Retired educators donate $13,000 to SC State’s College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Concert Choir

Walter and Bernice Tobin designated $10,000 for the college and $3,000 for the Concert Choir’s trip to Carnegie Hall.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Retired educators Dr. Walter L. Tobin and Mrs. Bernice Tobin have donated $13,000 to South Carolina State University’s College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences (CEHSS).

Of the total gift, $10,000 is designated as unrestricted support for the CEHSS. The remaining $3,000 will support the SC State’s Concert Choir’s inaugural performance at Carnegie Hall this summer, a milestone in the university’s history.

The $3,000 gift will directly support the Concert Choir’s travel to New York City, where in June the choir will perform Adolphus Hailstork’s sacred cantata, “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes,” at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall.

This will mark the first time the SC State Concert Choir has performed on the prestigious stage.

The Tobins presented checks to the CEHSS and the choir in a ceremony at the SC State Fine Arts Building on Jan. 22, during which Dr. M. Evelyn Fields, CEHSS dean, reflected on Walter Tobin’s legacy of service, leadership and excellence.

“Dr. Tobin’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and excellence. He has been a steadfast advocate for education and the arts, and his generosity continues to open doors for our students,” Fields said. “His commitment to giving back reflects a deep belief in the mission of South Carolina State University and in the importance of investing in programs that inspire, empower and transform lives.”

A two-time graduate of South Carolina State University, Walter Tobin earned a bachelor’s degree in English and social studies in 1964 and a master’s degree in secondary education and administration in 1970.

He devoted his professional career to teacher education and educational leadership. He began his administrative career in 1969 as principal of Voorhees High School in the Denmark-Olar School District Two. In 1979, he was appointed secondary supervisor at the South Carolina Department of Education, and in 1983 he became director of the department’s Office of Adult Education.

In 1989, Walter Tobin assumed his first superintendency in Lexington School District Four in Swansea. Two years later, he became superintendent of Orangeburg School District Five, now Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five, where he served until his retirement in December 1999.

Following his retirement, Walter Tobin became known as the “Traveling Superintendent,” providing interim leadership to school districts across the state while permanent superintendents were selected.

Standing alongside Mrs. Tobin at the check presentation ceremony, Walter Tobin addressed SC State students, including members of the Concert Choir, education majors, teacher candidates completing clinical field experiences, and students in the fine arts and social sciences.

He shared reflections from his career as an educator, principal and superintendent, noting that his students shaped his leadership philosophy and reinforced his belief that effective leadership is rooted in listening, stewardship and service.

“Educators must build confident students, encourage them to believe in themselves, and empower them to step boldly into leadership,” Tobin said.

He also credited his own teachers with instilling in him the value of teacher education and described the moment as coming full circle, presenting a gift to one of his former students, Fields, now dean of the college.

“This certainly has come full circle for me,” Fields said. “I am grateful for this monetary gift presented to my college, but even more grateful for the confidence Dr. Tobin and the teachers at Denmark-Olar High School instilled in me — confidence that allowed me to believe I could compete and lead, and to do the work I do each day as dean.”

On behalf of the CEHSS, Fields expressed her appreciation to the Tobins for their lifelong dedication to education and their support of the university’s mission.

For more information about supporting the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, contact Dr. M. Evelyn Fields at efields@scsu.edu.