Trone Student Center: Making Furman Home

The newly named building will seamlessly integrate social and academic endeavors.

January of 2013 welcomed students returning from the holidays to a nearly completed Phase 1 of the Trone Center renovations. The addition of the Hill Atrium (complete with fireplace, seating areas, and giant media wall) and the integration of academic and co-curricular activities have already proved to be influential on student life.

Read the recent Furman Magazine coverage of the Trone Center and watch a tour of the new facilities led by Director J. Scott Derrick.

The $6.75 million update launched last May and will convert the building into a true campus gathering spot. The Trone Student Center is named for Class of '77 Furman Trustee David Trone and his wife, June, in honor of their generous $3.5 million naming gift. David and June were supportive of renovations that would enhance career-related and international programming, expand social and dining areas, and provide more functional and innovative work space for student groups.

"During many visits to Furman to see our daughter Julia [a 2012 graduate], it became clear that the University Center needed changes to be more of a central gathering place for the student body. Rod Smolla was clear on this priority, and so June and I wanted to make it happen for future generations of students," Trone says.

Key features to the newly designed Trone Student Center include a two-story glass atrium made possible by a $2 million gift from Class of '83 alumni Robert (Furman Trustee) and Margaret Hill. The Hill Atrium overlooks an expanded lakeside courtyard for performances, festivals, and other major events. Inside, comfortable furniture in intimate arrangements creates "living rooms" where students can linger and relax.

As part of the redesign, International Education and Study Away, Internships and Undergraduate Research, and the (Lilly) Center for Vocational Reflection have moved into the building – further integrating academic and co-curricular activities and making services for students more convenient.

Phase II of the project will begin in May of 2013 and will include renovations of the lower level, including the existing Paladen, lower atrium, and food court. Phase III plans include a sports restaurant and patio leading to a lake promenade, contingent on continued fundraising success.

Naming opportunities:

Lower Level

Paladen - $300,000
Promenade - $200,000
Sports Restaurant/Game Room - $150,000
Patio - $50,000
Three Shade Pavilions - $30,000 each; one reserved
Amphitheatre - $100,000

Upper Level

Career Center - $300,000
Student Media Suite - $150,000
Leadership, Vocational Studies, and Student Life Suite - $50,000
Student Organization Commons - $200,000
Student Organization Patio - $50,000 reserved
Student Organization Conference Room - $50,000

The case for support

• Furman seeks to provide more functional space for students to gather in a healthy social and co-curricular environment.
• A vital University Center will become the tangible heart of the campus, drawing students from the residence halls and enriching cultural and social life.
• A state-of-the-art University Center with dynamic programming will strengthen student recruitment and retention.
• A focus on making services for students more accessible, notably career services, leadership, volunteer work and multicultural life, will provide greater opportunities to complement the academic experience and prepare students for success during and after their Furman years.