200 years of Furman: Faculty and staff share their favorite memories

As Furman celebrates its 200th anniversary during Bicentennial Homecoming Weekend, faculty and staff are reflecting on what makes the university special to them.

For some, it’s the memories they’ve made on campus. For others, it’s the friendships, family connections and sense of community they’ve found along the way. Each has a story to share about what Furman has meant to them.

Carmellow Gambrell, Administrative Assistant

“My favorite moment at Furman was my very own daughter Ciara Cox ’25 graduating from the Theatre Dept. Now she has moved on to SCAD for her Master in Theatre. Thank you!”

Brittany Downey, Diversity Strategies Coordinator and Administrative Assistant

“My name is Brittany Downey and I’m the Diversity Strategies Coordinator for the Riley Institute at Furman University. I am most proud to be a part of Furman because of our positive impact in the Greenville community and across the state. I love contributing to our meaningful work!”

Melanie Armstrong ’94, Associate Director of Networking and Student Connections

“My funniest Furman memory is when I worked in the alumni office and we were setting up on the front lawn for Homecoming and the sprinklers went off. We all screamed and started laughing so hard!”

Kim Keefer, Director, Shucker Center for Leadership Development

“I used to love to wake up in the AM in the winter and dial the FSNO line to find out if we would have to go to work that day with a pending snow storm!”

Sarah Maldonado, Production and Project Manager

“Mi nombre es Sarah Maldonado y trabajo en el departamento de Mercadeo y Comunicación de la Universidad de Furman. Es mi orgullo ser parte de la institución. Es parte de una gran familia con valores y respeto hacia toda su comunidad. Es el campus más bello que hay en toda el área. Mi orgullo Furman.”

Kaylee Welgraven, Graphic Designer

“Old Furman! Grateful heirs are we.”

“Here’s to the forward-thinkers — past and present whose vision, dedication, wisdom and courage are a living legacy, spreading its impact across campus and around the world, for generations to come. Proud to be part of this meaningful work. Proud to be a member of the Furman family. ‘Together, we reflect and aspire.'”

Jennifer McHan Good ’92, Member Board of Trustees

“Imprinted in my brain are the sounds, the lights, and the excitement as a freshman performing at opening convocation in 1988. I had been at Furman just a moment and was now singing in front of EVERYONE! As the stage rose up and we saw a full McAlister, I thought, ‘Oh wow!’ ♡ Furman”

Katherine Irvin, Graphic Designer

“For years (going on 17) Furman has given me a sense of place. It has helped make Greenville my home. I’ve made friends, helped students and created a life here. I love Furman.”

Christine Velasquez, Assistant Vice President of Marketing & Communications

“My name is Christine and I’ve been with Furman since May 17, 2017. For future Paladins, especially staff, how you are with others is how you will be remembered. Be kind. Be open. Do listen. Do love. Cheers + GO DINS!”

Emily P. Theall ’15, Director of Annual Giving

“Coming back to work at Furman has been such a blessing. I have worked on the Annual Giving team for almost 7 years and to be welcomed back from maternity leave with a promotion — how special. Cheers to 200 years!”

Luz Ruiz ’20, Leadership Giving Officer

“My favorite Furman memory was running around on the Furman golf course after a sorority function. We were out there late at night looking at the stars. Then we quickly ran away because the sprinkler system turned on.”

Liz Seman, Chief of Staff, Vice President for Community and Government Relations

“I am so grateful for my Furman experience! It’s been a joy working here and I’m so glad my son attended Furman and met his future wife! Cheers to all the Paladins who came before me and all those still to come!”