Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

2006/2007

Eugene M. "Bob" Carr, Jr., '43

Bob attended St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines, the Asheville School, and Yale University. 

Bob has been an active community leader all his life.  He has served as mayor of Biltmore Forest, commissioner of the Biltmore Forest Town Council, and member of the Board of Governors of Biltmore Forest Country Club.

He is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he has served as a member of the vestry numerous times and twice as junior warden. He has also served on the finance committee, the buildings and grounds committee, and as a lay reader and chalice bearer. 

Bob has also given decades of service to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina.  He has served as a member of the Episcopal Foundation of WNC. Currently, he is chair.  He also serves as a member of the Development Committee for Lake Logan Episcopal Center.

He was recognized professionally for his service as president of the Appalachian Lumberman Club.

The community has also benefited from Bob’s volunteer service.  He has been a volunteer leader for the United Way and the YWCA of Asheville.  He has been a member of the Asheville Civitan Club for the last 50 years and served a term as president. In the Rhododendron Brigade of Guards, Bob has served as chief of staff and as commander of the Knights of the Laurel.

Education has always been a priority for Bob’s philanthropy and volunteer energy.  He has served on the Alumni Board of Visitors for the Asheville School and as president of the Yale Alumni Association.  Bob is also active in local student recruitment activities for Yale.

Bob readily transferred his affection from St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines to Carolina Day School at the merger.  Bob and his wife, Emily, were active in beginning the alumni association after the merger.  Their commitment to CDS was made even stronger as their son Gene and their daughter Catherine became graduates of the school. In 2006, Bob was instrumental in bringing a delegation from Durgapur, India to the campus for a global exchange of best educational practices.

Passionate, life-long learner, selfless in his service to others, and committed and loyal to Carolina Day School, the C. Robert Bell, Jr. Distinguished Alumni for 2007—Bob Carr.

2005/2006

Sally Lewis Rhoades '56

Sally grew up on the campus of The Asheville School where her father taught history and served as athletic coach. She attended St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines for 12 years, graduating in 1956. After graduation, she went to St. Mary’s College for two years and then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned her BA in Latin and her Masters’ degree in art history. Before returning to Asheville in 1974 with her husband Verne, Sally lived in New York City and California.

Soon after her return to Asheville, Sally took a keen interest in the life of the city, serving on various arts and civic boards, many times in leadership roles. She was on the boards of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Asheville Art Museum, and Asheville Symphony. During this same time, she was president of the Junior League, the WNC Nature Society board, and the Asheville Area Arts Council board. In the early 90’s, Sally was a leader in the development of Pack Place as well as part of the early planning of the restoration of the Grove Arcade.

Sally’s interest and knowledge of environmental issues led her to serve two terms on the RiverLink board and as co-chair of their advisory board. She is still a vital part of RiverLink today. At present, she is a member of the Quality Forward board with a particular interest in beautification. Sally has also just been named chair of the Environmental Leadership Center at Warren Wilson College. She has received numerous awards over the years for her volunteer efforts, including the Critical Link Award from RiverLink.

In her spare time when she is not reading, Sally can be found in her garden. She is a wonderful gardener, and, as with everything else, she is passionate about learning and sharing with others. The beautiful gardens at Verne and Sally’s historic home are often open to various non-profits for tours and fundraisers. As a member and past president of the French Broad River Garden Club, Sally can be found sharing her knowledge and love of gardening as well as conservation efforts.

As a member of the Carolina Day School Board of Visitors, Sally is a vital link between St. Genevieve past and Carolina Day School present. She is also helping organize the 50th reunion for the Class of 1956, scheduled for next weekend.

Sally’s engagement in and commitment to the life of our community are powerful examples of the quality education, leadership skills, and ethos of achievement she acquired at St. Genevieve’s.

2004/2005

Canie B. Smith '50

A native of Asheville, Canie attended Asheville Country Day School for the ninth grade, leaving in 1950 to transfer to and graduate from Lee H. Edwards High School (Asheville High). He went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with an A.B. in Economics in 1958. He was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve and served in the Amphibious Forces until June, 1960. Canie returned to Asheville and joined the family business-the Dr. T. C. Smith Company, a prominent wholesale drug distribution firm serving four Southeastern states that was founded by his great grandfather; ultimately, he became president and chief operating officer.

In addition to his outstanding work in business, Canie has distinguished himself by volunteering with a number of non-profit organizations. He has served as a board member of the Asheville Chapter of the American Red Cross, director of the Asheville Rotary Club, and mayor of Biltmore Forest. He also served as a trustee of Carolina Day School during the time of the merger of our esteemed predecessor schools, St. Genevieve/Gibbons Hall and Asheville Country Day. He then served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Carolina Day School.

One of Canie's passions is flying. He has taken his passion and used it to serve others. He is a member of Angel Flight, serving as a volunteer pilot to transport children and adults to various medical centers on the east coast. He also was an "ambassador" to Russia in 1991, chosen to be part of the first general aviation group fly-in. Canie and his flying partner were one of 36 aircraft to fly from Nome, Alaska across the Bering Straight to Provideniya , Russia.

Here at Carolina Day School, Canie is most noted for two things: the establishment of the Canie B. Smith Scholar Athlete Award that honors a senior who is outstanding in both academics and athletics and the exceptional leadership classes that he teaches in the upper school. Another of his passions is helping young people learn about leadership, particularly leadership that focuses on "self awareness."

Although a natural leader with many opportunities to serve, Canie began studying about leadership in the 1980s with Dr. James Farr in Greensboro. Two decades later, he is continuing to share that knowledge with our students.

Canie is passionate, a life-long learner, extremely self-disciplined, an incredible tennis player, committed and loyal to Carolina Day School, a parent of two Carolina Day School alumni (Blake '91 and Whitney '94), and a grandfather of a current CDS 3 rd grader.

2003/2004

Jane Swicegood Elins '51

Jane was born in Asheville and graduated from St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines in 1951. She attended Rollins College before matriculating at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY, where she earned Associate degrees in Liberal Arts and Business with Honors. Later, Jane graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors. The love of learning and the excitement of education which we prize so highly at Carolina Day School was clearly instilled in Jane during her early years at St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines.

Jane has distinguished herself by working with people less fortunate than she. She prepares and serves food for the homeless; she teaches sewing to disadvantaged teens, providing her own fabrics for their use; she prepares food for the volunteers who build homes with Habitat for Humanity; she teaches English to Hispanics; and she smocks bereavement gowns for premature infants at University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. Where helping hands are needed in good works, Jane is there.

Jane learned well the lessons she was taught by the Sisters at St. Genevieve, especially Sister Kathleen Winters. Jane learned that the universal language of respect and kindness would be welcome anywhere, and that it was not necessary to settle for a small life. She learned that women could pursue anything that they wanted to do.

Jane has served as president of the PTA and of Episcopal Church Women in Medina, Ohio and was treasurer and Vestry member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Chatham, Massachusetts.

Her philanthropy is demonstrative of her compassion and her love of the arts. Among the organizations which have benefited from her generosity and thoughtfulness are International Rescue Committee; Boston Symphony Orchestra; WGBH; Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Science in Boston; Rollins College; Arizona State Museum; University of Arizona; Congregation Or Chadash; St. Philips-in-the-Hills; Santa Rita Abbey; and Carolina Day School.

Here at Carolina Day School, Jane has established the Sister Kathleen Winters Creative Writing Award, annually recognizing the junior or senior whose work shows exceptional promise. She is creating this endowment through various gifts of stock and has guaranteed its continuance through a special bequest in her will.

2002/2003

Charles Dexter Owen III '78   

Charlie attended Asheville Country Day School for nine (9) years. He transferred to and graduated from The Hotchkiss School in 1978. He went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration. Two years later he completed a second bachelor of science degree in textile material and management from North Carolina State University. Charlie joined the family business and now serves as president of Charles D. Owen Manufacturing Company.

Charlie's volunteer spirit matches his distinguished career. Currently, Charlie serves on the board of directors of Mission St. Joseph’s Health System—he was chairman from 2000-2002; North Carolina Partnership for Children; NC State Textile School Foundation; North Carolina Outward Bound School; Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation; and Western Regional Board of Wachovia Bank and Trust Company.

The list of those organizations on which he has previously served is equally impressive: United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County; Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce; Warren Wilson College; American Red Cross; Manna Food Bank; Pack Place Arts, Education, and Science Center; and Carolina Day School.

Charlie is married to Eleanor, a current Carolina Day School trustee, and is father to three CDS alumni: Charles, Laura, and Caty.

2001/2002

Darryl Jay Hart '79   

Darryl attended Country Day School and graduated in the Class of 1979. He went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. The son of a long-time funeral director O. M. Hart, Darryl grew up following his dad around the business. After college, he went back to school and in 1985 became a licensed funeral director. Darryl joined the family business and now serves as vice-president and general manager of Hart Funeral Services, Inc. Active in the Ashville Chamber of Commerce, Darryl was awarded the 2000 Sam Walton Business Leader Award.

Darryl's volunteer spirit matches his distinguished career. Currently, Darryl is on the board of directors of A-B Tech Community College, the Bank of Asheville, the Better Business Bureau, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, North Carolina Board of Mortuary Science, and Carolina Day School. He also serves as chairman of the Board of Adjustments for the City of Asheville, and he serves his business colleagues as a leader in a wide array of trade organizations.

He is a member of St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Gamma Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and a Life Member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Darryl organized the first CDS alumni basketball game in 1981, and he was vice president of the ACDS alumni association from 1986-1987.

Darryl is married to Karen, and they have four children.

2000/2001

Barbara Morgan Nesbitt '61

Barbara is president of the Carolina Day School Alumni Association, serves on the School's Board of Trustees, and is chair of the Planned Giving Committee. She has distinguished herself not only by her 17 years of dedication to the school but also through her service and philanthropy to numerous volunteer organizations. Since 1991, she had been a trustee of Brevard College, where she is on the Executive Committee and serves as Campus Life Committee Chair. She has been a member of the Junior League of Asheville since 1965. She is a past president of the League, past international board member of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), and past chair of the Sustainer Advisory Board. Currently, she serves as the historian of the Sustainer Advisory Board. In 2000, she won a "Spirit of the League" award for her service to the community. Her other community work includes serving as parliamentarian for the Children’s Welfare League and, for the third term, as treasurer of her garden club.

Barbara, the daughter of Ione Wright Morgan and the late Charles Wesley Morgan, has been married to husband Charlie for 39 years. They have three alumni children: David (SGGH84,ACDS87), Edward (SGGH86,CDS89), and Andrew (CDS'95). Barbara is a graduate of Duke University and works as a freelance writer, trainer, designer, and consultant in the fields of human resource management and organizational development. She is an authorized consultant and facilitator for Wilson Learning Corporation and works with non-profit board of directors through her own company Synergy Associates. In 1996 and 1997, she was awarded Distinguished Sales Award by Wilson Learning. (Updated 9/3/03)

1999/2000

Joel B. Adams '71

Mr. Adams was in the class of 1971 at Asheville Country Day School, but left in 1967 to go to Woodberry Forest. 

Joel B. Adams, Jr., is a financial advisor and has owned an independent Raymond James Financial Services office since 1994. Prior to opening his own firm, he was a registered representative with Interstate/Johnson Lane for 9 years, previously having been in banking. Joel is a graduate of Western Carolina University. In addition to currently serving as chairman of the Warren Wilson College Board of Trustees, Joel serves as chair of the investment committee and on the Board of Advisors for the college's Environmental Leadership Center. Other current community activities include serving on the following boards: NC Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, past chair; Asheville-Buncombe Vision, executive committee; Professional Advisory Board of WNC Community Foundation; and Beattie Foundation, vice-chair. Past community service includes: Asheville-Buncombe Education Coalition, founding board member; Pack Place Performing Arts, founding board member and treasurer; Meals on Wheels, chair; Quality Forward, treasurer; and WCQS Public Radio, board member. Other volunteer experience includes serving as a mentor with Project STEAM and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. In 1999 the WNC Chapter of NSFRE selected Joel as WNC Outstanding Philanthropist. In 2000 he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Carolina Day School. In 2003 The Nature Conservancy awarded him the North Carolina Conservation Leadership Award. Joel's hobbies include fishing, hiking, skiing, and travel. Joel is married to Marla Adams, an attorney, and has 2 children, Sam and Sadie, a student at Warren Wilson College. (Updated 9/2/03)

1998/1999

Mother Margaret Potts, RCE '28

Margaret Potts was born in Cleveland, Tennessee on August 30, 1906. She enrolled in St. Genevieve’s College in the fall of 1924 and graduated summa cum laude in June, 1928. In between, she joined the Religious of Christian Education, the French order of nuns who had established St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines in January 1908. She received her Master’s degree from Catholic University in 1935, majoring in botany and physics.  She returned to St. Genevieve's to teach, and, for more than twenty years, Mother Potts served as the Head of the Academy.

Mother Potts distinguished herself by devoting her entire life to the service of God, her career in education, and the well-being of her former students, their families, their children, and their grandchildren. She believed that good manners were the basis of respectful relationships. She also believed that women, if they so desired, could bypass domesticity for the diplomatic service, medicine, and law and encouraged her charges to reach deep to take on these pursuits.

Mother Potts received the American Educators Medal from the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation in 1967 and was later presented the Award of Merit given by the Asheville School for Boys. In 1989, she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in the order, and, in 1990, she visited Rome, where she was granted an audience with Pope Paul II. In 1989, Mother Potts began the arduous task of writing a history of St. Genevieve's, which was successfully published by Carolina Day School in 1991. 

Mother Potts died in 1999. The Mother Margaret Potts Scholarship Fund at Carolina Day School was established by her former students in her memory. The purpose of the Fund is to provide a means for students in need to receive a private school education.

1996/1997

Mitchell "Micky" Wolfson, Jr. '56

Mitchell Wolfson received his early childhood education in the '50s at ACDS. He graduated from The Lawrenceville School, Princeton University and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He is President of the Washington Storage Company, Inc. and the Novecento Corporation, investment firms with interests in Florida and Italy. He is involved in numerous philanthropic and civic organizations, including the Bologna Center of Johns Hopkins University, the Princeton University Department of Comparative Literature, the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Foundation, and the Wolfson Family Foundation, which supports the Audubon House in Key West, Florida. When he is not pursuing his business interests, Micky travels the world acquiring treasures for the Wolfsonian-Florida International University. This educational research institution, which he founded in 1986, houses his enormous collection of decorative, design, and propaganda artifacts.

1996/1997

Samuel A. Bingham III '62

Sam Bingham III was a student at ACDS from kindergarten through ninth grade. He graduated from Andover in 1962 and received his undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1967. Although Sam was assigned 4-F status, he went to Vietnam anyway, to make a documentary film about the war. While filming the Tet offensive in 1968, he was hit by a bullet and lost an eye. After returning from Vietnam, he embarked on a career in international journalism, and was on the staff of both  Atlantic Monthly and Newsweek.  Later, he and his wife Janet Riddell settled on a Navajo reservation in Arizona and collaborated on books for Navajo students as well as farmers. Environmentally-friendly farming became his new passion, culminating in the publishing of his best seller, The Last Ranch: A Colorado Community and the Coming Desert. The book covers a year in the life of a small Colorado ranch that is attempting to revive its overgrazed and drought-ravaged ecology and has changed the way Colorado farmers manage their land.

1995/1996

Linda Rathbun Taylor '64

Linda, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Lewis Rathbun, was the valedictorian of her 1964 class at ACDS. She received her undergraduate degree from Vassar and an MBA from Harvard in 1973. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst with experience in computers, investment banking, and investment management. Despite her demanding career and commitment to her children, she has been an active volunteer and generous philanthropist. She is a director of the Washington International Charity Horseshow, an elder in the Presbyterian church, a director of the JP Morgan Private Equity Funds, a member of the Vassar College Endowment Investment Committee, and a director of the Fauquier Hospital Foundation. She is a loyal contributor to Vassar College, Life after Cancer, the Lewis Rathbun Wellness center (named for her father), and Carolina Day School. (Updated 9/2/03)

1993/1994

C. Robert Bell, Jr. '62

Robert was a graduate of Asheville Country Day School, class of 1962, and former Chairman of the Carolina Day School Board of Trustees. Robert’s philanthropy and leadership have benefited our school, Earlham College, and countless service organizations in the Asheville community and around the world. 

At Commencement in 1994, Robert Bell was the first alumnus to receive the "Distinguished Alumni Award" from Carolina Day School. At that same time, the award was named in his honor. (Updated 9/2/03)

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