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Author And Citadel Graduate Pat Conroy Sent Shannon Faulkner To College (VIDEO)

First Posted: 03/18/10 06:12 AM ET Updated: 05/25/11 03:50 PM ET

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Shannon Faulkner, the first woman to be admitted to the Citadel Military College, told Good Morning America today that her education was funded by author Pat Conroy, a graduate of the Citadel who stood behind her enormous push to be admitted to the school. In an email to GMA, Conroy said, "It was an honor for me to pay Shannon's college education."

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Shannon Faulkner, the first woman to be admitted to the Citadel Military College, told Good Morning America today that her education was funded by author Pat Conroy, a graduate of the Citadel who stoo...
Shannon Faulkner, the first woman to be admitted to the Citadel Military College, told Good Morning America today that her education was funded by author Pat Conroy, a graduate of the Citadel who stoo...
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Melangell
3 Fans
12:37 AM on 12/09/2009
I graduated from The Citadel in 1986. I remember when Shannon Faulkner was allowed to enter as a cadet. I was an Army Officer in Germany and was following the case closely. Her claim was that she wanted to be admitted and treated like any other cadet yet her lawyers demanded so much that she would never be treated such. She never stayed in the same barracks as the cadets, did not have to attend morning formations and could only be spoken to by five cadet officers. When I was a freshman, ANY upperclassman of rank could correct me when needed. Even with that, she fell out the very FIRST day and had to be admitted to the infirmary because she was so out of shape she could barely march across the parade ground. The Citadel had allowed her to attend day school for the prior year so she knew what would be required from a freshman cadet. I have no problem with females at The Citadel as long as they can pass the minimum requirements but she was an embarrassment to the court that cleared her way, The Citadel, and every woman who wants equality. She should just hang her head in the shame that she brought to herself and slink away hoping no one remembers her. Pat Conroy should be ashamed and leaving his ring to her will only bring disgrace to those of us who earned it honestly.
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LisainNYC
19 Fans
09:19 AM on 12/09/2009
She never stayed in the same barracks and was only allowed to be spoken to by specific people because of the many DEATH THREATS she received. She was harassed incessantly and people even threatened to kill her parents. What is embarrassing is not Shannon Faulkner, but the behavior of the cadets who harassed her and celebrated when she left.
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LMPE
I connect the most dissimilar things
1543 Fans
09:37 PM on 12/08/2009
Pat Conroy's novels "The Great Santini" and "The Prince of Tides" both portrayed an abusive father. It's amazing that Conroy made it out alive.
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jozie
Is war about who's right or who's left?
525 Fans
02:18 PM on 01/30/2010
South of Broad continues with quite a variety of screwed up parents, along with some very good ones. I highly recommend the book.
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BlueZoo
Independent voter, Independent thinker!
901 Fans
07:20 PM on 12/08/2009
Conroy's book are amazing and so is he! Bravo for such an unselfish gift!
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tlgeiger62
A woman of substance.
116 Fans
02:00 PM on 12/08/2009
Saw this story on Good Morning America this morning. Warmed my heart. I had wondered about Ms. Faulkner when President Obama spoke at West Point.

Mr. Conroy went on to say in his statement that he will be leaving his Citadel ring to Ms. Faulkner upon his death. Such a wonderful thing to be able to do for a person. If I were ever in such a position, I would hope I'd do it.
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