By Suzy Alstrin
Reinhardt University is known for its natural beauty. On April 13th, under a clear blue sky, a dedication ceremony officially named new features on campus– the Theora Westbrook Cobb Commons and the Steve and Judy McClure Fire Pit. These named spaces occupy the area adjacent to the Bannister Glasshouse. The area features additional plantings and landscaping as well as a stone patio, fire pit, and furnishings made possible through gifts from the Cobb, Turner, and McClure families as well as the 2023-2024 Student Government Association. It has already become an ideal spot for students to gather, relax, and study while enjoying the scenery overlooking Lake Mullenix.
Cobb Commons honors Theora Westbrook Cobb (1874–1967), a Reinhardt librarian in the early 20th Century, and her children’s and their children’s significant contributions to Reinhardt. Both her sons, Lawrence and Charles, and grandson Charles served on Reinhardt’s Board of Trustees. Her daughter, Ella Mae, was also a major contributor who championed Reinhardt. Their descendants continue the Cobb family tradition of giving. The McClure Fire Pit was made possible by Steve and Judy McClure; Steve is a current member of the University’s Board of Trustees. The 2023–24 Student Government Association’s financial contributions to the project reflect their passion for the power of community.
“Our wish for all of you is to gather here,” said Board of Trustees member Steve McClure on behalf of his family. “Problems can be solved here, acquaintances can be made here, all kinds of great things, but the key thing is to gather. The rest will take care of itself.” Theora Cobb’s great-granddaughter, Susan Turner, accepted the honor on her family’s behalf. She shared stories of her family’s care for Reinhardt, including small gestures—like buying clubs for the golf team—and larger ones, such as creating a scholarship fund.
Creating such fond reflections is exactly the goal for the new space. “When we name something, when we dedicate something, we create a place that holds memories. But it’s more than just a repository for the past. It’s a repository for the present. Someday alumni will stand here a remember– ‘This is where we said I love you for the first time.’, ‘This is place I looked into the flames and thought I know what I want to do with my life.’, and ‘This is the place where I asked God to help me through so I could graduate.’ As we look towards the future, and I think about what it will hold now that we have this beautiful, inspirational space,” Johnson Bowles, Vice President for Advancement and Communications at Reinhardt, told attendees. President Mark Roberts added, “When I see students here, I know that you as donors have invested in their lives by investing in this particular place. To gather together ensures we are engaged at the highest level.”
