NEWS

Newberry College hosted the dedication ceremony for Pearson Hall, the College’s newly constructed residence hall, on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 10:30 a.m. The building is named in honor of the late Wayne Pearson, a 1971 Newberry College alumnus, and his wife, Patricia.

“Wayne would be extremely humbled by this honor, but I know he would be grinning from ear to ear,” said his wife, Patricia. “He always felt that Newberry College gave him the opportunity to be successful. We both want the students to take advantage of the opportunities at Newberry College and enjoy this new residence hall. If the students get going, then the world will open up for them with education.”

Pearson gave generously of his time and treasure to his alma mater throughout his lifetime. He served as an elected member of the Newberry College Board of Trustees for 15 years and was honored as a trustee emeritus at the completion of his final term.

“Wayne kept the best interests of Newberry College close to his heart, even when he was not actively serving the College in an official capacity,” said former Board of Trustees chairman Hap Pearce. “He served tirelessly and with humility, neither expecting nor desiring special credit for his efforts on behalf of the College. It was my pleasure to serve on the Board of Trustees with Wayne. I respected his business savvy and relied upon his good judgement and sound advice.”

Pearson was as a member and president of the Newberry College Alumni Board of Managers. He also was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Order and was inducted into the Kappa Alpha Court of Honor in recognition of his long-time support of that fraternity.

Pearson and his family also have generously supported Newberry College throughout the years with leadership gifts to capital projects, academic and athletic programs and scholarships.

“Wayne was a cherished friend of the College for more than 30 years and a role model of servant leadership throughout his lifetime,” said Newberry College president Dr. Maurice Scherrens. “I am delighted we are able to commemorate Wayne and Patricia’s legacy in a way that is meaningful to the Pearson family.”

Construction on Pearson Hall was completed in July and the building was opened for student occupancy in August 2018. The residence hall is home to 82 students, including two resident assistants. It features suite-style, double-occupancy rooms in pods of four, six or eight people, with a shared kitchenette and living room. The building also features useful commona areas, including a fully equipped kitchen, television lounge, table seating and small group meeting spaces, along with lounge/study spaces in the second and third floor common areas.