We're excited to connect with our alumni through our Darlington Connects series. Today, we hear from Langdon Cheves ('60, LD '12), a loyal Darlington Fund supporter and member of the J. Daniel Hanks Sr. ’27 Heritage Society.
Langdon Cheves ('60, LD '12) started his time by the Lakeside in September of 1957 as a boarding student from South Carolina after losing his father in a tragic car accident. As one of four children, he says Darlington let him mature and gave him the kind of discipline only a father can give. He lived in South Hall and Old Main, and participated in various activities offered on campus at the time. He jokingly commented, “I was a member of the Pep Committee. I joined it only to enhance my chance to get into Harvard … it didn’t.”
Lang said he met many great guys I would have never met had he not gone to Darlington, but his most significant connection was that to his wife of 54 years, Kay (Wyatt) Cheves ('63T). “I met her while at Darlington but you only dated girls two years younger then," he laughed. "I waited until she was at Converse College before we started dating since she is three years younger.”
After Darlington, Lang attended Emory University and Clemson University. He also spent time in the United States Army. Lang and Kay made Greenville, S.C., their home where he had a successful career for only one company.
“It started as Daniel Construction, was bought by Fluor Corporation and I retired early after 33 years.” Lang said of his career. “I have probably been in every major city in the United States but only to their airports. I then had to drive immediately to some remote construction site miles away. Outside the United States, I traveled to Puerto Rico and Ireland extensively. I felt like San Juan was my second home. Same with County Cork in Ireland.”
We loved connecting with Lang and hearing about his journey. He shared, “I give back to Darlington because I realize what it did for me. It matured me and taught me discipline. I was fortunate enough to be in the first Leadership Darlington class. It was a great experience. I encourage any graduate that has not been back on campus in the last ten years to apply for Leadership Darlington.”
Are you a member of the Darlington Community (or do you know one) with an interesting career or community involvement? We'd love to spotlight you in a future blog! Please email connect@darlingtonschool.org if you are interested in being featured.
