DATE: March 24, 2009

CONTACT: Beth Stedman, 843-430-4800
bstedma@clemson.edu

WRITER: Peter Hull, 843-554-7226, ext. 118
phull@clemson.edu


S.C. Women’s Connection bring state’s former first ladies together

COLUMBIA — In a television first for South Carolina, the S.C. Women’s Connection, an initiative of Clemson University’s Institute for Economic and Community Development at the Sandhill Research and Education Center, gathered five women around a table who share a most unique perspective on state politics.

South Carolina first ladiesAll living first ladies of South Carolina will appear at 7:30 p.m. March 26 on ETV’s “The Big Picture” to share their perspectives of life inside the Governor’s Mansion.

Joining host Mark Quinn are:

  • Lois Rhame West, wife of the late Gov. John West
  • Anne Edwards, wife of Gov. Jim Edwards
  • Iris Campbell, wife of the late Gov. Carroll Campbell
  • Mary Wood Beasley, wife of Gov. David Beasley
  • Rachel Hodges, wife of Gov. Jim Hodges

The show was taped March 12 at the Caldwell-Boylston House at the Governor’s Mansion complex. After filming, the first ladies joined Jenny Sanford at the mansion for lunch.

For some of them, appearing on the show marked their first time back in the mansion since their husbands left office.

During the show, they share insight of life in the Governor’s Mansion and discuss how the role of first lady has changed over the years.

The S.C. Women’s Connection is a statewide organization dedicated to improving economic opportunity and quality of life by advancing the status of women through research, teaching and service programs.

Ann Edwards and Lois West share their insights into life in the governor's mansion.Beth Stedman, Clemson regional community development agent for Georgetown and Marion counties, who runs the Women’s Connection with her Darlington County counterpart, Jennifer Boyles, said the historic value of such a program cannot be understated.

The role of first ladies evolves with each election, Stedman said, and today’s electorate wants to know the potential strengths that she would bring to the governor’s office as first lady.

“Today, a potential first lady must know not only her spouse’s issues and concerns, but also must have her own activities, interests and causes,” Stedman said.

END

On the Web

ETV: http://www.scetv.org/

Clemson University Sandhill Research and Education Center: http://www.clemson.edu/sandhill