Carolina Day School is pleased to announce that this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award honoree is Imogene “Cissie” Stevens. The true measure of greatness can be found in the achievements of our alumni. The C. Robert Bell Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves as leaders in their community as well as at Carolina Day. This year’s award winner, Cissie Stevens, is an alumna of our predecessor school St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines, Class of 1958. Her children, John, Scott, and Wyatt attended St. Genevieve/Gibbons Hall.

Cissie has gained a unique distinction through success in her professions, service to Carolina Day School, and her contribution to the community.

She retired from UNC-Asheville where she led the College for Seniors program in 2002. She was asked by Chancellor Ponder to serve as the Interim Director for the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement in 2009-10.

Cissie is an active member of the community and has been involved with numerous boards of nonprofit organizations. She serves on the board of directors for Manna Food Bank and on the board of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. She retired from UNC Asheville where she led the College for Seniors program in 2002. She was asked by Chancellor Ponder to serve as the Interim Director for the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement in 2009-10.

The Alumni Board put careful deliberation into this year's choice, and say they are unanimously delighted with their decision.

Cissie couldn't make the Convocation ceremony to receive her award, but recorded a video message for everyone: 

Previous recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award include:

2005: Pam Turner SGP                      

2008: Gail Godwin SGP ’55

2007: Eugene M. Carr SGP ’43 

2006: Sally Lewis Rhoades SGP ‘56

2005: Canie B. Smith ACDS ‘50                                         

2004: Jane Swicegood Elins SGP ‘51                                  

2003: Charles D. Owen III ACDS ‘78                                  

2002: Darryl J. Hart ACDS ‘79                                            

2001: Barbara Morgan Nesbitt ACDS ‘61                            

2000: Joel B. Adams, Jr. ACDS ‘71                                    

1999: Mother Margaret Potts, R.C.E. ‘28                            

1997: Samuel A. Bingham III ACDS ‘62                             

1997: Mitchell “Micky” Wolfson, Jr. ACDS ‘56                  

1996: Linda Rathbun Taylor ACDS ‘64                                

1996: C. Robert Bell, Jr. ACDS ‘62