On Saturday, June 25, Presbyterian College will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening its new Bethel hydrotherapy facility as an addition to the college’s Kemper D. Lake sports medicine center.

“The gift Justin provided is an absolute game-changer for us,” said Brian Reese, director of athletics. “We will now have one of the finest sports medicine facilities in the Big South. Justin’s gift will have a substantial sports performance impact for all of our student-athletes in all of our sports. The entire athletic department is extremely grateful for his generosity.”

Once completed, the hydrotherapy facility will impact all current and future student-athletes at PC. It will feature two state-of-the-art Cryotherm hydrotherapy tanks, which will speed up recovery and enhance performance. The additional space will allow PC’s staff of athletic trainers and team physicians to continue their sports medicine services in a more efficient and functional facility.

Also included in the renovation was a contribution from the William T. Johnson estate. Thanks to Johnson’s generous lifetime gift, the functional rehabilitation portion of the Lake sports medicine center will bear a plaque in him and his wife Louise.

“This is an exciting day for Presbyterian College athletics,” said Nelson Jones, associate athletic director of sports medicine at the college. “As a sports medicine staff, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Justin and his family, as well as the William T. Johnson estate, for making this project possible.”

The hydrotherapy facility is named for Justin Bethel, a 2012 PC graduate and cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals. Bethel has completed four seasons in the National Football League and has been elected to play in the Pro Bowl for three consecutive years.

“This facility will be a huge benefit to all of our student-athletes,” said Harold Nichols, head football coach. “This generous gift will impact all of our athletes, improving performance, injury rehabilitation, and recovery.”

Bethel is the ninth player ever drafted to the NFL out of PC and the first since Dan Eckstein in 1969 by the Green Bay Packers.

“I know Justin and his family understand the commitment it takes to be the very best on the field and in the classroom,” Nichols added. “This gift shows his appreciation for his experience here at PC and all the people that helped him get to where he is today. Justin has a huge heart and is very humble, qualities that help him to this day.”

“We thank Justin and his family, and we are very proud of him,” Nichols said.

Presbyterian College is located on a striking 240-acre campus in Clinton, between Columbia and Greenville, S.C. Offering challenging academics and a culture of honor, ethics, and service that prepares students to be leaders in communities, PC offers its students the benefit of engaging with an exceptional faculty who take individual interest in their students’ well-being, both personally and in the classroom. The Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy opened in 2010, and is dedicated to the ideals of leadership, honor to the profession, and service to the community. For more information about Presbyterian College, visit www.presby.edu.