A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERCHANGE IN AIKEN COUNTY LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 20 AND BETTIS ACADEMY ROAD "STATE REPRESENTATIVE IRENE KRUGMAN RUDNICK MEMORIAL INTERCHANGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.

Whereas, born in Columbia in 1929, and left this earthly life on February 2, 2019, the Honorable Irene Krugman Rudnick was the eldest child of Jean (Getter) and Jack Krugman. She quickly distinguished herself, graduating as valedictorian from Columbia High School. She continued her education at the University of South Carolina, where she graduated cum laude with her bachelor's degree. During her time in undergraduate school, she was very active. She participated in theatrical productions, was president of Alpha Kappa Gamma women's leadership society, Hypation Literary Society, and Pi Kappa Delta, as well as maintaining the positions of manager of the debate team, member of Alpha Psi Omega, and secretary of the International Relations Club to name a few; and

Whereas, after earning her bachelor's degree, she earned her juris doctorate at the South Carolina School of Law, where she was one of the few women attending. She continued to be very active through this time as well. She was a member of the Honor Council, chairwoman of the program committee of the law federation, and a member of the editorial staff of the South Carolina Law Quarterly; and

Whereas, upon graduation from law school, Irene opened her own practice, married the love of her life, Harold Alan Rudnick, and moved to Aiken. Their marriage was blessed with two beloved children, a son Morris and a daughter Helen. Her life was further blessed by her grandchildren Charles, Laura, Kathleen, Whitney, Jared, and Joshua; and her great grandchildren Michael, Ashley, and Winthrop; and

Whereas, Irene's tenacity and dedication to her community led her to become involved in a campaign to offer more educational opportunities for area youth. She helped organize fundraising receptions and letter writing campaigns, along with other efforts to increase awareness of the creation of the University of South Carolina Aiken. After she helped this become a reality, she began teaching there in 1961 and after fifty years, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education. Irene taught legal classes at USC Aiken for fifty-seven years, finally bringing her tenure to an end in December 2018; and

Whereas, Irene was known as a trailblazer for women who wished to enter into politics. She began her political career as Superintendent of Education for Aiken County, and in 1972, she was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives from District 81. In this capacity, she served for fourteen years. Irene was renowned for working tirelessly on behalf of her constituents, making herself available, accountable, and responsive to their needs. Her focus in public service was to be a true servant of the people. Irene tirelessly fought for education and legal reform, lower utility rates, the environment, and highway safety, in addition to numerous other issues; and

Whereas, due to her commitment to the community, Irene received numerous awards and accolades for her professional and philanthropic efforts. Some of these include being named Citizen of the Year for Aiken County and the Aiken County Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year, in addition to receiving the South Carolina Woman of Achievement Legislative award. Furthermore, she received awards for her legislation helping disabled veterans, the handicapped, and those with developmental disabilities; and

Whereas, passionate about her religion, she served as president of Adas Yeshurun Synagogue for decades in addition to serving as president of the Hadassah Sisterhood. Her service to her religion did not stop there. Never one for half measures, Irene also was known to sweep the synagogue steps, polish its silver, cook and clean for events, and host community and interfaith groups. She began teaching Sunday School as a teenager and continued until late in her life; and

Whereas, Irene was able to touch the lives of many South Carolinians through her infinite capacity to love, share, support, and exhibit unlimited acceptance and compassion. Irene, without a second thought, would place anyone else's needs above her own and valued beyond all things her close relationships with family and friends. Her trademark enthusiasm brought smiles and humor to many events and situations; and

Whereas, it would be fitting and proper to forever pay tribute to this distinguished daughter of the Palmetto State by naming a highway interchange in her honor. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation name the interchange in Aiken County located at the intersection of Interstate 20 and Edgefield Highway "State Representative Irene Krugman Rudnick Interchange" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing these words.

Be it further resolved that the copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

----XX---