Greenville: Then, Now, Next
Then
When Alice Dean Pugh ’60 entered the Woman’s College of Furman University 68 years ago, she had no clue about the long-lasting impact it would have on her life. The joys of her connection to Furman have endured, providing a strong foundation for her life’s journey. The in-town location of the campus allowed her to enjoy walks downtown for shopping and utilize a yellow school bus for transportation to classes and choir practice. Her senior year brought the need for a car to commute to her practice teaching at Greenville High School.
Meals at the Woman’s College were served family-style, with Sunday lunches consisting of seated meals and post-lunch coffee at the Chinese Parlor. Evenings were spent enjoying sack suppers in dorm rooms. Pugh auditioned for the Furman Singers, where she learned valuable secular and sacred music, supplementing her academic studies.
Now
Emme Edwards ’24 reflects on her experience coming to Furman University as a first-year student, highlighting the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, especially during a global pandemic. Despite the initial difficulties, Edwards found purpose in joining Paladin Peer Support, where she now serves as the president. The club focuses on providing support and resources for students struggling with various issues, emphasizing the importance of mental health and overall campus wellness.
Through collaborations with the Trone Center for Mental Fitness, Paladin Peer Support aims to create a positive campus environment through events like aroma therapy stands and peer walks around the lake. Edwards hopes to ensure that every student at Furman is aware of the mental health resources available to them, promoting a culture of support and well-being.
Next
Jason Cassidy, associate vice president for Student Life and dean of students at Furman, shares his unique experience attending the Army’s Cadet Command Leadership Symposium at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The symposium aims to strengthen partnerships between colleges and universities hosting ROTC programs and the Army, offering insights into the valuable leadership training provided to cadets.
Cassidy’s visit to Fort Knox provided him with a greater appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that Furman cadets experience during their training. He emphasizes the benefits of combining military service with college education, highlighting the pathway it provides for young people to earn a degree without financial debt.
