Charles T. Thrift, Jr. Building
1976
In 1976, development continued on campus with the addition of the Charles T. Thrift Building, named after retiring College President Charles T. Thrift, Jr. The building began as the College Center, with spaces for students and alumni to meet, and later added the counseling center, health center, and the Thrift Alumni Room, which frequently hosts events for both students and staff.
Charles Tinsley Thrift, Jr. served as president of Florida Southern College from 1957-1976. Thrift was born in Kenbridge, Virginia, on April 11, 1911. He received a B.A., M.A., and B.D. from Duke University. He received his PhD from the University of Chicago. Thrift began working in the Florida Southern religion department in 1940. He was appointed vice president in 1946. When Dr. Spivey retired in 1957, Thrift took over as the acting President. His accomplishments during his time at the college include the construction of the Jenkins Field House, the Roux Library, the Ludd M. Spivey Humanities and Fine Arts Center, and the Student Union Building. The college began the Festival of Fine Arts and the Diamond Jubilee. Thrift also tackled social and spiritual challenges on campus. He retired on June 1, 1976, after serving for 36 years. He passed away on May 25, 1984.
Sources: https://www.flsouthern.edu/library/archives/fsc-history/fsc-presidents#thrift
Thrift Alumni Room