Thank you!
As we come off of three successful Commencement ceremonies last week, I wanted to take a few moments to say thank you for all that we have accomplished together this academic year. I am grateful for each and every one of you. From the hard work of our students, faculty and staff to the loyalty and support of our alumni and donors, we have much to celebrate. I’d like to share a few items with you below:
Strategic Plan Town Hall
I’m pleased to share that we have scheduled an informational town hall that will focus on our new strategic plan, Winthrop: United in Excellence. Mark your calendars for Thursday, Sept. 5, at common time for the launch and expect to hear more about the plan, the work this summer on divisional objectives, and more. Watch for details closer to the date.
Sports Accomplishments
This past weekend, our very own Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and League of Legends esports teams won national championships at the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup (CECC) and the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) competitions in Arlington, Texas. Winthrop also received the CECC School of the Year Award and computer science major Bharat Chintipall earned the MVP Award for his stellar play in the SSBU competition. Congratulations to Head Coach Josh Sides and the esports team for this incredible showing. Later this week, May 9-11, our softball team will be hosting the Big South Softball Tournament at Terry Field. Check out the schedule and support the Eagles on Thursday at 1 p.m. vs. Longwood! Finally, next week, our men’s golf team will participate in the program’s first NCAA Regionals after winning the Big South Golf Championship last month. The team will head to Southern California to play May 13-15. Congratulations to Head Coach Kevin Pendley ’98 and the entire team! Go Eagles!
Summer Schedule Underway
As we all transition to summer hours this week (M-TH 8-5:30 and F 8-11:30), I want to make you aware of an option for weeklong casual dress, or what I am personally going to observe as Garnet & Gold Summer, that will be in effect through Aug. 9. This approach is basically the option of Monday-Friday wearing casual shirts and shoes, jeans and other casual pants (including work-appropriate shorts and capris), summer dresses/skirts, etc. Winthrop T-shirts and other gear is acceptable and encouraged. You can find apparel in the Winthrop Bookstore or online at shopwinthropeagles.com and shopwinthropgear.merchorders.com. If you prefer to continue with your normal attire, that is perfectly fine.
Orientation Sessions
Thanks to our Student Affairs and Admissions staff and others all across campus who are getting ready to welcome our newest class of Eagles and get them ready for the Winthrop experience this fall! We are thankful for every student who has chosen to sign up for Orientation, and I know you will make them feel at home and part of the family while they are here. Sessions will be held June 11-12, June 17-18, June 20-21 and Aug. 8 (transfer). If you see these new students and their families on campus, please give them a warm Winthrop welcome.
Day of Dedications
Please save the afternoon of Thursday, June 27, to your calendar as we plan to dedicate both the new fountain and the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at the Stewart House on that day. The fountain dedication will take place at 2 p.m. We’ll have a short program in Tillman Auditorium before heading out to the fountain for a champagne toast. Then, we’ll head over to the Stewart House for a 3:30 ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially dedicate the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center’s new location. More information will be forthcoming on both of these events, but we’re very grateful to our generous fountain donors and Betty Morgan Holcombe ’56 for making these projects a reality.
Facilities News
James and our facilities staff will be very busy this summer knocking out projects and getting the campus ready for students in August. Projects include Wi-Fi upgrades in the Conservatory of Music, Byrnes, Johnson, Dacus and McLaurin; classroom enhancements and AV upgrades; residence hall refreshes of furniture and paint; roof replacements for Joynes, Lee Wicker and the Stewart House; and much more. While summer might be a bit slower for some areas, our facilities crews are ramping it up even more than usual due to specific time constraints to get most of these projects done while most of our students are off campus. Thanks again to our facilities staff for all that they do, especially during the hot summer months. We appreciate you.
There are exciting things happening, and in the midst of all of it, I hope you’re able to use this time to recharge. Thank you for all you do for Winthrop!
Sincerely,
Edward
Edward Serna
President
