When Claflin University Trustee C. John Hipp, III arrived at the 2009 Leadership Giving Luncheon on campus Friday, he did not know the state of South Carolina’s highest civilian honor for service, the Order of the Palmetto, would be given to him.

“I’m really humbled. I am very grateful to the state,” Hipp said.

Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale was asked by Gov. Mark Sanford to present Hipp with the honor. Tisdale happily obliged. He thought the luncheon, which was given in honor of those who have donated a $1,000 or more to the university in the past year, would be the perfect venue to acknowledge Hipp.

“Congratulations and well deserved,” Tisdale said as he presented the Order of the Palmetto to Hipp.

A trustee since 1998, Hipp said he enjoys serving on the Claflin board and looks forward to increased success here in the future.

“It’s been so rewarding to watch, under Dr. Tisdale and Alice, the success. And typically success brings other success. That’s what happening at Claflin,” Hipp said.

In addition to his service at Claflin, Hipp has been in the banking business for the last 35 years. Sanford noted in his letter to Hipp that his commitment to the banking industry has allowed many people to purchase homes and start businesses.

The Order of the Palmetto is given to citizens who demonstrate the highest caliber of public service to enhance the state.

Over the years, Hipp has worked with many organizations, including the Downtown Development Leadership Group, the Minority Scholarship Program in Rock Hill, the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, the Orangeburg County Private Business Partnership and the Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Currently, Hipp is executive vice president and banking group president of Ameris Bank. He is formerly the president and chief executive officer of South Carolina Bank and Trust.

During the luncheon, Hipp was also recognized as a Walker Fellow, a category for individuals who have donated $5,000 to $9,999.99 in cash to the university.

The university honored Annie Jamison of Jamison Pharmacy in Orangeburg and her family and Dr. Zara Saddler as this year’s Leadership Giving Special Honorees. The Jamison family donated $50,000 and Saddler gave $25,000 to start scholarship endowments for Claflin students.

The Jamison family’s endowment seeks to increase the number of African-American medical professionals in South Carolina. Right now, less than 3 percent of all medical professionals in the state are African-Americans.

Saddler started the Charles R. Saddler Endowed Memorial Fund in honor of her late father, a 1951 graduate of Claflin and dedicated supporter of the institution. The scholarship will benefit students in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

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