Dear Campus Community,
Sadly I share with you news that Anne Springs Close, matriarch of the family for whom our Close Scholars program is named, has passed away peacefully at her home of 72 years in Fort Mill. Winthrop and the surrounding community have lost a dear friend and supporter with her passing.
Decades ago, Anne Close and her family generously established the Close Scholars program at Winthrop, which provided service-minded students with financial assistance. Those students over the decades have spent thousands of hours performing community service through a variety of local organizations. Through those students, Anne Close reached thousands of people while at the same time shaping generations of Winthrop graduates for bright futures filled with a passion for serving others. We know her legacy will continue here at Winthrop and through each student that was touched by her generosity and kindness.
As recently as this past April Anne Close graciously hosted our students at the Greenway for a Close Scholars Senior Send-off. She also was in discussions with Vice President for Student Affairs Shelia Burkhalter on the details of a junior year study aboard experience for the Close Scholars that will launch in 2023. She truly had a heart for our students.
Please remember the Close family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
George
George W. Hynd
