Black Excellence Alumni Network

Welcome to the Black Excellence Alumni Network!

The Black Excellence Alumni Network (BEAN) is dedicated to fostering a supportive community for Porter-Gaud School's Black alumni. We aim to connect alumni across generations, provide mentorship opportunities, and build upon the legacy of Black excellence at Porter-Gaud. All are welcome!

Established in 2025, BEAN strengthens connections and builds community by:

Facilitating alumni engagement through social media and other communications channels.
Organizing community service projects and initiatives that benefit local Black communities in the surrounding Charleston area.
Offering workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities to help alumni advance their careers.
Sharing news, updates, and success stories.

For more information or to sign up to receive email updates, please contact Michael Abro, Director of Alumni Relations, at mabro@portergaud.edu.

FEATURED ALUMNI

We will be releasing several profiles of alumni over the next few months. These profiles include information about each person as well as a podcast-style video interview. Please check back frequently as we release new content.

James McKim '79
James McKim '79 Technology Leader Read Full Bio View the Podcast James McKim is a trailblazer whose journey through education, technology, and service has made a lasting impact. A 1979 graduate of Porter-Gaud, he was among the first African American students during a pivotal time in Charleston. From fifth grade, James embraced school life. He participated in musicals, sang in school groups, and competed on the basketball and track teams. He also discovered a passion for technology at Porter-Gaud, which led him to Dartmouth College, where he earned degrees in computer science and philosophy. He built his career with leading technology companies including Digital Equipment Corporation and Hewlett-Packard. An active member of the Episcopal Church, James transformed the Diocesan Anti-Racism Committee and served nine years as chair of the National Executive Council Committee on Anti-Racism and Reconciliation, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and promoting excellence beyond racial boundaries. Dive deeper into James McKim’s story and watch his full video podcast.
Samantha German '10
Samantha German '10 Broadcast Journalist Read Full Bio View the Full Podcast Samantha German’s path from Porter-Gaud to a successful career in broadcast journalism reflects the lasting impact of a strong educational foundation. As a student from first through 12th grade, she was shaped by inspiring teachers, meaningful extracurricular experiences, and an early love of storytelling that took root in the classroom. One of the most influential teachers during her time at Porter-Gaud was Mr. Jabari Spruill ’96, her sixth-grade social studies teacher and the only Black teacher she had until college. His presence highlighted the importance of representation in education and left a lasting impression on Samantha. Porter-Gaud’s rigorous academics gave Samantha the confidence to thrive at the University of Georgia, where she majored in digital and broadcast journalism. After reporting in cities across the Southeast, Samantha returned home to Charleston in 2025 to become an evening anchor at Live 5 News. She remains passionate about creating positive and impactful stories, including Black history pieces. We invite you to hear more of Samantha’s journey in our alumni podcast series.
Jabari Spruill '96
Jabari Spruill '96 Independent School Administrator Read Full Bio Listen to Podcast Jabari Spruill’s academic and professional journey is a testament to the strong foundation provided by Porter-Gaud's academic excellence, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and supportive teachers. His experiences as the only Black student in his class, coupled with the mentorship and representation he received, have empowered him to champion belonging initiatives in his professional life. Throughout his career, Jabari has been committed to helping others feel accepted, loved, and respected, drawing on his own experiences to support and mentor students. Jabari's journey is also marked by personal resilience and a deep connection to his family. He speaks fondly of his mother, Ida Lakisha Johnson Spruill, who was a significant influence in his life and career. Her legacy continues to inspire Jabari in his work and personal life. Additionally, Jabari's son is following in his footsteps, attending an independent school and experiencing a similar educational environment. We invite you to listen to our first podcast, where Jabari talks about his years at PG, his career in education, and what excites him most about the Black Excellence Alumni Network.

James McKim '79

OptimizedImage,,,Optimized James McKim '79
Technology Leader

Read Full Bio

View the Podcast

James McKim is a trailblazer whose journey through education, technology, and service has made a lasting impact. A 1979 graduate of Porter-Gaud, he was among the first African American students during a pivotal time in Charleston. From fifth grade, James embraced school life. He participated in musicals, sang in school groups, and competed on the basketball and track teams.

He also discovered a passion for technology at Porter-Gaud, which led him to Dartmouth College, where he earned degrees in computer science and philosophy. He built his career with leading technology companies including Digital Equipment Corporation and Hewlett-Packard.

An active member of the Episcopal Church, James transformed the Diocesan Anti-Racism Committee and served nine years as chair of the National Executive Council Committee on Anti-Racism and Reconciliation, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and promoting excellence beyond racial boundaries.

Dive deeper into James McKim’s story and watch his full video podcast.

Samantha German '10

OriginalImage,,,Original Samantha German '10
Broadcast Journalist

Read Full Bio

View the Full Podcast

Samantha German’s path from Porter-Gaud to a successful career in broadcast journalism reflects the lasting impact of a strong educational foundation. As a student from first through 12th grade, she was shaped by inspiring teachers, meaningful extracurricular experiences, and an early love of storytelling that took root in the classroom.

One of the most influential teachers during her time at Porter-Gaud was Mr. Jabari Spruill ’96, her sixth-grade social studies teacher and the only Black teacher she had until college. His presence highlighted the importance of representation in education and left a lasting impression on Samantha.

Porter-Gaud’s rigorous academics gave Samantha the confidence to thrive at the University of Georgia, where she majored in digital and broadcast journalism. After reporting in cities across the Southeast, Samantha returned home to Charleston in 2025 to become an evening anchor at Live 5 News. She remains passionate about creating positive and impactful stories, including Black history pieces.

We invite you to hear more of Samantha’s journey in our alumni podcast series.

Jabari Spruill '96

Jabari Spruill '96
Independent School Administrator
Read Full Bio

Listen to Podcast

Jabari Spruill’s academic and professional journey is a testament to the strong foundation provided by Porter-Gaud's academic excellence, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and supportive teachers. His experiences as the only Black student in his class, coupled with the mentorship and representation he received, have empowered him to champion belonging initiatives in his professional life. Throughout his career, Jabari has been committed to helping others feel accepted, loved, and respected, drawing on his own experiences to support and mentor students.

Jabari's journey is also marked by personal resilience and a deep connection to his family. He speaks fondly of his mother, Ida Lakisha Johnson Spruill, who was a significant influence in his life and career. Her legacy continues to inspire Jabari in his work and personal life. Additionally, Jabari's son is following in his footsteps, attending an independent school and experiencing a similar educational environment.

We invite you to listen to our first podcast, where Jabari talks about his years at PG, his career in education, and what excites him most about the Black Excellence Alumni Network.