Hussman School Foundation Board president honored for outstanding service to UNC

UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media Foundation Board President Jordy Whichard was one of three UNC alumni honored with the 2016 Distinguished Service Medal for their outstanding commitment to UNC and to the General Alumni Association. The three alumni — including Whichard, John Burress III and Charlie Loudermilk — received the medals on Saturday, May 7, at the GAA's Annual Alumni Luncheon.

Whichard graduated from UNC in 1979 and has served on the UNC Health Care System board; the Hussman School's Foundation Board; as a trustee for UNC's Center for Public Television; and as the chair of the GAA Board of Directors.

After graduating, he joined the staff of U.S. Sen. Robert B. Morgan, then gained some journalism experience at newspapers in Virginia and South Carolina before returning to Greenville in 1985 to join The Daily Reflector. He was the paper’s general manager until 1991 and the CEO until 1996 when he sold the business. His family started The Daily Reflector — originally named The Eastern Reflector — in 1882. In 2009, Whichard retired from his position as the publisher of The Daily Reflector and as group publisher of Cox North Carolina Publications Inc.

The GAA is a self-governed, nonprofit association serving UNC's alumni and friends since 1843. The GAA has awarded the Distinguished Service Medal since 1978.