Greenwood Celebrates Legacy of R. Boykin Curry, Jr.

05.06.12
Greenwood Celebrates Legacy of R. Boykin Curry, Jr.

Leaders and representatives from all facets of the Greenwood community gathered Sunday night at the Federal Building for a celebration of the life and
legacy of R. Boykin Curry, Jr. An influential businessman and cornerstone of the Greenwood community, Curry passed away on March 9 at the age of 96.

Jim McDonald, Director Emeritus of the Greenwood Genetic Center Board of Directors, and Ann Herd Bowen, noted local historian and author, paid tribute to Curry’s deep love for the Greenwood area and his involvement in the community which permeated every part of Greenwood life from education to quality of life, from historical preservation to economic development, from Uptown revitalization to green space preservation.

One of the highlights of the dinner, which was organized by GGC and co-sponsored by the Self Family Foundation and Wesley Commons, was the announcement by Director, Dr. Steve Skinner, of a gift to create the R. Boykin Curry Chair in Genetic Therapies at GGC. Curry was influential in bringing GGC to Greenwood and served on its Founding Board of Directors. He was named to their first class of Directors Emeritus in 2006.

“Boykin was instrumental in every phase of the development of GGC, it is fitting that this preeminent chair bear his name,” said Skinner. “It is our intent to fill the Curry Chair of Genetic Therapies with a distinguished scientist who will reflect Boykin’s integrity and accomplishment.”
“The scientist chosen to fill this position will have broad experience and recognized accomplishments in the field of medical genetics,” explained Skinner.”He or she will be expected to lead the Section on Genetic Therapies with vision and experience to bring research findings at GGC and elsewhere to the practical use in the care of patients, consistent with the GGC belief that no disability should be beyond the reach of curative treatment and prevention.”
The initial funding for the R. Boykin Curry Chair was provided through the generous support of the Ravenel and Elizabeth Curry Foundation.

Dr. Steve Skinner, GGC Director announces the Curry Endowed Chair in Medical Genetics (photo by jon holloway)

Mother and son

A Rare Beauty

The lobby of the JC Self Research Institute at GGC was transformed into a garden – of sorts. The art exhibit titled ‘Rare Roses’ consisted of 12 paintings that depict real roses with genetic variations. The series was created by Nicole Shannon, an artist from Greenville. Nicole was inspired by her son, who has a rare genetic disorder, and other individuals with genetic differences. Quinn, now 4, was born with a myriad of health issues and ...

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