Coastal Carolina University celebrated its 71st birthday with free cupcakes, shirts, prizes and games. Students and faculty alike lined up for their free T-shirts and stayed for the festivities.
The celebration took place at Travis E. Overton Park on Tuesday where Student Body President Lyndsey Gilbert and Executive Vice President Christopher Kokoski hosted and shared opening remarks at the event. Gilbert and Kokoski shared the history of CCU’s beginnings and other fun facts.
“Right here in Conway, South Carolina, on humid July day. A group of determined citizens met in Horry County Memorial Library to discuss something equally bold; creating a college for our community,” said Kokoski.
“Just a few months later on Sept. 20, 1954, What once seemed impossible became a reality when Coastal Carolina Junior College opened its doors as a branch of the College of Charleston with just 53 students,” said Gilbert.
With this being his first year at CCU, President James Winebrake made remarks on how important this celebration was.
“I will say, today is more than just a birthday. To me, it’s really a reflection of our university’s history. It’s celebrating our progress and it’s looking boldly at the future.” Winebrake said. “We’ve not only grown in size, but in reputation, in spirit, in our program’s strength and as a family.”
Freshman marine science major Alejandro Guiterrez-Deloya came out to the event and was most excited for the food trucks. With it being his first year here, he explained how CCU has helped him find friends.
“I’m finding more people in the more clubs that I join. And I feel like I can kind of be myself around them,” said Guiterrez-Deloya.
CCU has brought students together through celebration and communities.
Freshman marine science major, Cassie Fogle saw the Instagram post for the event and thought it sounded pretty cool. She also wanted to grab a free T-shirt. Fogle loves the vibrant spirit of CCU and the beauty of its campus. “I love how like into the school spirit everyone is,” Fogle said.
