“The Citadel family is deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ted Turner — a three-time cadet father, a two-time commencement speaker and honorary grad and a longtime supporter of the college,” said The Citadel President Gen. Glenn M. Walters, USMC (Ret.), ’79. “Ted Turner’s long legacy of business success, public philanthropy and iconic leadership reflected The Citadel ideals of honor, duty and respect well and he will be missed on our campus. His entire family is in Gail and my prayers.”
While Turner did not attend The Citadel, all three of his sons did – Teddy, ’85, Beau, ’89 and Rhett, ’91. Turner received honorary degrees from The Citadel in 1987 and 1992, and he gave the Corps of Cadets Commencement address in both years.
“Ted Turner was a special friend of The Citadel,” said Dr. Harvey Schiller, ‘60, the former executive director of the United States Olympic Committee and past president of Turner Sports. “During my days working with him, we would often speak of the school’s valued education and contributions to America. His presence made a difference in my life and the lives of millions of others.”
Ted Turner was a generous supporter of The Citadel’s academic and athletic programs, contributing directly to the success of cadets and students.
“Ted Turner’s impact on The Citadel is felt on a daily basis as his generosity has helped set the foundation for the education and training of principled leaders on our campus,” said Dr. Jay Dowd, III, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Citadel Foundation. “Mr. Turner’s philanthropy has been transformational across the globe. On behalf of the Board of Directors and our team, we extend our thoughts and prayers to his family.”
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Upcoming News from The Citadel – May and summer 2026
