By Jeremy Handel

Long-Time SMC Supporter, Board Member Passes

The SMC family suffered a tremendous loss over the summer as one of its leading supporter, Phyllis Buchheit DeLapp, passed away at the age of 86.

Her commitment and generosity to SMC has been extraordinary. Along with serving more than 20 years on the Board of Trustees, Phyllis was an avid supporter of the school and its mission. She was instrumental in the addition of the Phyllis Buchheit Board Room and Colleen’s Fountain, a landmark on campus in honor of former president Dr. Colleen Keith.

In addition, the Buchheit Family Scholarship has benefited students in need since its establishment in 1978 and will continue to in the future. Her son, Andrew Babb, carries on his family’s legacy as a current member of the Board of Trustees.

Phyllis was a long-time businesswoman, community leader, and philanthropist in Spartanburg. With her brother, Bill, she took over the family newspaper business after her father passed. Mid-South Management owned and operated 17 newspapers, including the Spartanburg Herald Journal at the time. She was well known for her philanthropic efforts in the Upstate through the Buchheit Family Foundation.

Phyllis is a member of the Order of the Pioneer, our highest recognition for donors. She also received the Philanthropist of the Year Award by the National Society for Professional Fundraisers for her work with SMC.

We will sincerely miss her passion for SMC and our students, including her regular visits to campus just to say hello. Our sincerest condolences go out to her family.