United Way of the Lowcountry Honors Mary Stuart Alderman with Peter Post Service Star Award

United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) proudly honored Mary Stuart Alderman with the 2025 Peter Post Service Star Award at its Annual Meeting, recognizing her extraordinary commitment to service and leadership throughout the Lowcountry.

The Peter Post Service Star Award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies selfless service, humility, and lasting impact — qualities that have defined Alderman’s decades of community involvement.

“Her service work in our community is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dale Douthat, UWLC President and CEO. “She’s not only deeply involved in a wide range of organizations, activities, and causes — she doesn’t shy away from the heavy lifting. She is, quite simply, the kind of leader every community needs — one who leads by example, not by title.”

Established in 2020, the award is named in honor of Peter Post, a longtime UWLC volunteer and Dataw Island resident who relocated to the Northeast to be closer to family. Each recipient receives a symbolic tribute: a star named in their honor, located in the constellation of their birth month — a shining symbol of their contributions to the community.

Alderman, who lives on Hilton Head Island, was nominated for the Service Star Award by The Deep Well Project.  She now joins a distinguished group of past community honorees including Charlie Francis, Katie Phifer, Renarta Thompson, and Lisa Wilt.

“Mary Stuart is the very definition of a servant leader — someone whose faith, family, and community drive everything she does,” Douthat added.

Alderman’s extensive record of volunteer service reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to the Lowcountry community. She served on the board of The Deep Well Project for six years, including two and a half years as chair, and currently leads the organization’s donor database team while continuing to volunteer at events. As a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island, she has chaired multiple service committees and was honored as Rotarian of the Year. Through United Way of the Lowcountry, she serves as a Read Indeed tutor and is a long-time campaign volunteer and letter signer. Alderman is also an active member and past chair of the Women in Philanthropy Grants Committee and previously chaired the board of the Junior League of the South Carolina Lowcountry Sustainers. At First Presbyterian Church, she serves both as a Deacon and an Elder. Beyond her organizational roles, Alderman is a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental sustainability, further exemplifying her unwavering dedication to making a meaningful difference.

About United Way of the Lowcountry
United Way of the Lowcountry is committed to empowering individuals and families in Beaufort and Jasper counties to achieve self-sufficiency and build a brighter future. By investing in vital services that address immediate needs and fostering education and economic mobility, we ensure donor support makes a lasting, sustainable impact.

Together, we can foster self-sufficiency, uplift lives, and build a stronger Lowcountry.