Final exams are around the corner and a lot has happened at Winthrop University this semester. It’s easy to forget the numerous cultural events, sporting events and programs with exams and projects going on. Here’s a look back at some of the interesting and surprising moments of this semester at Winthrop.
High Point: The way to the White House through Winthrop
Photo: Kevin Seabrook/ The Johnsonian
The 2020 presidential election is fast approaching and Winthrop was caught in a political fever among Democratic hopefuls. Among the presidential candidates, Marianne Williamson, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders visited Winthrop and nearby Clinton College to hold rallies and encourage students to get involved in the election. Expect to see more political events to come to Winthrop, as issues such as climate change, student loans and Medicare remain hot button issues this election cycle.
Low Point: Alessia Cara canceled concert 
From the start of the semester, some students were excited to hear that Grammy award-winning singer Alessia Cara would be performing at the Winthrop Coliseum. Unfortunately, the concert was canceled two days before the scheduled date, with rumors beforehand floating around. Due to the overpriced tickets and not enough excitement compared to other events, it’s fair to see how the cancellation became a historic meme to Winthrop students. At least the students that bought tickets got a refund, we need all the money we can get.
High Point: Winthrop opens up during Hurricane Dorian
Photo: Mason Foster/ The Johnsonian
When Hurricane Dorian was set to hit South Carolina, Winthrop opened its doors and invited students from the College of Charleston to take refuge for the week. For Winthrop students, we got to see some new faces around the university and make them feel at home by allowing them to participate in events like Open Mic Night. Truly one student’s campus is another student’s resort.
Low Point: The water pipe breaks
In the middle of midterm exams, a sudden water pipe burst on Cherry Road caused a brief crisis for Rock Hill and Winthrop. Classes were canceled, buildings were shut down and Winthrop was left high and dry as toilets and showers were left without water. Many students left campus for an early fall break, while those left behind made do with porta-potties and stocking up on water bottles. On the bright side, we got some pretty good memes for our extended fall break.
High Point: Sustainability and Sodexo Give Back
Photo: Tate Walden/ The Johnsonian
One of the biggest changes of the year was the return of a long-requested item in Winthrop Dining: to-go boxes for Thomson Dining Hall. These to-go boxes not only were brought back for students but were designed to be reusable every day with a one-time fee throughout the semester. Another new development for our dining is the introduction of more vegan options such as the Impossible Burger and healthier options in Thomson, gaining them an A+ rating from PETA. Sodexo has been holding panels open to students to help them improve more this year, and student feedback has been positive so far.
To students, good luck to you during finals and continue to work hard at Winthrop. To faculty members, keep up the care and support you give to us students and helping us create stellar work. And to fellow graduates this December: We’ve made it at Winthrop, so we can make it out in the real world. Have a great Thanksgiving, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Winthrop Ever Stand!
