Roland Peppard served as South Carolina President from 1989–1990 and later served on the National Board of Directors. But his greatest contribution to SCDMA went far beyond the titles he held. Roland was passionate about SCDMA and, more importantly, passionate about its members.

He had a special way of making everyone feel that they mattered. At meetings and events, Roland would seek out members who might be standing off to the side or sitting quietly in a corner. He would introduce himself, start a conversation, and make them feel like an important part of the organization. Many members who eventually stepped into leadership roles did so because Roland encouraged them to get involved.

In fact, it was nearly impossible to say no to Roland.

Roland also believed strongly that SCDMA members needed to experience the larger profession by attending National meetings. He wanted members to see what was happening beyond South Carolina, meet others in the profession, and understand the opportunities available to them through their association.

To make that possible, Roland would load up his old station wagon with SCDMA members and drive them to National meetings. To keep the trip affordable, four, five, or even six members might share a room. Roland often went a step further and paid expenses out of his own pocket when necessary to make sure members could participate.

That was Roland. He didn't simply talk about building the organization—he invested his time, his energy, his resources, and himself in its members.

Following his death, SCDMA members voted to name what would become the organization's highest honor in his memory. The award was established to recognize a member who demonstrates the same passion, dedication, service, and commitment to the organization that Roland Peppard embodied throughout his life.

Roland's legacy lives on not only through the honor that bears his name, but through the many people he encouraged to become involved, serve in leadership, and give back to their profession.

Roland believed in SCDMA—and he believed in its people.

This prestigious award is not given annually - it is awarded when a member shows that they possess the spirit of Roland and have contributed immensely to the organization. The board member with the most tenure and the sitting president choose the recipient and seek board approval for the award.