Wofford College’s historic Kilgo-Clinkscales House becomes first dedicated alumni house

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (courtesy wofford.edu) — A new chapter is beginning at Wofford’s historic Kilgo-Clinkscales House.

This fall, the 132-year-old campus landmark, which has been a home for more than 10 Wofford leaders and their families, will become the college’s first dedicated alumni house.

“Traditionally, this has been the dean’s or provost’s home,” says Calhoun Kennedy ’89, vice president of philanthropy and engagement. “This is a great central location on campus, and we’re excited for it to be used as a gathering place for our alumni.”

In June, Kennedy and four members of his engagement team relocated their offices from the Papadopoulos Building to the home’s upper floor. In the coming months, the first floor will be transformed into a flexible venue for alumni.

Amenities planned for the space include a conference room, dining room, kitchen, coffee bar, furnishings and a small library with past issues of the Bohemian, the college’s yearbook.

Alumni returning to campus this fall for Family Weekend, the inaugural 50-Year Club Weekend and Homecoming will have an opportunity to visit the space. Hammond School in Columbia, South Carolina, will host an event there in September for its graduates who attended Wofford.

“We’re really excited to take this out for a test run this fall,” says Lindsey Graham, director of alumni relations. “This will be a more convenient way for alumni to gather and will make them feel at home when they come back to campus.”

Kennedy and Graham are in the process of formalizing a reservation process, which will enable alumni to book the space for a wide range of activities.

“We anticipate this being the alumni headquarters for major events,” Kennedy says. “But let’s say you’re a lawyer and you just need a place to hold a meeting while you’re in town. You can do that here.”

Craig Davis ’69 made the initial gift to support the alumni house.

“Alumni houses are a means by which the college recognizes and generates positive contributions,” Davis says. “That’s why I wanted to get involved. Wofford is a special place where alumni hold a deep affection for their alma mater.”

The Kilgo-Clinkscales House was completed in 1892 at a total cost of $3,000. It bears the name of its first two residents, the Rev. John C. Kilgo and Dr. John G. Clinkscales ’1876, both influential figures in Wofford’s history.

The home’s most recent resident was former provost Dr. Michael Soluski, who left Wofford in 2021 to serve as president of Washington College.

Kennedy says naming rights for the Kilgo-Clinkscales Alumni House are available.