Mars Hill University Honors Benefactors

September 16, 2024

Mars Hill University honored several key supporters of the university during its annual President’s Recognition Reception, held Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the Crest Center in Asheville. This year’s honorees are:

• Alumnus of the Year: Wayne King
• Scholarship Champion Award: Susan and Al Gurganus
• Athletic Catalyst Award: Charlie Trammell
• Philanthropic Impact Award: Wayne and Patty Higgins
• Philanthropists of the Year: Jim and Sharon Ellen

Wayne King receives the 2024 Alumnus of the Year award from President Tony Floyd

Wayne King is a graduate of the class of 1979. King was director of student housing at Mars Hill in the early 1980s before moving on to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he worked for more than 30 years in residence life and later as a fundraiser in the development office. King served on the Mars Hill University alumni board for several years and currently is chair of the President’s Advisory Council (formerly known as the board of advisors). The award presentation noted that King “has a deep passion for people and thrives on creating meaningful connections, bringing individuals closer to the heart of Mars Hill University and fostering a sense of community that spans generations.”

President Floyd presents the Scholarship Champion Award to Susan and Al Gurganus

Susan Gurganus is a 1975 Mars Hill graduate, currently serving on the President’s Advisory Council. She and her husband, Al, are retired professors from colleges in South Carolina. Their commitment to higher education led them to establish the Dr Susan Perry Gurganus Endowed Scholarship in Education at Mars Hill. Through their generosity, countless students will be empowered to reach new heights, pursue their passions, and leave their mark on the world.

President Floyd presents the Athetic Catalyst Award to Charlie Trammell

Charlie Trammell, class of 1959 and a trustee emeritus, was honored as “a visionary donor whose exceptional generosity has ignited a new era of growth and success for our university’s athletic programs” in the description of his award. Trammell’s support provides a summer work program for student-athletes and funded upgrades to Chambers Gymnasium. Over recent years he also has enabled refurbished athletics locker rooms and seed money to begin the acrobatics and tumbling program, as well as contributing to numerous non-athletics needs on campus and in the Mars Hill community.

Patty and Wayne Higgins receive the Philanthropic Impact Award from Presdent Floyd

Wayne Higgins, class of 1975 and a university trustee, and his wife, Patty, were recognized for their transformative contributions, which have enhanced educational opportunities, enriched campus life, and support the success of countless students. Living in Weaverville, North Carolina, they are able to contribute their time as well as financial resources to the betterment of the university. The award presentation noted that they “embody the spirit of commitment and involvement…[providing] a constant reminder of the importance of connections and care.”

President Floyd presents the Philanthropist of the Year award to Sharon and Jim Ellen

Jim and Sharon Ellen were recognized for significant contributions to the Together We Rise campaign to build a campus center for the university. The Ellens are part of a select group of Campus Center Champions who are instrumental in making the campus center a reality. Jim Ellen is a graduate of the class of 1957 who went on to become a civil engineer. As Philanthropists of the Year they were recognized for “commitment to Mars Hill and its students [that] reflects a profound dedication not only to educate but to the shared experiences that shape who we become.”