Clinton, South Carolina, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Helene struck Presbyterian College, causing extensive damage including toppled trees and disrupted communications. The college community showed remarkable resilience, forming an emergency operations team and adopting the “PC Pivot” slogan for adaptive strategies. Students and staff collaborated to provide support, ensuring hot meals were available and aiding recovery efforts, all while exemplifying the college’s commitment to service. This event has led to a reevaluation of the institution’s crisis management strategies, highlighting the strength of its community.
Clinton, South Carolina — On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck, causing widespread damage on the Presbyterian College (PC) campus. The storm toppled stately oaks, damaged buildings, and knocked out power and communications across the campus. In the aftermath, the college community displayed remarkable resilience and compassion as they worked together to recover from the storm’s devastation.
PC President Dr. Anita Gustafson emphasized the community’s response during difficult times, showcasing the strength of the relationships among students, staff, and faculty. An emergency operations team, consisting of administrators and staff members, was quickly formed to prioritize safety and coordinate efforts as communications were disrupted.
In response to the shifting needs of the situation, the slogan “PC Pivot” was adopted, reflecting the adaptive strategies implemented during the crisis. Dr. Andrew Peterson, Vice President of Student Affairs, took the extraordinary step of moving into Clinton Hall to remain close to students facing unsettling conditions, particularly after losing power at home. Meanwhile, resident assistants voluntarily stayed on campus to support their peers, even as their own homes were affected by the storm.
Auxiliary services director Jason Koenig and AVI general manager Kirtley Baez ensured students had access to hot meals despite the power outage. They arranged for a refrigerated truck to deliver food when normal deliveries were halted due to the storm’s impact. Facilities director Trent Roark and his crew worked tirelessly to clear debris, repair damages, and restore utilities on campus post-storm.
Technology services, led by Kevin Crider, were pivotal in reestablishing network connections once electricity returned, enabling crucial communications across the campus. In recognition of his dedicated efforts during the storm’s aftermath, Trent Roark was named PC Staff Member of the Year.
More than 200 students volunteered in community service initiatives, aiding in clearing debris and assisting residents in hard-hit areas. This level of engagement exemplified the college’s motto: “While We Live, We Serve.” Additionally, students participated in search and rescue efforts in nearby communities, such as Asheville, recognizing the need for support beyond their campus.
The lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, particularly regarding communication and flexibility, have been integrated into Presbyterian College’s crisis management strategies. Dr. Gustafson noted that while physical structures can be rebuilt, the real strength of Presbyterian College lies in its people and their commitment to one another.
Key Dates and Events
- September 27, 2024: Hurricane Helene strikes Presbyterian College
- Post-storm: Formation of emergency operations team
- Recovery efforts: Ongoing community service initiatives
Impact of Hurricane Helene
Presbyterian College’s campus faced substantial physical damage, but the resilience shown by students and staff highlighted the community spirit that helps bind the college together. The collaborative efforts seen during this crisis will shape the future responses to any potential emergencies.
FAQ
What date did Hurricane Helene strike Presbyterian College?
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck, causing widespread damage on the Presbyterian College (PC) campus.
What were some of the immediate consequences of Hurricane Helene?
The storm toppled stately oaks, damaged buildings, and knocked out power and communications across the campus.
What response did the college community have after the hurricane?
PC President Dr. Anita Gustafson emphasized the community’s resilience and compassion in the aftermath of the storm.
How did student affairs support students during the recovery?
Dr. Andrew Peterson moved into Clinton Hall to stay close to students, and resident assistants volunteered to stay on campus to support students even when their own homes were affected by the storm.
What are some of the initiatives undertaken by the college during the recovery?
More than 200 students volunteered in community service, helping to clear debris and assist residents in hard-hit areas, embodying the college’s motto: “While We Live, We Serve.”
Chart: Key Features of Hurricane Helene and Recovery Efforts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Hurricane | September 27, 2024 |
| Impact | Widespread damage to buildings and trees, loss of power and communication |
| Community Response | Formation of emergency operations team, adoption of “PC Pivot” |
| Volunteer Efforts | Over 200 students participated in community service and search efforts |
| Recognition | Trent Roark named PC Staff Member of the Year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Presbyterian College Celebrates Class of 2025 at Commencement Ceremony
Presbyterian College Hosts Earth Day Celebration
Celebrate Earth Day at Presbyterian College
Laurens County Service Scholars Program Enhances Education
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Additional Resources
- GOLaurens: Presbyterian College Hurricane Helene
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- GOLaurens: Presbyterian College Historic Ranking
- Google Search: Presbyterian College Hurricane Helene
- My Clinton News: Commencement 2025 Presbyterian College
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene 2024
- FB Schedules: Presbyterian Football Game Relocated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
