ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – The Herbert and Anna Lutz Foundation recently donated $25,000 to Winthrop University for its fountain restoration project.
The fountain, a beloved campus landmark located in front of Tillman Hall, has been out of commission for a few years and needs replacement. A study commissioned by an anonymous donor in 2020 determined a new fountain design, which is anticipated at around $500,000.
Winthrop applied for the Lutz Foundation grant, which was one of 21 grants awarded by the organization in 2021.
The Lutz Foundation, based in Chester, South Carolina, was established in 1995 after the couple’s death. Herbert and Anna Lutz enjoyed living in Chester, attending church and belonging to various community organizations. The foundation provides grants to local community needs that focus on education, health and welfare.
Winthrop Interim President George Hynd said the university is very appreciative of the Lutz Foundation grant. “The fountain has stood resilient for more than a century as tens of thousands of alumni, their children and grandchildren have admired its beauty,” Hynd said. “Restoring the fountain and its surrounding area is an important initiative which will ensure that Winthrop students of today and future alumni will have the same opportunities to create lasting memories. We are very grateful for this grant that will help us reach our goal of bringing this area of campus back to life.”
The restoration project calls for the existing fountain to be removed and replaced with one of a similar size. The area around the fountain will be enhanced with brick and concrete paved surfaces and seating. Accessibility at the site also will be improved.
The current fountain was constructed between 1918-19 and is the second one at this location, according to the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections. It has been the backdrop for several Winthrop traditions over the years, including the Daisy Chain and the Annual Tree Lighting.
To date, more than $240,000 has been raised for the restoration project. The final design work is underway with an anticipated completion in late 2023. Check out the restoration project website.
For more information on the fountain restoration project or to make a gift to the project, contact Lori Tuttle, executive director of the alumni relations and reunion giving, at tuttlel@winthrop.edu.
