Lander University students only need to take a short walk to enjoy a “resort-like” experience away from the rigors of academic life.
On Tuesday, Lander President Richard Cosentino joined University leaders and students for a ribbon-cutting ceremony signaling the completion of a new pool and pavilion designed to give students a place to spend time with friends and relieve the stress of their studies.
Cosentino, who often seeks input from students about their campus experiences, said, “I listen to the students, and I talk to them all the time. One day, they said, ‘We want a pool.’“
The request posed a challenge because the previous outdoor pool, which had been part of the Sproles Recreation Center complex since its construction in 1952, already occupied the space where a new pool could be built.
Over the next several years, Cosentino said University officials and staff began working to make the students’ request a reality. The Sproles building and pool were demolished for construction of a new pool, which made its debut this past February during a “Polar Plunge” ceremony.
The pool then opened to students in the spring and closed over the summer for construction of the pavilion and the addition of landscaping.
“This was a major undertaking to build this beautiful pool,” Cosentino said.
The completion of the project involved a collaboration with the state, the University facilities’ team, and Aramark as part of a capital investment into Lander, said Joe Greenthal, vice president for Finance and Administration.
“President Cosentino had a vision of a resort-like pool that would draw in students and give them a ‘wow’ factor to enjoy throughout their time at the university,” Greenthal said. “The result is a beautiful facility that will serve the Lander community for many years to come.”
Jasmine King, of Lexington, said she saw the pool being built when she took a campus tour. “I love the design, and the fountains that are coming up from the pool,” she said. “I went swimming the first day it was open, and the scenery is beautiful.”
Among the pool and pavilion features:
Aramark’s Matt Lugo, director, Southeast Region, Collegiate Hospitality, said, “We are thrilled to be a part of the University’s vision at the outdoor recreation pool area. Food, fellowship and fun are inevitable around a pool setting, only highlighted by the beautiful sunshine we are afforded in South Carolina.”
Lugo called the pavilion “the ultimate flex space,” offering the potential for outdoor programming from the Bearcat Hospitality team, a venue for future catering and open access for informal student gatherings.
E.J. Buckson, of Gaffney, a sophomore majoring in marketing, said, “I’ve been to the pool quite a few times since it opened. It adds a lot to my enjoyment of Lander. Classes can be overwhelming, but I can come to the pool, get a tan, swim and relax. That helps.”
For nursing major Brianna Robinson, a junior from Blackville, “It’s a great way to stay active. It may have taken a while to build, but it was worth it.”
Cosentino said the pool is dedicated to Lander’s students, and he praised the University’s Board of Trustees, facilities’ staff, Aramark and Greenthal as “true champions” for making the Lander resort possible.
A framed citation, presented by S.C. Representative John McCravy, of Greenwood, praised the University for its “highest academic standards while offering their student body a unique and enriching campus experience and lifestyle.”
The motion from the House of Representatives noted that the pavilion and pool will provide “many years of enjoyment in this newest addition to their campus.”