Joseph P. Riley, Jr.
Class of 1964
Hometown: Charleston, SC
- Riley served as Mayor of Charleston, SC for 40 years, during which time he led the transformation of Charleston into a thriving city and top cultural destination for travelers from around the world. Riley earned national recognition as one of the country's most visionary and effective leaders. Newsweek Magazine described Riley's leadership of the City, as the "most efficient, effective, productive terms of any Mayor of a US city—ever."
- Prior to becoming Mayor of Charleston, Riley earned a law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1967, and served in the SC House of Representatives from 1968-1974. Named as "one of the 25 most dynamic Mayors in America," Riley successfully led Charleston through the turbulent 60's and 70's. During his administration the city developed one of the nations finest police and fire departments, a premier cultural arts community and one of the top community housing projects in the country. Riley initiated many successful projects within the City. His legacy project, one that he has described as his "most important work" as mayor, is the development of the International African American Museum in Charleston located on the former Gadsden's Wharf.
- Riley's accomplishments have been recognized and honored with numerous awards and positions of leadership in national organizations. He served as President of the US Conference of Mayors and on its Executive Committee (1986-1987); received the President's Award from the U. S. Conference of Mayors, for outstanding leadership (2000); the Nicholas Prize for Visionary Urban Development from the Urban Land Institute (2000); the Keystone Award, by the American Architectural Foundation (2002); and The National Medal of Arts from President of the United States, Barack Obama (2009.