Andrew Wagner. Photo provided.
Sally Rutherford and Glenn Wagner lost their son, Andrew Wagner ’10 last year after a difficult and prolonged illness. After Andrew passed away, they reached out to the College of Charleston to explore different ways to honor their son’s memory. They did so because of the tremendous role CofC had played in Andrew’s life, both during his time as a student and throughout his career.
As a student, Andrew gravitated toward accounting and ultimately landed on majoring in accounting and minoring in economics. Because of his natural proficiency for accounting, Andrew was inducted into Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honors society, and Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honors society.
Andrew graduated magna cum laude and received the William Young Warren Ripley Jr. Award for academic excellence. The Ripley award goes to the top accounting graduate to assist with expenses in taking the CPA examination.
“Andrew found his way at the College of Charleston, so it has a special place in our hearts,” says Glenn. “He loved his time in Charleston and thrived as a student. The College set him up for success in the professional world.”
The College’s School of Business alumni network also played a pivotal role in Andrew’s success. After graduating with a Master of Science in accounting from Wake Forest University, he joined Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, which has a strong CofC alumni presence.
“It was amazing how helpful and collegial the alumni were in helping Andrew secure his first professional job,” says Sally.
To honor their son’s memory, Sally and Glenn created the Andrew Rutherford Wagner ’10 Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Monies from this scholarship will be awarded each year to a student within the School of Business based on financial need.
“Andrew cared for others and found equity to be very important in his life,” says Glenn. “He was well prepared because of CofC, for which we are grateful, and he was too.”
“We are deeply grateful to Sally and Glenn for their generous establishment of this scholarship,” says Paul Schwager, dean of the School of Business. “It is not only a tribute to Andrew’s memory but also a testament to the value and respect he had for the unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that every individual brings. Thanks to their generosity, Andrew’s legacy will continue to influence future generations.”
Thanks to the Andrew Rutherford Wagner ’10 Memorial Endowed Scholarship more CofC students will have the opportunity for a solid foundation as they enter the professional world, without undue financial stress.
To further the impact of this scholarship, please consider making a gift by donating online and noting in the description field that your gift is restricted to the Andrew Rutherford Wagner ’10 Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
