The Alumni Distinguished Service Award recognizes Winthrop alumni who significantly
contribute to the quality of life in their community, the development of values and
morals within others and who serve as outstanding citizens. The late Arnetta Gladden
Mackey '67 is one of four alumnae who are the 2017 recipients of this award.
The Rock Hill resident was one of the first two African-American undergraduate students
to enroll at Winthrop. She came to the campus as a 17-year-old graduate of Emmett
Scott High School. Mackey finished her B.A. in biology in December 1967 and while
a student, roomed with Delores Johnson Hurt '68, also one of the first African-American
undergraduate students to enroll at Winthrop.
After graduation, Mackey gave 30 years of service and retired as a plant manager at
Hoescht Celanese, also known as Celanese Corporation, a Fortune 500 global technology
and specialty materials company.
Active in the York County community, Mackey was a member of the Holy Jerusalem Deliverance
Center. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Children's Attention Home and
Senior Citizens Tax Service, and was a former board member of the Museum of York County.
She passed away in 2009 and his honored with this award posthumously in celebration
of her accomplishments.