John Suddath Hall Memorial Scholarship

John Suddath Hall always valued the opportunity of earning an education. As a young boy growing up in Port Wentworth, Ga., he was the first member of his family to graduate from high school, and the only one to graduate from college.

In later years his love for education led him to become a positive role model for student-athletes in his work as a coach and physical education teacher in Columbia, S.C. Although Hall was a man of few words, his quiet determination impacted the lives of thousands of students. “He had a great sensitivity for kids who were struggling, and he shared a common bond with them on the athletic field,” Gertrude added.

The Hall family is continuing his educational legacy by making a difference in the lives of elementary education students at Georgia Southern University with the endowment of the John Suddath Hall Memorial Scholarship.

Georgia Southern was an important part of Hall’s life. He earned a master’s degree in education from the University in 1966, while simultaneously working as an elementary school principal. “John enjoyed his work at Georgia Southern and it was very satisfying and challenging to him. He earned a small scholarship while he was studying there, and it meant so much to him and our family,” said Gertrude. “Our family wanted to help students and give back to the University,” she said about the scholarship.

The Halls’ daughter, Dr. Jane Crawford, says that her father always encouraged her to achieve the most from her education. The general practitioner graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina and now practices in the Scottish village of Fochabers. “My father viewed education as a stepping stone,” said Crawford. “He really valued an education, because a lot of the people he grew up with didn’t have that opportunity,” she said.