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Event honors the late Blue Hose basketball great in newly-renovated Reynolds Hall

This past Friday, as part of its Homecoming Weekend celebration, �㽶�� honored the life and legacy of a beloved alumnus during the dedication of the Marion “Dooley” Miller ‘75 Expansive Excellence Center in the newly renovated Reynolds Hall. 

It was a day full of emotion as friends, family, former classmates, and colleagues of Miller all gathered together to reminisce about the kind of man he was, commemorating his achievements, and honoring his legacy as they took in the newly refurbished space.

Miller was �㽶��’s first African American student-athlete and the first African American man to graduate from the college. As a member of the Blue Hose men’s basketball team, he played a historic role in integrating his alma mater and was remembered after his passing in early 2024 as a person of great character and humility.  

After leaving �㽶�� in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in history, Miller went into public education as a teacher and coach. At age 26, he became the varsity boys’ basketball coach at Broome High School and later served as a guidance counselor and administrator in Spartanburg County School District 3 before retirement.

A Blue Hose Spirit

The dedication began with opening remarks from Dr. Selena Blair, the Rogers-Ingram Vice President of Justice and Community Wellbeing, and college president Dr. Anita Gustafson, reflecting on Miller’s legacy, the importance of encouraging student success, and the importance of change. 

“As we dedicate Reynolds Hall, and specifically the Marion Dooley Miller Class of ‘75 Expansive Excellence Center, may it always remind us that progress is built by people; people who care deeply, people who give freely, and people who believe wholeheartedly,” Blair said in her opening remarks.

Miller embodied that spirit, Gustafson said. 

“Dooley’s legacy lives on in this building. It lives on in the students who will walk these halls. It lives on in everyone he taught, coached, counseled, and befriended,” said Gustafson. “And it lives on in the promise we make today, to continue opening doors, to continue supporting excellence for all of our students, and to continue doing so with the joy, grace, and integrity that Dooley modeled for us.” 

The ceremony concluded with remarks from former classmates and friends, who reflected on the lifelong impact that crossing paths with Miller had on them, hoping that the center named in his honor will create a similar impact for students to come. 

“I think this center of excellence reflects Dooley and the influence he had on the students around him at that time,” said Dr. Alvin “Swan” Sewell ‘77. “This place will give today’s students the sense of community that he gave me; that sense of belonging, friendship, guidance, and excellence, just from being in his presence.” 

“My friendship with Dooley meant the world to me, and it’s been a sustaining part of me ever since,” said the Rev. Bob Brearley ‘74. “Dooley was like that. He gave himself to everybody he met; that infectious smile, that humility, that grace.” 

The Miller family also spoke, reflecting on the kind of man he was, and expressing their gratitude and pride at having his name honored and his legacy carried on for generations to come. 

“Whenever I go into spaces like these, it reminds me that grief is kind of like glitter; it’s everywhere at first, but then after you start to clean it up a little bit, you see these little sparkles, and it reminds you of something, and instead of crying, you smile. And today is a day of smiling,” said Miller’s daughter, Lustra.

Celebrating New Space 

The emotions were felt by everyone in the room, including the Justice and Community Wellbeing team, for whom this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and who have the honor of furthering Miller’s memory on campus through their services. 

“Seeing the reactions of the Miller family, donors, our students, and alumni, seeing their excitement and gratitude, and knowing how this space will enhance the student experience has been so fulfilling,” said Blair.

The renovation project has been in the works since 2023, though the dream was born much earlier. 

“I’m overwhelmed with joy to see this day finally arrive,” said Blair. “I remember standing in front of this building on Friday, April 1, 2022, during my on-campus interview, pitching my idea for the use of the building to former president Dr. Matt vandenBerg.” 

For the Justice and Community Wellbeing team, whose services were previously scattered throughout various buildings across campus, having all of their colleagues within arm’s reach has been an incredible change. 

“Being separated made it very difficult, because they were in the main building and we were across the street in the alumni house,” said administrative assistant Susanne McCarley. “It’s exciting to be under one roof, to be able to see and greet each other every day, and to have our meetings together.” 

“Not only is it extremely beneficial for our students, but it also allows us to strengthen our professional relationships with one another and creates more opportunities to collaborate for the betterment of our entire campus community,” said Blair. 

In just the few short months that the Marion “Dooley” Miller ‘75 Expansive Excellence Center has been in operation, much like its namesake, it has already made a profound impact on campus, for both students, faculty, and alumni alike.