Southminster Kicks Off Inaugural 8 Over 80 Celebration
Some of Charlotte’s longest living and most accomplished citizens never retired from finding purpose in life.
A group of eight were honored at the inaugural “8 Over 80” Lifetime of Purpose Awards, celebrated at Quail Hollow Club and presented by Southminster.
The event honored remarkable individuals who’s lives have inspired and uplifted the community. A collection of who’s who of Charlotte’s business and civic community gathered at the club for a lunch and ceremony, held on Veterans Day.
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All photos provided by Grant Baldwin Photography
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On November 11, 2025, Southminster—a life-plan community in South Charlotte— launched what they hope will become an annual recognition of individuals 80+ in Charlotte-Mecklenburg who are demonstrating and helping define what a life of purpose looks like at age 80 and beyond.
“We created 8 Over 80 to honor the powerful example these older adults set for our entire community,” said Southminster’s vice president of philanthropy and strategic initiatives, Tracy McGinnis “and to celebrate the ways they continue to lead, contribute, and inspire.”
The inaugural class of 8 Over 80 honorees were:
THE HONOREES:
Mary Lou Babb, who co-founded Women’s Impact Fund with Claire Tate to create a new model of collective giving in Charlotte. Since its founding more than 20 years ago, Women’s Impact Fund has granted more than $8.5 million, with more than 500 women joining the cause for collective giving. Through her personal civic engagement, Babb has chaired the Mint Museum, the YWCA and the Arts & Science Council.
Dr. John T. Crawford established the Greater Steps Scholars program, and since the early 1980s has awarded $4.4 million in scholarships to over 1,000 deserving individuals living in Charlotte’s public housing. Crawford recognized the power of education to help to break the
cycle of poverty.
Dr. Boyd H. Davis was awarded the Bonnie E. Cone Distinguished Professorship for Teaching at UNC Charlotte. She has devoted her career to improving communication for individuals living with dementia and other cognitive impairments. Her work has shaped how caregivers understand and communicate with older adults, and people with dementia.
Harvey B. Gantt served two terms as Charlotte’s mayor and it’s first African-
American mayor. Gantt broke barriers to establish Charlotte as a New South City. As an architect, Gantt co-founded Gantt Huberman Architects, a firm known for designing buildings that encourage community. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture opened in uptown in 2009.
Hugh McColl Jr. is one of the most influential figures in American banking. He transformed NCNB into a global financial powerhouse that created Bank of America
MARY LOU BABB
HUGH MCCOLL JR.
DR. JOHN T. CRAWFORD
CAROLINE
DR. BOYD H. DAVIS
SALLY ROBINSON
HARVEY B. GANTT
CHARLES SQUIRES
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Mayor Vi Lyles, 8Over80 Honoree Caroline Love Myers
Larry Dagenhart, Gail Salmon, Dick Brigden
in 1998, headquartered in Charlotte. McColl has been a tireless advocate for Charlotte’s growth and espoused the belief that business has a moral obligation to build community. He helped establish the McColl Center for Art + Innovation and played a role in the creation of the Levine Center for the Arts.
Caroline Love Myers helped launch in 1974 what would become Crisis Assistance Ministry, which became a lifeline for households providing emergency rent and utility assistance, clothing, furniture and supportive services. She retired from leading Crisis Assistance Ministry in 2000, but continues to be an advocate for lowincome families in Mecklenburg County.
Sally Robinson’s life is defined by civic leadership, philanthropy and hands-on service. She helped found the Levine Museum of the New South. Her work on boards includes the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and its foundation, Duke University, Foundation for the Carolinas, the Charlotte Nature Museum, and the Arts & Science Council.
Charles Squires is a consummate civic volunteer, giving his time to the AARP Tax-Aide Program, Roof Above, and the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Squires built a career in accounting in New York and later founded a sales and marketing company recognized nationally in the early 1990s for its national impact promoting Black literature and culture.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a world-renowned neuroscientist, bestselling author, and professor of neuroscience at New York University, delivered the keynote speech focusing on the impact that physical exercise has on brain health.
Sponsors of the event include Presenting Sponsor LeadingAge NC Foundation, and Legacy Sponsors Culinesse, and National Mechanical. A portion of ticket sales benefitted Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte, an organization that is the sole provider in Mecklenburg County of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, helping older adults navigate Medicare.
Honorees were presented with handcrafted curly maple and walnut wood plates made by Southminster residents and artisans Bill Godley and Bob Buric.
Dr. Wendy Suzuki
Ben Gilchrist
Jenni Gaisbauer, Teleia White, Dena Diorio, Stick Williams
Linda Lockman-Brooks, Michael Graff