Quiet Resilience: Presbyterian College Rebounds After Hurricane Helene
Clinton, South Carolina – On September 27, Hurricane Helene made her mark on the southeastern U.S., and she certainly didn’t hold back when it came to Presbyterian College (PC). The hurricane’s wrath resulted in damaged buildings, uprooted trees, and a disruption that most of the college community had never seen before. However, what could not be taken away was the heart and spirit that defines the PC community.
Returning to a Changed Campus
Fast forward to October 9, when students returned to campus after an unexpected fall break. The atmosphere was different, but the PC Spirit was stronger than ever. President Dr. Anita Gustafson welcomed everyone back to a campus that was in the middle of recovery. “Dozens of the college’s stately oaks were gone,” she highlighted, but soon enough, classes and college events were back on track.
In an email to students, Gustafson expressed her admiration for the resilience of the community. “Over the past 13 days, I have witnessed what it means to be ‘True Blue.’” Her message was clear: it truly takes a village to tackle challenges like the one brought on by Helene. The day the storm hit was filled with uncertainty, but the community quickly came together to form an operations team tasked with prioritizing safety and addressing the immediate needs of everyone on campus.
Response Amidst the Chaos
Getting organized was no small feat, especially as communication systems went down. With students and staff scattered, they had to physically find each other and meet face-to-face to devise a plan. Gustafson affectionately dubbed their struggle the “PC Pivot,” recognizing that their plans would need to change multiple times as issues arose.
One of the most pressing concerns was the safety of the students who remained on campus during the hurricane and the subsequent cleanup. Dean of Student Affairs Drew Peterson moved into Clinton Hall, ensuring that students felt supported and protected throughout the ordeal. With the dedicated help of campus police led by Chief Tony Eigner, students had a safety net during the storm’s chaos.
Feeding the Community
Thanks to the efforts of Director of Auxiliary Services Jason Koenig and his team, students did not go hungry. Despite the power outages, warm meals were prepared and served to students, fostering a sense of community and togetherness among those affected. The mailroom also got back on track quickly, ensuring that deliveries were made without delay.
Rebuilding Campus Facilities
Of course, a major challenge was restoring campus facilities to working order. Director of Facility Services Trent Roark and his crews worked tirelessly to remove fallen trees, restore power lines, and address water damage. They ensured that students would return to a safe and functional environment. Meanwhile, Budd Group employees were hard at work cleaning up debris and making the beautiful campus feel like home again.
Students Step Up
Perhaps the most inspiring element that emerged from this tough situation was the initiative taken by the students themselves. True to the college’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve,” students banded together to help those in need both on and off campus. More than 200 students volunteered their time to assist families in the surrounding areas impacted by the storm.
Many athletic teams, including volleyball, football, and soccer, rolled up their sleeves to pitch in. They helped clean residences in Lydia Mills and assisted the campus of Thornwell, demonstrating their commitment to community service. Even beyond Laurens County, individual students gathered supplies to help those affected by Helene’s destruction.
A True Blue Recovery
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, PC’s response captured the essence of its community spirit. As President Gustafson aptly put it, the college experienced a “True Blue” moment that illustrated the resilience and unity of everyone involved. As the campus begins to restore its normal rhythm, one thing is clear: the heart of Presbyterian College remains unbroken.
