At this year’s South Carolina Honors College Homecoming Weekend Brunch, three alumni received awards for outstanding achievements and contributions to the University of South Carolina. From business development to legal advocacy, the recipients’ careers have made important impacts in a variety of settings, from West Columbia, South Carolina, to the United Nations.
Every year we are delighted and perplexed by the difficulty of deciding who should receive our Distinguished Honors Alumni Awards. This year’s honorees are amazing, having created exceptional careers in law, business ownership and public service.
"When visionary people were imagining our Honors College — I’m thinking of Bill Mould and Peter Sederberg especially — they had some outrageously high hopes and expectations. It’s fair to say that our 13,000+ alumni have met and even exceeded their expectations," says Steven Lynn, dean of the South Carolina Honors College. "Every year we are delighted and perplexed by the difficulty of deciding who should receive our Distinguished Honors Alumni Awards. This year’s honorees are amazing, having created exceptional careers in law, business ownership and public service. We’re honored to share their stories and celebrate their contributions as they continue to make a difference in their communities and beyond."
Distinguished Honors Alumni
Sheila Cregger (‘78 business administration) is the Secretary-Treasurer of Cregger Company, a business that supplies plumbing, HVAC, electrical and lighting equipment and appliances to customers in 40 states. Guided by the principle that “Our pride makes a difference,” Cregger and her husband, Morris, built the business from a single store in Columbia to a thriving company that operates in 70 locations. She has also given back to her alma mater by supporting University of South Carolina Athletics and the Darla Moore School of Business. The Creggers have endowed athletic and business scholarships, as well as several athletics facilities. In 2019, Cregger earned an honorary doctorate in commerce from Roanoke College to recognize her achievements.
I am humbled and honored to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. My successes in life are a reflection of the love and support I have received from my family (particularly my husband Morris and son Matthew), friends and colleagues. I also am grateful for the many teachers and professors that had a profound impact in my life along the way. USC not only provided me with an excellent academic background but was instrumental in teaching me the value of a strong work ethic and instilling in me the confidence to pursue my dreams through determination and discipline.
Creighton Waters (‘92 international studies, ‘96 law) serves as the Chief Attorney for the State Grand Jury section of the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. He captured international attention as lead prosecutor during the 2023 Alexander Murdaugh murder trial, which resulted in Murdaugh’s conviction. In addition to prosecuting several high-profile cases of white-collar crime in South Carolina, Waters has investigated and prosecuted narcotics, gang and homicide cases. His legal career spans from state circuit courts to arguing before the United States Supreme Court. A lifelong South Carolinian and dedicated public servant, Waters has earned several distinctions, including the Ernest F. Hollings Award for Excellence in State Prosecution and the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence. Outside of the courtroom, Waters can be found performing across the state as lead guitarist in his band, Lighten Up Francis, and serving as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law.
I am very honored to receive this distinction from the university that I love. I could not have had a better education and college experience than I did at the South Carolina Honors College — it had all the opportunities of a large university coupled with all the benefits of a small rigorous college.
Distinguished Young Alumna
Molly Doggett (‘12 international studies) was recently promoted to Special Council at the Covington & Burling legal firm in Washington, D.C. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Doggett investigates white-collar crimes such as fraud and bribery. At Harvard, she was a member of the International Human Rights Clinic and attended negotiations at the United Nations to advocate for the 2017 Nuclear Ban Treaty. The International Human Rights Clinic supported a partner organization that earned a Nobel Peace Prize for their contributions to passing the ban. Doggett, who pursued service, research and immersive language-learning opportunities as an Honors student, has worked at legal organizations in France and Turkey. She currently utilizes her Spanish skills through pro bono immigration law work and serving as a guardian ad litem to children in the nation’s capital.
As a member of the South Carolina Honors College, I was encouraged to pursue an incredible array of interests, from study abroad, to research opportunities, to unique class offerings — including one on Super Bowl commercials, which became one of my favorites. I am so grateful for the opportunities I had as a member of the Honors College and am delighted and humbled to receive the Distinguished Young Honors Alumni Award.
Each year, the South Carolina Honors College selects awardees for the Distinguished Honors Alumni and Distinguished Young Honors Alumni awards. Nominations can be made by alumni, Honors faculty and staff.