Named in honor of John D. Rockeller, IV, president of the college from1973-1975. Rockefeller went on to be the 29th Governor of West Virginia (1977-1985) and also a U.S. Senator from 1985-2015.
This facility was opened in 1974, and was the center of all things athletics, including the growth in womens teams as Title IX took effect on June 23, 1972. It served as the host for the first two West Virginia High School Girls Baskeball Tournaments.
The cost of the building was $4.5 million for the entire building (including the Barnhart Memorial Health Center)
- Larson and Larson, Architects
- Named for former president John D. Rockefeller, IV
- Cornerstone Laying Ceremony Friday, October 25th at 4:00, which was also the Dedication Ceremony. Participants included:
- Hal Latimer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (and Future president of the college)
- Dr. C. Ross Culpepper, ’30 gave the Invocation
- Dr. G. I. Rohrbough, ’23, Trustee emeritus who had been instrumental in the construction of the building
- Professor Caroline Dees provided music
- Dr. Stanley H. Martin, President Emeritus
- David Reemsnyder, ’30 – Past Director of Athletics and Faculty Emeritus
- James K. Myers, ’49 on behalf of the Department of Health and Physical Education
- Samuel M. Ross, ’52, Director of Athletics spoke on behalf of Intercollegiate Athletics
- Olive Culpepper, ’33, member of the Board of Trustees, delivered the Dedicatory Prayer
- Music was provided by the WVWC Marching Band under the direction of Professor David Milburn
At first, students referred to it as The New Gym. After many years of service, this building is now often referred to by current students as The Rock.
(1970) Drive to Fund New Gym Gains in Momentum. [Sundial News 1970-10, p.1]
(1975) Complex Named for Rockefeller [Pharos 1975-10-29, p.1] The board of trustees for West Virginia Wesleyan College has approved a resolution from the Community Council to name the new $4.5 million physical education and athletic complex in honor of John D. Rockefeller IV. The new complex was under construction when Rockefeller was elected president of the college in 1973. He became the No. 1 fan of the Wesleyan Bobcats basketball team and gave strong support to athletics for both men and women during his two-year tenure as president of the Methodist institution. Upon his resignation earlier this summer, Rockefeller gave a personal pledge of $250,000 to aid in the funding of the facility.
(2018) Wesleyan Names Golf Rooms in Honor of Claffey and Huber [Sundial Winter/Spring 2018, p.13] In recognition of generous gift support, Wesleyan has named two golf rooms in honor of George Claffet III ’80 and James and Debbie Huber. The Claffey Golf Room was dedicated on November 11, while the Huber Golf Room ceremony was held on December 8. The Claffey dedication was held on the 37th anniversary of his record-setting 53-yard field goal on the final play of the football game in the Bobcats’ win over West Liberty. Since graduating from Wesleyan, he has spent over 30 years as an educator and golf professional. He is an active ambassador in the First Tee Program and travels each year to the Philippines to introduce kids to the game of golf. He also has the Canes for Claffey program, which provides walking canes and sticks to those in need. The Hubers have enjoyed a long relationship with the College franchise. The Buckhanon Wendy’s owners have been active supporters of College programs. James also coached the Wesleyan golf program for two seasons. Both golf rooms feature simulators including one that can be used in a variety of venues for the program. The equipment allows Wesleyan golfers to receive extensive indoor practice time during inclement weather.