CSU students past and present discuss the campus’ visual centerpiece
By Ed Brooks, COMM 225
The Reflection Pond may seem like a decoration on the campus Charleston Southern University, but the origins of the body of water are wrapped in the purpose of the institution.
According the 1966 edition of the school’s first yearbook, the “Cutlass,” the Reflection Pond was included in the original architect’s rendering as the focal point of the campus. Additionally, in her book, “Ebenezer Stones – A Firm Foundation: A History of the Baptist College at Charleston 1955-1988,” Margaret T. Gilmore wrote of the Reflection Pond, “The name transpired to become exquisitely fitting, mirroring the sky, and finally a spire for them to appreciate, as they walked or sat beside it – reflecting and dreaming.”
Over time, a number of traditions grew and developed involving the pond. Eric Bone, a 1982 graduate, said he remembers throwing people in the pond for their birthdays. That same year, the Shoney’s Big Boy ended up in the pond, as noted in the “Cutlass.” The traditions were not limited to students as two of the three school’s presidents, Dr. John A. Hamrick and Dr. Jairy Hunter, spent time in the pond. Between the years 1979 and 1982, according to 1982 graduate Allison Kellum, the former Alpha Rho Omega sorority would hold an annual football game in the pond.
Associate Dean of Whitfield Center for Christian Leadership and Campus Ministries, Pastor Jon Davis, who was also an assistant football coach at CSU beginning in 1991, said upper class players would toss freshmen members of the team into the pond, but, within a few years, that tradition came to an end.
As more and more wildlife arrived in the form of cranes, heron, geese and ducks, the tradition of throwing people into the pond slowly declined. Davis suggested that the water tests were conducted by members of the biology department in the mid-1990s and traces of E-coli were found.
Dr. Peter Jenkins, professor of biology and geology and the director of Master of Science in biology program, said he could not confirm the actual dates of the tests, but acknowledged that they had occurred over the past eight years.
“E-coli has been identified in the pond water and mud. Actually, (it) is a very normal occurrence considering that wildlife is present,” he explained.
Davis said he believes that the pond is a respite for the students and that more importance should be place on the spirituality of the pond, adding that he would like to see it represent Jesus as the “Living Water,” a reference to John 4.
“It needs to have some color, a fountain and God’s promises around the pond,” he said.
Davis said any enhancements would have to be initiated through the Student Government Association.
Many current students said they see the pond as a place to reflect, relax and socialize.
“It is very peaceful and gives me a place to think and clear my mind,” said Kelley Keller.
“The peacefulness helps calm my anxiety,” added Ellison Gilliard.
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