Thursday, January 18, 2007
In 1962, as a member of the very first class at the new Aiken Extention of USC, it soon became apparent that I was not ready for college and on the strong counsel of my Father decided to enlist in the Navy. "Mr. Casper", as we called him, told me when I went to formally withdraw, to come see him every time I came home on leave and that I would be welcomed back any time.
3 1/2 years later the Navy granted me an early discharged from active duty because I had been re-accepted to college USC Aiken through Bill Casper's efforts on my behalf.
2 years later I transferred to the main campus in Columbia where I was awarded a BS in Business Administration degree in 1971 after making the Deans list my last 3 semesters in undergraduate school. I subsequently went on to get an MBA from USC and to work at the University for the VP of Business Affairs up until 1978.
In my mind, Bill Casper played a pivital role in keeping me connected to the dream of getting a college education during those lonley Navy days. Whenever I came home on leave and went up to see him at the Extention, he was always glad to see me, wanted to know all about the Navy and my submarine experiences and never neglected to remind me that he had a place for me at USC Aiken when I got out....to just give him a call and he and Mrs. Lybrand would help me with the readmissions paperwork.
I will remember "Mr. Casper" as "that thoughtful, caring educator" who played a role in my formation as a man. He was my "Mr. Chips."
My condolences to his family and close friends...Bill Carter
