Gary Simrill, a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives 46th district and Winthrop alumni, spent his time at Winthrop as both a traditional and non-traditional student due to his involvement in the workforce.
“I was part of the workforce when I arrived as a freshman and that only intensified during my time here,” Simrill said. “I worked for a local moving company (where I moved furniture) to pay my tuition. This led to full–time employment as a relocation estimator. So, while I started out my college days as a traditional student, I became a non–traditional student with my new position.”
Due to having to work to pay for tuition, Simrill missed some of the opening events like convocation his freshman year. However, he remembers his experience on campus changing once he became more involved in classes related to his major.
“My college experience changed when I started taking classes in my major, where I established great relationships with faculty and fellow students,” Simrill said, “The business school events, projects and comradery are among my fondest memories.”
Simrill participated in economic breakfast events that were held by the business school and remembers the few faculty that were impactful during his time at Winthrop.
“Dean Padgett, Dean Archer, Gary Stone, Charles Alvis and Patrice Burleson all stand out as being extremely helpful and caring during my Winthrop years,” Simrill said.
While a student, the students on campus came together when the Challenger explosion was televised in 1986.
“When the Challenger exploded in 1986, I remember the campus uniting in honor and memory of our astronauts,” Simrill said. “I remember everyone burning their headlights during the daytime hours and the campus being somber.”
In 1989, Simrill also experienced the destruction that hurricane Hugo caused on Winthrop’s campus.
“Those of us who lived off campus didn’t fare as well…interesting and memorable times indeed,” Simrill said. “I was living off College Avenue when Hugo roared through. I was without power for 13 days and while campus looked like a war-torn place, classes commenced quickly.”
While Simrill was a student at Winthrop from 1984 to 1991, the school was going through a transitional phase because of the numerous presidents that held office on campus.
“Phil Lader was President and was raising the stature of Winthrop, he was followed by our first female president, Dr. Martha Kime Piper, (who) unfortunately died in office,” Simrill said. “Dr. DiGiorgio followed her and set Winthrop on a path of economic and academic growth.
Simrill has always found the history of Winthrop University and its campus to be fascinating.
“The history of Winthrop is an amazing story that isn’t told enough,” Simrill said. “The history is incredible from the founding, the mission and evolution of that mission, and the architecture and the stories behind it. Winthrop is a vital part of this community, and I am honored to be one of her graduates.”
Simrill graduated in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in business.
After graduating, Simrill ran for public office but lost that race. The next year, 1992, he ran again and won. He served his community for 30 years until he retired.
“During my 30-year political career, I served on 3 different committees, with the last 20 years on Ways and Means, eventually becoming Chair,” Simrill said. “I also served 3 terms as Majority Leader and six years as Higher Education Chair.”
As an alumni, Simrill is a President’s Circle Donor. According to the Winthrop website, “The President’s Circle recognizes annual donors whose total giving reaches $1,000 dollars or more each fiscal year. Members lead the Winthrop community in promoting a culture of giving to have a profound impact on the University and its students.”
“It is a way to give back to my Alma Mater in a small but meaningful way and to have meetings and receptions with the president and other Circle members,” Simrill said.
For current and future students, Simrill’s advice is to get involved on campus early on and “to be present while on campus, look around, not down.”
“I do count my Winthrop years as a great experience of meeting people and sharpening skills in many areas of my life,” Simrill said.
Simirill was hired as a special assistant to President Serna on July 1, 2022.
