Jan Wise, an alumni who attended Winthrop from 1973 to 1977, spent her time being active in various areas of campus and making memories with her friends, partially while Winthrop was still an all-women’s institution and called Winthrop College.
“My freshman year, 1973 to 1974, was the last year before Winthrop College officially became co-ed, so I experienced the all women tradition for a year,” Wise said. “There previously had been male students allowed to attend as day students, so the following year when WC established a dormitory to house men on campus, there was a smooth transition from being a historic women’s college of higher education to becoming a co-ed SC State institution. Men were welcomed for the most part, but the times and unique experience began a radical transformation from old traditions to a new era of student life on campus.”
As a freshman, Wise lived in Roddey Hall and remembers being involved in “Rat Week.”
“’Rat Week”, for the majority of incoming freshmen who chose to participate, was a week-long initiation process that had been a practiced tradition at WC for decades prior to my understanding” Wise said. “Freshmen were referred to as rats and were required to wear our rat caps, a little red and yellow beanie, on our heads for the first official week as students.”
During this time, freshmen were expected to cater to the upperclassmen by carrying books and lunch trays, along with reciting the school alma mater and reciting dormitory rules. After the week was over, they participated in a “ritual of passage” in Byrnes Auditorium.
In addition to the tradition of “Rat Week” Wise remembers the first eagle mascot being elected.
“The first WC mascot was elected by the student body to be called the Winthrop College Eagles within a couple of years; and thus, overshadowed the previous practice of the ‘Mighty’ and ‘Glory’ classes tradition” Wise said. “I remember WC ‘s first mens organized basketball team, the founding of fraternities, and a gradual increase in male enrollment. Winthrop College had turned a chapter in its traditional history and moved toward a more modern and inclusive student culture.”
During her time at Winthrop College, Wise remembers ice skating on the frozen water in the fountain in front of Tillman Hall.
Wise spent her sophomore year at Winthrop College as the assistant athletic trainer for the field hockey team coached by Maeberta Bobb.
“I attended all practices, home games on ‘Peabody Field,’ and all away games,” Wise said. “The team traveled in an old red, long school bus! Some of our opponents included: Lander, Converse, Limestone, Elon, UNC-Greensboro, and Appalachian State! I was relieved of my responsibilities as the Manager/Trainer of the team the following year due to my poor performance and behavior.”
While a student, Wise was involved in student publications. She was a sports reporter for The Johnsonian, had poetry published in an edition of The Anthology and was the copy editor for The Tatler.
“I covered basketball, volleyball, tennis and field hockey news,” Wise said. “This was before WC had any organized sports teams for men. I would travel to away games with the teams often. I especially enjoyed the statistical interpretation and my description of players’ performances in the articles I wrote. We were not paid for our work with The Johnsonian.”
During her time at Winthrop College, Wise had her poetry published in The Anthology. The titles of her work were “Gun-Shy Hunter,” “The Player,” “Wild Stream” and “Cold Stone Monument.”
As copy editor of The Tatler, Wise had the opportunity to write every sentence in the annual that year.
“I remember after I turned in my final draft of the copy to the advisor, the chairman of the English department; he said to me ‘Miss Wise, the content of the copy is excellent but how the hell did you manage getting into Winthrop not knowing how to spell?’ Wise said. “I knew how to spell correctly. It was just that my thoughts came faster than my ability to follow spelling rules as I wrote words.”
In addition to student publications, Wise was on the judicial board for student government and was a Resident Assistant (R.A.) in Phelps Hall and Richardson Hall.
“Being an R.A. gave me my first experience with skills in counseling and supervision that were utilized later throughout my professional career,” Wise said. “I know I could have been a better role model as an R.A., but I cannot change the past.”
When thinking about current students and the advice she would give, Wise suggests that students should take their education seriously.
“My advice to students at WU now is to cherish and take seriously this educational opportunity before you,” Wise said. “Set goals, have a purpose in mind, attend all of your classes, study hard, and grow into responsible young adults!”
When thinking about the faculty who impacted her time at Winthrop College, Wise is especially thankful for Jane Rankin and Maeberta Bobb.
“I especially want to thank Dr. Jane Rankin, a psychologist with student mental health services, who helped me through emotional lows and highs; and was the first professional who recognized my need for treatment for my Bipolar disorder,” Wise said. “Also, Dr. Maeberta Bobb, I thank you for being honest with me concerning my behavior and giving me a “wake-up call” when she relieved me of my duties with the Winthrop Field Hockey Team. Her no-nonsense approach with me helped me begin to turn my life around. I sincerely hope she would be proud of the adult and professional I became.”
Now, Wise is a retired educator and behavioral counselor.
“I was employed by the SC Department of Juvenile Justice, the SC Department of Mental Health, Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, SC Lexington II School District, and, lastly, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands,” Wise said.
Although Wise did not cross the stage to receive her diploma with her class in 1977, she is still considered an alumnus because of the duration of years at Winthrop College and the 100 credit hours attained. In 1987, Wise received her Bachelor of Arts in experimental psychology with a minor in philosophy from the University of South Carolina. She now has over 30 credit hours toward a MA in both Religious Studies and Counselor Education.
Wise regularly anticipates and enjoys the Winthrop Alumni quarterly newsletter. She attended the twenty-five-year reunion for the class of 1977 and plans to attend the 50th reunion in 2027.
“My time at WC was spent living life to the fullest, though reckless at times,” Wise said. “The experience was a highlight of my life at the time! I will always remember the friends and professors of the physical education department and psychology department.”
Photo creds- Jan Wise
