The original Springs Gymnasium

For a hundred years, Presbyterian College’s Springs Student Center has been more than just a building.

Originally constructed in 1924 as the Leroy Springs Gymnasium, the structure has grown, changed, and endured alongside the college itself. With its roots in philanthropy and a long history as a hub of student life, Springs has inspired generations of students, alumni, and staff with memories that range from heartfelt to humorous.

Col. Leroy Springs

The center owes its name to Col. Leroy Springs, a Lancaster, S.C., cotton manufacturer and close friend of Dr. Davison M. Douglas, the ninth president of Presbyterian College. Springs’ $100,000 donation—equivalent to $1.85 million today—funded the construction of the gymnasium, a state-of-the-art facility designed to elevate athletics on campus. In 1929, Springs’ generosity continued with the addition of a regulation-sized indoor swimming pool, which was hailed as one of the finest in the South and became a symbol of progress and opportunity.

Over the decades, the building has undergone multiple renovations, evolving into the modern Springs Student Center while preserving its legacy as the heartbeat of campus life. In 2008, Springs went through an extensive overhaul, including the closure of its historic indoor pool in favor of a modern fitness center and the addition of more meal options for students. More than a decade later, Springs was renovated once more when PC moved the fitness center to the second floor, moved several Student Life offices and the mailroom to a newly-renovated Laurens Hall, and opened the Great Room on the main floor where the pool and fitness center once were.

Early Days and Evolving Traditions

Clinton Mayor Randy Randall ’75, who served as the college’s director of student activities and later as director of alumni relations, recalls the early days when Springs was the only athletic building on campus. As a basketball player, he spent countless afternoons there, meeting teammates and cooling off in the pool after practice.

“Back then, the pool didn’t always have a lifeguard, but we figured it out,” he said. Randall also remembers taking classes in Springs and the occasional prank-filled moments, like dropping popcorn from the balcony onto rival fans during basketball games.

Randall’s relationship with Springs deepened when he returned to Presbyterian College as the director of student activities.

“It was wild being back on campus and seeing Springs in a whole new light,” he said. “I ran intramurals, checked out equipment, and organized swim meets in the pool. At times, it felt like I was managing the heart of the campus.”

He also remembers the colorful moments, like watching classmates dive into the pool from the second floor or refereeing intense intramural competitions.

“Through all its facelifts, Springs has always been the center of fun and fellowship,” Randall said.

The indoor pool in Springs was once a bustling and popular place to hang out and relax at Presbyterian College.

A Place for Connections and Challenges

For many, Springs was a place to make connections and tackle new challenges. Dr. Alicia Askew ‘92, now PC’s dean of academic programs, remembers ROTC labs that tested her mettle.

“We had to swim across the pool in BDUs and boots while carrying a rifle over our heads,” she said. “I wasn’t entirely successful, but I managed not to drown.”

She also fondly recalls the “MTV room,” where students would unwind on Fridays to watch music videos after classes, and the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches that were legendary among her peers.

The pool also played a key role in Lynn Downie’s time at PC. A member of the Class of 1985 and currently the associate director of career and professional development at her alma mater, Downie recalled midnight study break swims during December exams.

“I remember walking back to Belk Hall with my hair frozen into icicles,” she said. ROTC also brought her to the pool for water survival training, where she learned to use her uniform as a flotation device. “It was a bit scary, but we managed to survive.”

Moments of Nostalgia and Humor

Springs has always been a space for creating unforgettable memories, even humorous ones. Some alumni recall sneaking into the pool at night by accessing the roof near the old smokestack behind the original Bailey Memorial Stadium. There are recollections of Dr. Jim Wetzel, the Pulaski L. Bealy Smith Professor of Biology, teaching students to scuba dive in the pool before a Maymester trip to the Galapagos—or of former outdoor activities director Dave Beseuden giving kayaking lessons in the pool.

For the Rev. Dr. Buz Wilcoxon ’05, PC’s Lassiter Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Life, Springs set the stage for two fond memories that continue to influence his life.

“I remember when the Student Volunteer Services office for student workers was in Springs and we would be working into the wee hours of the morning before Special Olympics to prepare all of the details for the event,” he said. “It was some of the most tired and inspired that I felt as a student.”

Wilcoxon also learned to tie a bowtie in Springs.

“During freshmen orientation in 2001, (former English professor) Dr. Dean Thompson and (former) President John Griffith led an optional bowtie tying clinic in one of the workout rooms that had mirrors on the wall,” Wilcoxon said. “Dr. Griffith brought a bunch of his old ties for us to practice on, and after the clinic he let each of us keep the one we used. I still wear that tie every year during the Christmas season.”

For Jeff Smith ’92, the college’s alumni engagement coordinator, Springs was a place for both personal growth and camaraderie. He recalls working summer camps for former head basketball coach Gregg Nibert, refereeing basketball games, and enjoying intramural sports. He also shared how students would gather around the mailboxes, celebrating graduate school acceptances. “It was exciting to see those milestones happen with everyone around,” Smith said.

Springs Student Center continues to be a hub of activity for Presbyterian College students.

Generational Memories

For many alumni, their time at Springs is tied to family connections. PC’s Cornelson Family Director of Church Relations, Perrin Tribble Andersen ‘11, shared a memory of walking through Springs with her father, David Tribble ’77, who demonstrated that his old student mailbox still opened. “I was so impressed that the lock combination never changed,” she said.

Others, like Dr. Suzie Smith ’82, the Robert Vance Professor of Economics and Business Administration, had early memories of the pool. “As a child, I was shocked to find that the shallow end was four feet deep—it was clearly designed for adults,” she said. Despite the challenge, it became her “happy place” in the summers.

Stacy Dyer ’96, the director of enrollment marketing at his alma mater, remembers going to Springs daily with his twin brother Tracy, also a PC alumnus.

“My biggest memory of Springs when I was a student was that the student mailboxes were in there,” he said. “They were small rectangular boxes like post office boxes, and mine was on the bottom. They’re not there now, of course, and I’ve seen Springs change a lot over the years. One thing that’s stayed the same is that it still has the same energy it’s always had. Thirty years later it’s refreshing to see PC students enjoying their time together in Springs like they always have.”

PC’s marketing manager, MK Kelly ‘21, recalled attending basketball camp at Springs as a child and later participating in sorority recruitment in the gym.

“I also remember going into Springs during Orientation and one of the things we had to do to earn points or whatever the challenge was, was to sing the fight song,” she said. “Growing up in a PC family and regularly attending games, of course I was the one who knew it and had to sing it in front of a lot of people.”

Springs, Kelly added, remains “the ultimate place to relax, sit back and enjoy good fellowship and food.”

Enduring Spirit

Through renovations, including a major overhaul in 2008 that converted the dormant pool into a fitness center, Springs has retained its role as the hub of campus life. Today, it houses dining facilities, meeting spaces, and the iconic Great Room, which remains a favorite gathering spot.

“The spirit of Springs has always been about bringing people together,” said Jeff Smith. “It’s a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the PC community thrives.”

As Presbyterian College continues to grow, Springs Student Center stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Col. Leroy Springs and the shared experiences of generations who have passed through its doors.