Welcome to the Storage Scholars Spotlight series! Every week, we highlight a different school in our network of college storage locations. This week, we're talking about Wofford College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Read on to learn more about this historic institution and why it's the perfect place for your summer storage needs! 

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About Wofford College

Wofford College, a private liberal arts college located in the foothills of Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a small-town school with a big educational impact. With an undergraduate population of just over 1,800 students and 170 beautiful acres (within walking distance to downtown Spartanburg!), Wofford has a student-friendly feel you can't find everywhere. With nearly 30 majors and dozens of minors and concentrations, Wofford has something to suit everyone's educational preferences and career aspirations, leading most students toward graduate and professional studies. Wofford College allows students to create their own individualized college experience and grow into their best selves.

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What Wofford College is Best Known For

Wofford College and its longstanding history are well known throughout the southeast. First and foremost, it's known for its rigorous academics, often referred to as the "Harvard of the South," students are goal-oriented and focused on their studies above all else. 

Also known for its beautiful campus, Wofford College has been landscaped, designed, and selected as a national arboretum. Between 1992 and 2002, over 4500 trees were planted. In addition to its picturesque surroundings, Wofford is recognized for its popular Study Abroad Programs. With 200 programs across 59 countries, Wofford students can immerse themselves in other cultures and gain a global perspective on their education. 

Another unique aspect of Wofford is its Interim program. Instead of the traditional January term, Wofford has two four-month semesters separated by an Interim in which students participate in faculty-proposed campus projects that go outside their majors. These projects range from participation in theater to pottery, knitting, and short story writing. This approach to education allows Wofford students to explore their interests and passions while gaining a well-rounded education.

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History of Wofford College 

Wofford College, founded in 1854, boasts a long and rich history, having been established less than a decade before the outbreak of the American Civil War. It is one of the few four-year institutions in the region that was founded before the war and still operates in the exact location today. Reverend Benjamin Wofford, an active member of the Methodist church, founded the college. Upon his death in 1850, he left a bequest of $100,000 to establish a higher learning institution inspired by his first wife, Anna Todd, while his second wife, Maria Barron, was named co-founder. The college was controlled and managed by the Methodist Church and quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence. Graduates of Wofford College were expected to epitomize southern manhood and become future leaders of the region.

In 1941, the college was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest academic honor society. This was the first chapter at a private college in South Carolina.

Over the years, Wofford has adapted and learned from its past to become a diverse and accepting institution with the same high standards for academics that it had when it first began. The campus has undergone new leadership (11 presidents through the years) and massive renovation projects to improve the experience for students and faculty. The latest renovations unveiled original brickwork built by enslaved men, now a memorial for the men who built the college. The addition of the arboretum in 2002 demonstrated Wofford's commitment to the campus environment and sustainability, along with over 50 policy changes to make the campus greener.

In 2021, Jerry Richardson, a Wofford alum, gave Wofford $150 million, the largest in the college's history. The gift is designated for the endowment, focusing on need-based scholarships and experiences for Wofford students. Currently, 95% of first-year college students are awarded scholarships, ranking the institution in the top 20th percentile in the country. Wofford College remains committed to academic excellence and providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

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Famous Alumni

Wofford College boasts many notable alumni across various fields. Olin D. Johnston, a graduate of the class of 1918, went on to become the 98th governor of South Carolina and later represented the state in the United States Senate. Craig Melvin, who graduated from Wofford in 2001, is now an accomplished broadcast journalist and anchor at NBC News and MSNBC. Donald Fowler, who earned a degree in political science from Wofford in 1959, has had a distinguished career as a political professor and served as National Chair of the Democratic National Committee. William McGirt, a member of the class of 2001, is a professional golfer who has had success on the PGA Tour. Finally, Chris Robinson, who attended Wofford in the 1980s, is a musician and founder of the famous rock band Black Crowes. These Wofford College alumni have made significant contributions in their respective fields and are excellent examples of the institution's commitment to producing well-rounded, successful graduates.

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Life On Campus

Life on the Wofford College campus is vibrant and exciting, with many opportunities for students to engage in academic, athletic, and social activities. The college boasts an impressive 93% of students living on campus, creating a tight-knit community where students can form lifelong friendships. Seniors are privileged to live in a unique village apartment-style community recognized for its innovative design. Athletics are a big part of campus life, with 20 NCAA Division I teams and the beloved Terrier mascot cheering them on. The Greek life scene is also thriving, with 12 fraternities and sororities offering opportunities for social engagement and leadership development. The college has over 100 organizations and clubs, ranging from academic and professional organizations to cultural and special interest groups.

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Life Off Campus

Wofford College is located in Spartanburg, a city in northern South Carolina. Step off campus, and you will see the deep-rooted early history around Spartanburg while also experiencing its rich cultural diversity! While it may be small in its size, it's big on Southern hospitality and has plenty to offer visitors. 

If you venture off campus for the day, you'll have your pick of exciting adventures. One of our must-see locations is Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, which features koi ponds, paths, and butterflies. Its stunning scenery is the perfect escape and break from college life. 

Downtown Spartanburg is another must-see, offering everything from museums and restaurants to galleries and performance venues. Take a stroll through Morgan Square, the heart of downtown Spartanburg. You'll find plenty of history, locals, and things to do.

If local art is your thing, visit West Main Artists Co-op. This Baptist Church turned 20,000 square foot studio is home to over 40 local artists. It is open to the public to view and purchase local art and, at times, is the location for artistic performances, workshops, and programs. 

Finally, history buffs will want to visit the Walnut Grove Plantation, a beautifully preserved 18th-century plantation that offers guided tours and living history demonstrations. Whether you're looking for shopping, nature, or history, Spartanburg has something for everyone.

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Favorite Traditions

Wofford College has a rich history and many traditions that students and alums hold dear. Graduates of Wofford can tell you all about the deeply rooted "Wofford Connection," which refers to the strong network of alumni dedicated to supporting and connecting with current students. This community is evident during events such as Family Weekend in October, where students and their families come together to participate in fun Wofford activities. Homecoming is another highly anticipated event where students and alums unite to celebrate their love for Wofford College. The weekend is packed with exciting events, including the highly anticipated Terriers game. These traditions serve as a testament to the lasting impact of the Wofford experience and the strong bonds formed between students and alums.

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Storage Scholars and Wofford College 

Wofford College has been a partner with Storage Scholars since its early days. It is one of the schools with which Storage Scholars has key access to provide top-notch service to its customers. This means they've teamed up with Wofford's Residence Life and can access the dorms before students move in at the start of school and after they move out at the end of the year. Talented Campus Co-Founders run the campus for a more tailored and personalized experience. 

     Over the summer of 2022, Storage Scholars rolled out its brand new "Ship to School" Program, and Wofford College was one of six campuses able to test it out. Students received shipping boxes and supplies at their homes, filled them with their belongings, and shipped them to the Storage Scholars warehouse (located near campus), where they stayed until a week before college move-in. At that time, the Co-Founders and their team used their key access to drop off those boxes before students arrived on campus. In addition to shipping boxes from their home, Students could order items from online retailers and have those dropped off. Students and parents raved about the convenience of the program and the efficiency with which it was executed. Kudos to all the student movers for launching a successful Ship-To-School program. To learn more about Storage Scholars and secure your spot for an upcoming campus move, visit www.StorageScholars.com.

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Sources: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wofford_College#

https://www.wofford.edu/

https://www.wofford.edu/about/fast-facts/wofford-history/

https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/wofford-college/paying-for-college/financial-aid/#:~:text=95.0%25%20of%20freshmen%20(441%20total,aid%2C%20averaging%20%245%2C274%20a%20person.

https://vacationidea.com/south-carolina/best-things-to-do-in-spartanburg-sc.html

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