WHEREAS, on March 6, 2010, the Winthrop University campus was the scene of a major
fire that consumed much of the roof of Owens Hall; and
WHEREAS, fire containment required the use of more than 1.2 million gallons of water
that inundated all areas of Owens Hall, including the annex connecting it to Bancroft
Hall, while smoke billowing from the site impacted the Bancroft and Kinard Buildings
as well; and
WHEREAS, the estimated $3.5 million in damage resulting from the fire and its suppression
caused the sudden dislocation of 225 class sections — almost 15 percent of Winthrop's
overall academic offerings for the semester — as well as the need for relocation of
dozens of faculty and staff from affected areas to other work spaces; and
WHEREAS, stabilizing the scene, mitigating damage and beginning recovery of both University
and personal possessions required coordination of and work with an extensive team
of emergency service providers and fire recovery specialists; and
WHEREAS, members of the campus community who contributed selflessly to meeting these
challenges exemplified the Winthrop values of service, excellence, diversity, community,
and leadership, as well as exemplifying team work, diligence and nimbleness in countless
ways; and
WHEREAS, these efforts were coordinated in a seamless way by a cross-campus group;
THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Winthrop University Board of Trustees with
grateful appreciation, does hereby acknowledge, commend and honor the exemplary and
meritorious response to these events achieved by faculty, staff and students, who
met these circumstances with a community spirit and sense of purpose that served Winthrop
well.
April 16, 2010
