Claflin University will award an honorary doctorate to businesswoman and philanthropist Ms. Anita G. Zucker at its 2021 Spring Commencement Convocation on Saturday, April 24, at 11:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place on the Claflin campus in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex.
Zucker is the chair and chief executive officer of The InterTech Group, Inc. (TIG), a privately held company founded by Zucker and her former husband, Jerry Zucker (OBM). One of the largest private companies in the USA, TIG and its affiliates operate in a diverse array of industries, from aerospace and specialty chemicals to real estate and entertainment. In addition to its wholly owned entities, TIG and its affiliates are substantial investors in many public companies and retain a diverse portfolio of equity, debt, and real estate holdings.
Zucker earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of Florida and a Master of Education in educational administration and supervision from the University of North Florida. She taught elementary school for more than 10 years before beginning her work at TIG. Zucker holds honorary doctorate degrees from the Medical University of South Carolina, Clemson University, The Citadel, College of Charleston, University of South Carolina, Johnson and Wales University, and Yeshiva University.
A daughter of holocaust survivors, Zucker is passionately committed to Tikkun Olam (Hebrew: repair of the world). She has been and continues to be a leader for numerous organizations. Currently, Zucker serves on the Board of Trustees at the University of Florida. She serves as vice-chair of the University of Florida Foundation and is past chair of the capital campaign for the University of Florida Foundations’ Executive Board. Zucker’s work at UF assisted in the launch of Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative (TCCC), an organization she founded and currently chairs. TCCC is a commitment to align community leadership and resources in an effort to ensure all children are successfully meeting important milestones from birth to career launch. She also currently serves on the President’s Initiatives Committee of Clemson University.
Zucker is a founder and past co-chair of Tiffany Circle - Charleston, a national women's society established by the American Red Cross, and serves on the Chairman’s Council for the American Red Cross. Zucker was appointed to the Trident Technical College Area Commission and serves as a trustee. She is a past president of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and The Coastal Community Foundation boards where she continues to serve. Zucker is a former chair of the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation Board, Hollings Cancer Center Citizens Advisory Committee, and currently chairs MUSC Neurosciences Advisory Board.
Ms. Zucker served as chairperson of the Board of Governors of the School of Business at the College of Charleston. Zucker is past president of the Charleston Jewish Federation and a member of the Committee for the Holocaust Memorial at Marion Square in Charleston, S.C. Zucker served as a member of the Trident Public Education Foundation, SC Business Education Partnership Committee for Excellence in Education, and as a past member and former chair of the SC Network of Business Partners for Education.
She is a recipient of the 2019 James L. Fisher Distinguished Service Award, 2019 Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Award, and 2018 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. She received the “Order of the Palmetto,” presented by Governor David Beasley for her dedication to education. She is a recipient of the Malcolm D. Haven Award from The Community Foundation for her contributions to the Tri-county community and Charleston Jewish Federation's inaugural “Light Unto the Nations” Award honoring both Mr. and Ms. Zucker. She has the distinction of being one of the South Carolina Ambassadors for Economic Development for Charleston County, presented by Governor Sanford and recipient of the Champions for Education Award, renamed The Zucker Champions for Education Award. Zucker received the Distinguished Alumnus Award and the President’s Award from the University of Florida and Wilkins Award for Excellence in Civic Leadership.