At its May 2 Commencement exercises, USC Salkehatchie recognized Robert and Cindy Hurst for their outstanding contribution to their community.

Robert Hurst as president of Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing Company in Bamberg has been actively involved in many community initiatives as well his church. Through his leadership, his company has revitalized Bamberg County playgrounds, participated in fundraising efforts, such as Relay for Life and the American Red Cross, and has provided direct support of sports and academic programs in the Bamberg County public schools. He has actively served on the boards of the Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance and Bamberg County Hospital. He was instrumental in establishing the Bamberg County Scholarship Fund to provide financial support for USC Salkehatchie students from Bamberg County.

Cindy Hurst has been involved in her community by actively supporting the schools, the arts, and her church. She serves on the Bamberg County Arts Council and has actively supported the Salkehatchie Stew storytelling events for Bamberg county.

Having worked as a speech therapist in Bamberg County Public Schools for 20 years, she continues to support education in Bamberg County by serving on the Denmark- Olar High School Improvement Council and the Bamberg County “First Steps” program. She currently represents Bamberg County on the USC Salkehatchie Educational Foundation Partnership Board and the Salkehatchie Leadership Advisory Board. Cindy and Robert, founded and ran the Bamberg County Soccer League.

For their strong involvement in the community, the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission recognizes Robert and Cindy Hurst as the 2011 recipients of the 2011 Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award.

"We're pleased and we appreciate the recognition. We believe in our County. Bamberg County has many things to offer and we want to help it develop," said Cindy Hurst."