GAFFNEY, S.C. (WSPA) — With the announcement of the Limestone University’s closure, there are still many unanswered questions.
Since 1845, the university has offered higher education programs. But nearly 180 years later, the academic institution will close at the end of the semester.
The move comes after the university met with students and staff on April 16, stating the school was facing severe financial uncertainty, requiring $6 million in immediate support.
By April 22, university leaders said they found a possible funding source could potentially keep Limestone from shuttering. Officials said $2.143 million was donated to the “Together for Limestone” campaign, launched just days before the decision to close was announced.
Faculty said they received a notice to be out of their classrooms by May 9.
Students said they are feeling the pressure of finding their next home, but for some, even more is at risk.
“The people I met, it’s probably the best thing that could have happened to me in life,” Limestone University student, Conner Vaughn said.
Some students asked about the money, and why the university’s end happened so suddenly.
“What happened to all the money?” asked student AJ Carlo. “Where did the money go?”
What comes next for the students, the staff and the buildings that make up Limestone’s campus? It’s all yet to be determined.
“Why didn’t we do anything sooner?” Emma Knapp, a student, asked. “We kept spending money when we shouldn’t have been.”
Upstate college offers Limestone students $25,000 scholarship
Some faculty said that the university’s financial problems could have been handled more promptly.
“The problems didn’t happen overnight and they probably could have been addressed sooner,” said Limestone University Professor of Economics, Paul LeFrancois.
LeFrancois has taught at Limestone University for 40 years. For him, it’s always been about the students.
“If you can make a little difference in their lives, to help them progress and maybe broaden their horizon — that’s the joy of it,” he said.
One athlete said despite the circumstances, his team is continuing the journey to try and win a Division II National Championship, which would be the sixth for the school since 2000.
Several lacrosse players said they now have more to play for.
After uncertainty, athletes at Limestone University hit the transfer portal
Quinn Matthews, another lacrosse player, said he has an even heavier burden; he is trying to follow in his father, Rick Matthews’, Hall of Fame footsteps. Matthews’ father was on the first National Championship winning team, so this is his last chance.
“Getting to share that experience with my father, I hear him talk about it all the time,” Matthews reflected. “That was one of the best experiences he has ever had in his life. This place is very special to him. To win it not only for myself and the school and for him — that would mean everything to me.”
University President Nathan B. Copeland has not responded to 7NEWS request for comment.
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