The Citadel awards honorary degrees in recognition of service to state and national leaders

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 Alumni Commencement

The Citadel Board of Visitors presented honorary degrees to recipients during the commencement celebrations for the Class of 2025.

Honorary degrees are awarded to the speakers for the commencement ceremonies for The South Carolina Corps of Cadets and The Citadel Graduate College, as well as those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the college during their lifetime. Three honorary degrees were conferred during the 2025 commencement ceremony.

Below are the citations for each of this year’s honorary degree recipients.

John C. Darby, ’85

John Darby has distinguished himself as a business leader, philanthropist and outstanding graduate of The Citadel. A noted South Carolina business leader, Darby serves as president and CEO of The Beach Company, a real estate and property management firm. Under his leadership, The Beach Company has grown into one of South Carolina’s top forty privately held companies, with 700 employees and operations in over 25 cities throughout the Southeast. Darby also serves on many Lowcountry community and industry organizations and has supported numerous charitable endeavors throughout his life. His dedication and support to The Citadel has spanned decades and carries tremendous impact. He served as chair of The Citadel’s Real Estate Foundation board where he was instrumental in serving The Citadel by offering innovative solutions to housing and other real estate needs. He was a long-time member of The Citadel Foundation Board of Directors. And finally, Darby co-chaired the Strategic Growth Committee for the Foundation Leadership Campaign. For his service to South Carolina, his community and The Citadel, The Board of Visitors awards John Darby an Honorary Doctorate of Business.

Brig. Gen. Charles Duke Jr., USAF (Ret.)

Brig. Gen. Charles Moss Duke Jr., USAF (Ret.), is an American hero, one of only 12 humans to set foot on the moon. He is a South Carolina native, Air Force test pilot, successful businessman and servant to his fellow man through his ministry. He is the epitome of a servant leader. He was part of NASA’s fifth group of astronauts, selected after almost a decade spent flying high performance jets and completing a master’s degree at MIT. Duke played a critical role in no less than five Apollo Program lunar missions, notably as the Capsule Communicator for the first moon landing in 1969 where his unflappable presence was critical when Apollo 11 was faced with a last minute emergency as it approached the surface of the moon. On April 21, 1972, as Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 16, Duke became the 10th human to set foot on the moon, and the youngest at age 36. With Commander John Young, he spent more than 20 hours on the surface and returned to earth six days later. After NASA, he rejoined the Air Force Reserve and became a successful businessman. In 1978, with wife Dotty, he became active in Christian ministry. He has travelled the world as an inspirational speaker and has visited The Citadel several times in support of educational and service projects. For his service to The Citadel, South Carolina and America, The Board of Visitors awards Brig. Gen. Charles Moss Duke Jr., USAF (Ret.), with an Honorary Doctorate in Science.

S.C. Rep. Christopher J. Murphy, ’90

The Honorable Christopher Murphy, South Carolina State Representative, has distinguished himself as a public servant, dedicated legislator and outstanding graduate of The Citadel. As a Senior Assistant Solicitor of the First Judicial Circuit, Murphy convicted hundreds of criminals for the crimes of murder, armed robbery and drug trafficking. He also served as Assistant United States Attorney on a multi-county violent crime and drug task force. Murphy also served in the South Carolina National Guard and as Chairman of the Dorchester County Council. Since 2011, Representative Murphy has served the residents of Summerville and South Carolina in the Legislature. He plays a critical role in shaping legal and fiscal policy. His service extends beyond the Statehouse and Courtroom. Murphy is a founding member of the Summerville Miracle League, an active Rotarian and longtime youth sports coach. Murphy has served his alma mater as President of the Summerville Citadel Club, as a tireless advocate for The Citadel and is the parent of two alumni. For his service and dedication to the people of South Carolina and The Citadel, The Board of Visitors awards Chris Murphy an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service.