A Trip down Memory Lane – Winthrop University – Rock Hill Photographer

This past weekend, a friend and I decided to take a trip down memory lane & do something we hadn’t done in at least 10 years – stroll the campus of our Alma mater on a Saturday afternoon and grab a bite to eat at our favorite local restaurant.  We couldn’t have picked a better day – about 72 degrees, Carolina blue skies, and the campus was buzzing with activity.  Winthrop has done so much over the last 5 years to add a sense of community to the campus.  The buildings have at least doubled since we were there, and the “WU” banners really make you feel like you’re in an exciting place.

I’ll confess – I didn’t want to go to Winthrop.  My heart belonged to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, since my junior year of high school.  I LOVE college football, and when I was in high school, Heath Shuler was the quarterback for UT.  I was going to move to Knoxville, major in advertising, marry Heath (who didn’t know I existed) and play trumpet in the band.  (I’ve covered the whole “I’m a dork” thing in previous posts).  But alas, a Pastor’s salary doesn’t quite cut it for out-of-state tuition so I “settled” for an in-state school 2 hours from home.  Just for the record though, I’ve had the pleasure of working with one of Heath’s relatives, and he was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, so I’m sure Heath was the same around campus. 

It took me about 1 week to fall in love with Winthrop and college life.  I love going to classes, buying books, studying, writing papers, working on projects (see dork reference above).  I would’ve been a professional student if financial resources were unlimited.  I just loved it that much.  Not only did I fall in love with Winthrop, I fell in love with Charlotte and decided to call it home permanently.

So much has changed on the Winthrop campus in the last 10 years it’s hard to believe it’s the same place.  New buildings going up on every corner, more planned for the future, and I just couldn’t get over the amazing sense of team spirit the campus fosters.  (I was there pre-the first NCAA appearance, and about 100 students went to each home game).  Walking around campus on Saturday, it felt like I was part of something bigger than just a college degree, and I’m so proud to call it my Alma mater.  Go Eagles!!