Russ Pace
Provided
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 Darby:
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.