Seven Coastal Carolina University benefactors have been inducted into the university's Atheneum Society, which recognizes individuals who have donated at least $1 million to the institution. Mark and Will Adkins; the late Maj. Gen. James F. Hackler Jr.; Keith and Dixie Hinson; and Wendell and Lucille Hinson were formally inducted into the Atheneum Society at a donors reception in May 2008.

Charlotte businessmen and twin brothers Mark and Will Adkins are the university's largest alumni benefactors, having pledged $1.8 million toward the proposed athletic field house. Originally from Huntington, W.Va., the Adkins brothers own a land development business, Waterfront Group Inc., based in Cornelius, N.C. The brothers, who both majored in business administration, graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 1989.

Hackler, who passed away in November 2007, was a pioneer in the area's golf course industry. He earned a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and attended the NATO Defense College and U.S. National War College. He served as a fighter pilot in World War II and was the first Operational Group Commander of the newly formed 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in 1955. He served as commissioner of the Horry County Airport Commission, chair of the Jetport Terminal Building Planning Committee, and was a member of the Board of Visitors of the University's E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration. His military decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross.

Keith Hinson is president of Waccamaw Land and Timber Company. He and his wife Dixie L. Woodward Hinson are both alumni of Coastal Carolina University. Hinson has been involved in the governance of the university for many years, serving on the board of directors of the Coastal Educational Foundation and the board of visitors of the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration. The Hinsons have been generous contributors to the university, particularly to athletics and the Wall College of Business. The tradition of philanthropy in the Hinson family began with Keith's parents, Wendell and Lucille Hinson, who have been significant Coastal Carolina University benefactors.