Summer 2003 - University of the Cumberlands

Campus Renovations
Recent Campus Additions are Dedicated
Cumberland College administration, faculty, trustees and
supporters gathered on Thursday, April 24 to dedicate
recent additions to the campus.
Beginning on the lawn across from the Bennett Building,
formerly known as the Gray Brick Building, the ceremony recognized
the contributions of founders and donors instrumental in shaping the
physical and educational character of
Cumberland. “For almost 115 years
Cumberland College, the college of
the Kentucky mountains, has maintained
its founding mission: To provide
a quality liberal arts education
within the means of mountain people,”
stated Cumberland President
Jim Taylor.
Four newly erected historical
markers tell the story of the Clyde V.
and Patricia Bennett Building and
Mahan, Roburn, and Gillespie
Halls. “The [historical] markers are
like time capsules, serving to educate
Cumberland President Jim Taylor
expresses his appreciation to
Patricia Bennett at the unveiling
of the historical marker by the
Bennett Building. This building,
formerly known as the Gray
Brick Building, was acquired by
the college in 1906 with the
purchase of Highland College.
During the dedication of the
Divine Servant statue Cumberland
College President Jim Taylor
stated, “Service to others
may at first seem to be a sacrifice
but ultimately turns out to
be one of life’s greatest blessings.”
Mahan Hall historical marker.
Formerly named Felix Hall, this
building was constructed in 1905.
us and help us reflect on our past,”
James C. Codell, III, secretary of the
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet,
stated in his remarks.
The Kentucky Historical Highway
Markers program is an effort
conducted in cooperation with the
Kentucky Historical Society
(KHS), which was represented by
its Interim Director James E. Wallace.
Also present were Mike West,
district traffic engineer, Manchester
Department of Highways.
KHS works with local governments,
historical organizations
and individuals to create new
markers as capsule lessons on
important events, sites and movements
in Kentucky history. Today
there are more than 2,000 markers
throughout Kentucky.
The Divine Servant statue,
another recent addition to campus,
visually helps represent the mission
of the college. President Taylor
spoke of the Divine Servant dedication,
“Those who lead best, serve
most. It is appropriate that this statue
is located at a bridge leading
from the campus to the town and in
the midst of several churches.” Taylor
continued, “Service at first may
seem a sacrifice, but ultimately it is
the greatest blessing. Cumberland
College is interested in the production
of those servant leaders.”
The Divine Servant sculpture is
cast bronze, and was first crafted
by Max Greiner, Jr., in the spring
of 1986. According to Taylor,
Greiner attempted and succeeded
in portraying the message of sacrificial
love, humility, and servant
hood. The sculpture was made
possible through the generous
donation of trustee Tom Raper,
and his wife, Suzanne.
The Patriot Pavilion, located on
the grounds of the James H. Taylor
II Stadium, is a fellowship area
Historical marker for Gillespie
Hall, constructed in 1894 and
formerly named Johnson Hall.
Historical marker for Roburn
Hall, the first building constructed
on the campus of Williamsburg
Institute, later renamed
Cumberland College. Roburn
Hall opened on January 7, 1889.
with a large brick barbeque. This recent addition will allow the college
another opportunity to service its students and guests. “This
structure will be used as a place where folks can gather for various
occasions to enjoy food, fun and Christian fellowship.” The pavilion
was made possible through the generous donation of trustee
David Huff, and his wife, Pat.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Taylor added, “We are indeed
grateful for the generosity of Clyde and Patricia Bennett, Tom and
Suzanne Raper and Dave and Pat Huff and others like them. We
thank you for your support. But most of all, we thank you for your
friendship.”
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