Abbot Walter Coggin Student Commons Abbot Walter Coggin Student Commons, built in 1991 as the dining hall and student activities center, was named for Abbot Walter Coggin (19161999) who graduated from Belmont Abbey College as valedictorian. Under his leadership, from 1956 to 1970, the College saw significant growth. Many new facilities were constructed on campus in addition to a major reorganization of the College administration. Academic standards were strengthened and the curriculum was enriched. He also served as a math teacher and football coach in addition to his administrative duties. He loved teaching and his students, who in return held him in high regard. A new dining hall opened in 2012 and the Student Commons now houses the Crusader Success Hub—a one stop shop for all Abbey student services. (See article on page 17.)
William Gaston Science Building The William Gaston Science Building was built in 1968 under Abbot Coggin in order to facilitate a science lab, additional classrooms, and faculty offices. Continuing the Abbey tradition of naming its buildings after prominent historical figures of the local community, the building was named in honor of William Gaston (17781844). William Gaston served as the United States Representative for North Carolina and is the man for whom Gaston County is named. As a Roman Catholic in elected office, he is credited with helping to remove official discrimination against Catholics from North Carolina law.
O'Connell Residence Hall, Raphael Arthur Residence Hall, Poellath Residence Hall The O’Connell Residence Hall is one of three campus dormitories constructed during the expansions of the 1960’s, in addition to the Raphael Arthur Residence Hall and the Poellath Residence Hall. Rev. Jeremiah J. O’Connell was an Irish-born priest of the Diocese of Charleston who donated the land on which Belmont Abbey
Spring 2015
was founded. Desiring to bring Catholic higher education to the Carolinas, he bought the 500-acre Caldwell farm and offered it to the Benedictines to build a Catholic college on the property. O’Connell lived in a cottage on the property for the remainder of his life. The Raphael Arthur Residence Hall is named after Father Raphael Arthur (1887-1941) who served as the primary professor of English literature and writing. The Poellath Residence Hall is named after Brother George Poellath (18761963) who served as the sacristan of the Abbey Church for over fifty years. Known for his elaborate decorations for liturgical celebrations, he spent countless hours in the service of God.
Cuthbert Allen Apartments The Cuthbert Allen Apartments were built in 1989 and serve as apartment-style student housing. The apartments were named after Father Cuthbert Allen (1906-1977) who served as the College rector from 1936-1942. Father Cuthbert was known for his attentiveness to students, both past and present, and the special interest he took in their development. Ever the witty and engaging teacher, during recreational hours Father Cuthbert was often seen surrounded by Abbey students holding impromptu discussion sessions.
Wheeler Center The Wheeler Center was also part of the campus expansions under Abbot Walter Coggin in the 1960’s and was built to serve as a new athletics complex. The building, which opened in 1970, was named after Howard “Humpy” Augustus Wheeler, Sr. (1902-1968), the beloved coach who fathered all of the Abbey’s organized athletics programs. A former WWII naval officer, Humpy Wheeler was the first layman to hold an enduring appointment on the Abbey faculty. He was hired in 1929 to be the all-around coach for Abbey sports in addition to teaching responsibilities. He remained at the Abbey for the rest of his life. Today the Wheeler Center houses a gymnasium, fitness center, and is centrally located to the tennis courts, baseball, softball, and soccer fields.
CROSSROADS
The Magazine of Belmont Abbey College
13