In Memoriam - Mary Patterson Caldwell

by Carly Gallagher

Mary Patterson Caldwell, professor emerita who taught public relations at the then-College of Journalism and Mass Communications, died Aug. 29, 2009.

Liz Lucas Reynolds, class of 1987, remembers Caldwell’s influence on her professional life. “I've been fortunate to have many strong, professional women as mentors throughout my career. Looking back, I realize Mrs. Caldwell was the first. Mrs. Caldwell inspired and guided me, helping to set my course for a life and career that has brought me a great deal of joy and satisfaction.”

"One of the first women on the male-dominated (chauvinistic? or merely traditional and slow to change?) faculty, Mary not only survived but also became sequence chair in public relations. She directed Bateman teams to national awards and supervised numerous special events in the College while she taught—and nurtured—hundreds of students into good careers in public relations,” said Former Interim Dean Ron Farrar of Mary's tenure.

Upon her retirement, Mrs. Caldwell was active in her community with memberships at First Presbyterian Church of Columbia and the Settlers Club. She was chapter regent of the University of South Carolina chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and was a member of the State Daughters of the American Revolution, for which she chaired the media and public relations committee. She was a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and the Ft. Congaree chapter, National Society of the Daughters of American Colonists.