Hipps’ Legacy Gift to Help Future Students Experience Being Part of the PC Family

Irby S. Hipp III and Fran Starr Hipp share a connection to Presbyterian College that is deeply rooted in family, tradition, and a lifelong sense of belonging. For Irby, that connection began long before he ever stepped foot on campus as a student.

“My Dad attended PC after World War II. My uncle played football at PC before serving in Europe,” Irby recalls. “I attended my first PC football game in 1959.” Some of his earliest memories include sitting in his grandfather’s front yard listening to family and friends share stories about Presbyterian College and its traditions. “I knew at a very early age that PC was in my future,” he says.

When he arrived on campus, that sense of familiarity quickly turned into something even more meaningful. Irby majored in history while actively participating in campus life. “I pledged Pi Kappa Phi and was a member of The Highlander Battalion in advanced ROTC,” he shares. He also found joy in unexpected places, including his job as a cook at Douglas House after getting married—which allowed him to stay connected to the campus community in a unique way.

Reflecting on his time at PC, Irby points to the people and relationships as what made the experience so special. “After a week or two on campus, a senior would speak and call you by name. Not many schools can offer this experience,” he says. That immediate sense of belonging left a lasting impression and set the tone for his lifelong connection to the College.

Among his most meaningful memories are the faculty members who shaped his experience. “Dr. Tom Stallworth is certainly my greatest memory,” Irby shares. “He was always there for every student that needed guidance, but, more important, you knew he was your friend.” He also reflects fondly on educators like Dr. Charles Coker and Dr. Skinner, who brought both excellence and energy to the classroom.

That sense of care and connection extended beyond academics. “From administration to professors to classmates, I quickly realized I had left my birth family to enter a lifelong family,” Irby says. It is this idea of the “PC family” that continues to define both his and Fran’s relationship with the College.

Fran’s connection to Presbyterian College grew over time. “When we were able to come back to campus regularly, she fell in love with the PC family,” Irby shares. Her recognition as an Honorary Alumna in 2024 became, in his words, “the greatest honor and memory of her life.” Together, their shared love for PC has shaped their decision to give back.

“This is easy,” Irby says of their legacy gift. “PC has almost always been a big part of my life. We simply want to do whatever we can to make sure this institution continues to provide the opportunity for future students to enjoy what I was able to experience.”

Their gift supports The Scotsman Club, reflecting their belief in the importance of athletics within the College community. “Athletics is obviously important to PC because student-athletes represent a large portion of our student body,” Irby explains. He notes that student-athletes play a vital role in raising awareness of the College and strengthening its ability to attract future students. “We simply want more young men and women to have the opportunity to experience being a part of the PC family. It truly can be life changing.”

For the Hipps, giving back is both an act of gratitude and a continuation of their commitment. “PC gave me more than I can ever give back,” Irby says.

“Sometimes paying back is the same as paying forward.”

Looking ahead, their hope is simple but meaningful. “We hope that they can enjoy their experience as much as I did and their life will be better because they attended PC,” he shares.

At the heart of Irby’s story is the lasting influence of one individual. “Dr. Tom Stallworth—he knew when to pat you on the back, when to kick you in the behind, and, most important, when to just listen,” he says. “If you needed him to be, he was your dad away from home.”

For Irby and Fran Hipp, Presbyterian College is more than a place or an institution. It is a growing community. “From my freshman year to today, I have gained family members every year,” Irby says. “PC is not just a great educational experience; it is a life experience that cannot be matched at most schools.” 

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