ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – For more than four decades, Gay Randolph ’72, ’77, made sure students in Winthrop University’s College of Business and Technology had the support they needed throughout their higher education pursuits.
Now, a space in the building where she spent so many years giving back to others will bear her name. Thanks to a generous gift from Randolph’s husband, Winthrop Professor Emeritus of Business Law Bob Breakfield, the Student Services Suite on Thurmond Building’s first floor will now be known as the Gay Randolph Student Services Suite.
Breakfield teamed up with President Edward Serna ’02, Dean P.N. Saksena and the Division of University Advancement staff to surprise Randolph with the naming news on March 4, which also happened to be Randolph’s birthday. Family and Winthrop friends were waiting to surprise Randolph with the news in her namesake suite.
Randolph, visibly moved, thanked everyone for their support. She said she had enjoyed her time at Winthrop and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Serna expressed his appreciation to Randolph for her dedication to her students and her alma mater. “Gay, you truly have meant so much to Winthrop. A two-time alumna, you built a career here and poured your energy and time into our students and this campus. Your student-centered focus helped shape the lives and careers of thousands of Winthrop students, and we appreciate and thank you for all that you have done. We are so happy to present you with your very own named space in this building where you spent countless hours.”
Randolph retired in 2021 with 43 years of service. Her roles during that tenure included instructor, assistant professor, assistant director of the former Institute of Management and assistant director of student services.
Retired Business Dean Roger Weikle concluded the surprise gathering by sharing with everyone that he always appreciated Randolph’s “unflappable nature” and “overwhelming support” in every endeavor, from changes in course requirements and schedules to bringing in international students. Whenever a cool head was needed in a meeting, he said, Randolph was always the person to call.
For more information, please contact Ashley Blanchard, associate vice president for university advancement, at blancharda@winthrop.edu.
