News Summary
Coastal Carolina University marked its 70th anniversary with a grand celebration attended by students, alumni, and faculty. The festive event included food, speeches by university leaders, and culminated in a homecoming football game. Additionally, CCU is investing in its future with substantial funding for programs and infrastructure improvements, showcasing a commitment to community and educational excellence.
Coastal Carolina University Throws a Big 70th Birthday Bash!
Conway, SC – This past Friday was a day to remember as Coastal Carolina University celebrated its big 7-0! The festive atmosphere was electric, with students, faculty, and the community gathering for a campus party to mark this incredible milestone in CCU’s rich history.
Fun, Food, and Festivities
The celebration was anything but low-key. Attendees enjoyed delicious food and friendly banter, while CCU President Michael T. Benson shared his thoughts on the university’s journey since its founding back in 1954. Photos from the day flooded social media, capturing the joy and camaraderie among attendees.
This delightful event wrapped up a week-long series of celebrations known as Founder’s Week. Earlier in the week, the university held events like U.S. Constitution Day and a grand Founders Day Convocation. It was a fitting buildup to such a momentous occasion.
A Homecoming to Remember
As if that wasn’t enough, the celebrations continued! On Saturday, the week culminated in a thrilling home football game against Virginia at Brooks Stadium. Fans were excited, sporting their teal colors right along with CCU pride.
This year also marked the debut of “Teal Nation Tuesday,” an awesome initiative encouraging everyone to wear teal in support of the university. Local businesses happily joined in the fun by offering special discounts to teal-clad customers. What a great way to bring the community together!
Community Spirit Shines Bright
As the town buzzed with excitement, CCU’s associate vice president for marketing, Ashley Holloway, remarked on the immense community support during the homecoming season. Downtown areas were adorned with CCU flags, and even local firetrucks joined the teal trend, showing just how much the town cherishes its university.
On Tuesday night, two exciting events titled Teal Nation were held in Myrtle Beach: a happy hour at Grand Strand Brewing and “Nights at Nance” at Nance Plaza. The vibe was lively as CCU students, alumni, and locals connected and celebrated.
Innovating for the Future
Amid the festivities, CCU is also keeping its eyes on the future. The university announced plans to invest an impressive $860,000 in its biomedical and kinesiology programs. This investment includes $220,000 from CCU itself, with the remainder coming from a state grant. The funds will improve research equipment, provide consulting services, and facilitate workshops that benefit the wider community.
In addition, CCU is addressing the high demand for healthcare professions by introducing a doctorate-level physical therapy program, set to begin in 2028, contingent on necessary approvals. It’s an exciting development for students aiming for careers in the growing healthcare sector.
Enhancements on the Horizon
On the infrastructure front, CCU has plans to enhance Springs Brooks Stadium and Kearns Hall. Improvements will include better drainage for the stadium and additional classroom space for students. It’s clear that the university is dedicated to maintaining its facilities for a better learning experience.
A significant project on the agenda is a pedestrian walkway over Highway 544. This initiative is supported by $10 million in federal and state funding, alongside $5 million from a countywide penny sales tax. The need for a safe crossing became evident after a tragic incident involving a student in 2016, highlighting the urgency of this project.
Celebrating 70 Years and Looking Ahead
Seventy years is a big deal, and Coastal Carolina University embraced the moment with enthusiasm and a strong sense of community. From campus festivities to ongoing investments in educational and infrastructure improvements, CCU is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for its students and supporters alike. Here’s to another exciting 70 years!
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Coastal Carolina University Celebrates 70th Anniversary
- WBTW News: Coastal Carolina University Using $860K to Support Biomedical Kinesiology Programs
- My Horry News: Atlantic Beach Celebrates 90 Years at Community Gathering
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Carolina University
- Google News: Coastal Carolina University
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
