September 5, 2024
The demolition of Wofford and Richardson Hall, beginning this August, has prompted former residents and alumni to reflect on their experience living the “high-rise life.”
The demolition of Wofford and Richardson Hall, the former high-rise residence halls lining Cherry Road, began on Aug. 12, welcoming students back to campus with hazy skies and the sound of crumbling cinder blocks.
The buildings were both built in 1967, with Wofford Hall designated for women students and Richardson Hall for men. Richardson later became a co-ed hall. The buildings “remain among the tallest buildings in Rock Hill” according to Winthrop’s Alumni Association.
While many current students have never lived in the two dorms (their final year in use was 2021), Winthrop alumni have expressed their feelings of nostalgia for the buildings over social media, with some even returning to campus to pick up bricks from their former home as a memento.
The university has also begun selling “High-Rise Life” t-shirts to memorialize the buildings. The shirts are $20 and will continue to be sold until Oct. 18.
A few former residents spoke to The Johnsonian about their experience in the high-rise buildings and how the demolition has made them look back on their college years.
Candace Pixley, who graduated from Winthrop in 2007, reminisced “I spent many nights in that stairwell. Writing in my journal, reading, crying. So many memories of meeting some of the coolest young women ever.”
Beyanca Vinson, class of 2011, felt similarly “Oh my gosh I have so many memories about Wofford. The crying sessions, parties, study meetups and meeting my best friends for life are what I cherish most from my time there.”
Vinson knew Wofford Hall well, as she was an RA in the building for two years. She describes fulfilling this role as a “really cool experience.” Continuing, “I’m sad to see it torn down, but I know it was much needed.”
Alumni Jody Gaulin, class of 1979, lived in the Wofford Hall soon after its inception in 1967. She recalls, “I had many great memories while staying in Wofford, but there is one I’ll never forget. We had a fire drill while I was on the top floor, and it was just utter pandemonium. I still take a flashlight when traveling and staying in high rise buildings.”
While Wofford and Richarson will likely be reduced to rubble by the end of this year, according to Winthrop’s Instagram post, the lessons learned and friendships forged within their walls live on.
