FOR RELEASE
November 17, 1999

          The Citadel Alumni Association recently elected Brigadier General R. Clifton Poole as its Alumnus of the Year for 1999.
          Cliff Poole, Citadel Class of 1959, is recognized for his dedication and loyalty to his alma mater. Through his service to the military college and his country, he has exemplified the college’s ideals as an alumnus.
          Bubba Kennedy, executive director of The Citadel Alumni Association, enthusiastically said of Poole, "His involvement in educational and business endeavors has resulted in numerous regional and national accolades. In all of his endeavors and accomplishments, Poole’s actions have reflected favorably upon The Citadel and have been in keeping with the highest traditions of the college and the alumni association."
          Poole distinguished himself as a graduate at The Citadel and later earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of South Carolina. He was also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and a research fellow at the London School of Economics.
          His professional accomplishments include an array of positions from finance professor and associate dean to director of graduate studies and dean of the business school at the University of Richmond. His return to The Citadel was the stepping stone for further accomplishment as the vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college and also as interim president of the college during a significant chapter in The Citadel’s history.
          Poole’s service to his country includes a career in the U. S. Army Reserves, rising to the rank of brigadier general.
          His involvement in educational and business endeavors has resulted in regional and national recognition. His dedication to the college was recognized by The Citadel’s Board of Visitors when they awarded him the Palmetto Medal Award in 1998 and named him Distinguished Fellow of Finance in 1999.
          On Friday during a surprise presentation, Gen. Poole received a framed resolution, listing all his contributions and accomplishments, and a plaque from The Citadel Alumni Association.
          In addition to selecting the Alumnus of the Year, The Citadel Alumni Association also elected Robert W. Schivera as its new president. Schivera is a 1969 graduate of The Citadel and received his juris doctor from Wake Forest University. Schivera served as Captain in the U. S. Army JAGC. Currently, he is a partner in the law firm Oliver, Maner, & Gray in Savannah, Ga. Schivera says this about his new position, "It will be a great honor and pleasure to serve the association as its president next year. I believe the values of The Citadel education method will continue to answer a need in our society into the next century. The association will continue to advance the traditional interest of The Citadel."