UNC Greensboro’s Distinguished Service Awards, the most prestigious honors conferred by the University, were presented May 14.
The McIver Medal was given posthumously to Edward Marion Armfield Sr. (1915-1999), founder of the Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation, and to his wife, Adair Phifer Armfield ’61, who has served as chair of the foundation’s board since its establishment.
A leader in North Carolina’s textile industry, Ed Armfield personally offered college scholarships to the children and grandchildren of his employees. His concern for those who find it financially challenging to get an education was the nexus for the foundation he created in 1999. Adair Armfield has carried out his vision for the foundation by supporting education, programs for children and youth, efforts to reduce poverty, enhancement of parks and recreation, and the arts.
Susan Shore Schwartz received the Holderness/Weaver Award. She serves as executive director of the Cemala Foundation and was formerly executive director of Action Greensboro. An alumna of Salem College, Schwartz’s career in non-profit, community, and business development spans more than three decades. Her advocacy for early childhood education, economic development, the arts, higher education, and senior living aligns with the mission of the University and the namesakes of this award.
At the ceremony, UNCG Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr., said, “By design, our highest awards recognize neither monetary nor professional success, but service to the betterment of mankind and dedication to the common good. ‘Service’ has been the university’s motto since its founding.”
He added, “UNC Greensboro has long been a force in turning barriers into bridges and bettering individuals and communities. As you have seen and heard, our honorees share this same commitment. They, and the foundations they lead, are inextricably woven into the fabric of our community.”
These awards have a storied history. The Charles Duncan McIver Medal, named for UNCG’s founding president, is the University’s highest honor and recognizes extraordinary contributions and service to the state or nation. The Holderness/Weaver Award is named for Adelaide Fortune Holderness ’34, the first woman to serve on UNCG’s Board of Trustees, and H. Michael Weaver, Greensboro businessman and UNCG honorary degree recipient. The award recognizes exceptional service to the Greensboro/Triad community.
“We are honored to recognize these exceptional individuals, all Greensboro residents, who have served their communities, their home state, and our University in impactful and generous ways,” said George Hoyle ’90, chair of the UNCG Board of Trustees. “As friends and neighbors, we celebrate their exemplary public service and civic engagement.”
Learn more at go.uncg.edu/DSA2024.
By Christine Garton
Photography by Mike Micciche. May 14 event photo, l-r,