceremony.