The Citadel unveils portrait dedicated to Charleston’s longest-serving mayor

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A portrait of Charleston’s longest-serving mayor will soon hang in The Citadel’s main library.

Joseph P. Riley, Jr. was on hand for the unveiling this week. The portrait is part of the college’s ‘Distinguished Alumni’ gallery and is meant to honor his service to Charleston and The Citadel.

Riley, affectionately known as America’s Mayor, graduated from the college in 1964 and later from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1967. A year later, he began serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives until being elected Charleston mayor in 1975.

He began teaching at The Citadel after serving ten terms – the longest in Charleston’s history (1975-2016) – and is a professor of American Government and Public Policy.

The portrait will be on display in the Daniel Library.

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