James Rigney
Class of 1974
Hometown: Charleston, SC
- Rigney's fantasy novel series Wheel of Time made him an internationally famous author under the pen name Robert Jordan. His books have been translated into 20 different languages, and over 90 million copies have been sold worldwide. Rigney was inducted into the SC Academy of Authors in 2008.
- Rigney enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War and served two tours as a helicopter door gunner. His military honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and two Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses.
- Rigney enrolled at The Citadel as a veteran student, graduating in 1974 with a degree in physics. He worked for the US Navy as a civil service nuclear engineer, before discovering his talent as a writer of fiction.