J-School mourns death of Mary Patterson Caldwell

Mary Scott Patterson Caldwell, who taught at the Journalism School from 1978-2000, died August 29, 2009. The daughter of the late James Henry Patterson and Mary Amelia Scott Patterson of Pittsburgh, Pa., she was the widow of William Arnold Caldwell of Columbia, S.C.

At retirement, Caldwell was named Professor Emeritus of the School of Journalism.

Dr. Ron Farrar, former Dean of the School, wrote of Mary's tenure in an article "The Geezer Chronicles." He said:

"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."

Advertising professor Bonnie Drewniany was good friends with Mary. She said, "Mary Caldwell was one of the reasons I chose to come to USC. Her warmth and love for teaching were very evident when I interviewed. Once I joined the faculty, she took me under her wing, gently telling me when my “Yankee” ways were showing, pointing out the “southern” (read that “proper”) way to do things. I’ll always remember her gracious parties—she was our Martha Stewart in residence."

Upon her retirement, Mrs. Caldwell was active in her community with memberships at the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, the Settlers Club, and serving as Chapter Regent of the University of South Carolina Chapter, NSDAR, as well as the State DAR Committee Chair of the Media and Public Relations Committee. She was a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians, as well as a member of the Ft. Congaree Chapter, NSDAC.

Survivors include her aunt Mrs. Caroline Jones of the Presbyterian Home in Columbia, SC; and stepdaughters: Betty Cross of Matthews, NC, Mary Jane Greenwood of Philadelphia, PA, and Lois McGregor of Mint Hill, N.C.

Memorial Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, in the Smith Chapel of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia located on Marion Street. Following the service, friends will be received in the Atrium area.

Memorials may be made to: SCDAR Treasurer and designated for the State Regent’s Project at Tamassee DAR School and mailed to: Katie Hyman, 347 Mt. Royal Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.

Comments from Legacy.com