DeWitt wins statewide award
Edna Mae DeWitt, who retired from Coastal Carolina University in 2007, was recently awarded the 2010 Larry G. Ellis Outstanding State Retiree Award. DeWitt, CCU’s first African-American administrative assistant, devoted 33 years of service to CCU – one year in the science department and 32 years as a library technician.The award was presented at the South Carolina State Employees Association’s Annual Meeting held June 12.
“It is awesome to have been chosen,” says DeWitt. “To me it means perseverance.”
DeWitt has been a member of the association for the past 32 years, and serves on the Horry County chapter board, the association’s board of directors and the annual meeting committee. She is a member of the Sandridge Improvement Council where she has served as secretary and is currently on the board of directors. She is also the Horry County editor of the Whittemore newsletter.
“This award is important to me because, first, I persevered as an employee and now as a retiree. I did not allow obstacles to block my path,” says DeWitt. “And secondly - because I care!”
DeWitt encourages all faculty and staff to become members of the South Carolina State Employees Association. “We need strong numbers when lobbying for our benefits,” says DeWitt. “There truly is strength in numbers."
DeWitt was chosen to speak on behalf of the staff at both Ronald Ingle’s and David DeCenzo’s presidential inauguration ceremonies. She is a member of the Disciple of Bethlehem #1 Missionary Baptist Church where she serves on the Sunday School and Prayze Celebration Choir. She is director of the Hospitality Ministry, church announcer and vice president of the Deaconess Ministry.
