June 11 was set aside to recognize Jairy C. Hunter Jr., president of Charleston Southern University, and his wife, Carolyn K. “Sissy” Hunter, for their 30 years of service to the Baptist-affiliated school. The day also included the dedication of the Jairy C. & Carolyn K. Hunter Center.

To commemorate the occasion, Sen. Tim Scott’s office presented a certificate stating that the flag flying over the U.S. Capitol on June 11 was in honor of the Hunters. Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. declared June 11 “Jairy C. and Carolyn K. Hunter Day” in the City of Charleston, and North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey presented the Hunters with a key to the city.

CSU dedicated the expansion to its Hunter Center to Carolyn K. “Sissy” Hunter and renamed the entire building the Jairy C. & Carolyn K. Hunter Center. The naming of the 5,400-square-foot expansion recognizes Sissy Hunter’s 30 years of servant leadership.

The expanded facility allows the university to provide better service to current and prospective students. The center provides a central location for many student services including undergraduate and graduate admissions, enrollment operations, financial aid, the registrar’s office, student accounts, student employment and veterans services.

The Hunter Center was originally dedicated in 1991 and was the vision of the late Richard Blackmon, a member of the CSU board of visitors, family friend and resident of the Hunters’ hometown of Lancaster, S.C. The building serves as a welcome center for university guests. The original funding was raised by residents of Lancaster as a way to honor Hunter, one of the city’s favorite sons.

Multiple speakers shared their memories of the Hunters’ 30 years at Charleston Southern. Riley called the Hunters a “wonderful duo.” Summey said he was proud to be a 1969 graduate of CSU. “Your legacy will be left long after you have lived,” he said. “You have created something I don’t think you can truly appreciate.”

Jerry Williams, chairman of the board of trustees, said the new name of the building “will forever enhance the university.”

The Hunters’ son, Jairy C. Hunter III, said there is “no greater praise than that people see Jesus in both of them.” Their daughter, Jill Hunter McElheny, said the building will “serve as a reminder of my parents’ commitment to CSU for many years.”

Gloria Thiem, a trustee, said the Hunters have always wanted the best for CSU, and fellow trustee Franklin Mason said Hunter was sent by God to lead the university. “Let’s not forget God’s purpose all along was to have a Christian university here,” said Mason. Anne Russell, a board of visitors member, said she was glad Sissy was being honored. “Sissy has been beside [Jairy] every step of the way.”

Mary Graham, senior vice president for business advocacy with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is proud to be a partner with Charleston Southern. “CSU responds to the needs in the community quickly and meets the needs of [the area’s] employers. We are proud to continue our partnership as we go forward,” said Graham.

Liollio Architecture and M.B. Kahn Construction were recognized in the program for their work in the expansion of the building.