Funds from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation made this building a reality. The Foundation was established by Michael Benedum, a native of Bridgeport, WV, and a devout Methodist, and at one time one of the wealthiest men in America, having made his fortune in the Oil and Gas Business. The Foundation was started in 1944 to honor his son, Claude, who died in 1918 at age 20 in World War I.
There had been another student center prior to this building (1947-1963) but it was in a pre-fabricated structure that had limited space, leftover from the barracks used on campus during the Second World War.
Included in the new Campus Center were a post office, bowling alley, pool room, offices, the WWWC Radio Station, a bookstore, a swimming pool, a Social Hall, and The Scow (Student Center of Wesleyan), where students gathered to play cards, socialize, eat snacks and listen to the jukebox.
(1960) Architect’s Rendering – Larson and Larson Architects
(1961-04-18) Bids Requested by Wesleyan for New Student Center
(1961-09) Wesleyan’s Student Center Rises
(1963-02-02) Benedum Campus Community Center opened for use.