Without question 2020 was a challenging year, to say the least. And, like for the rest of the world, that was true for the College of Charleston. Despite the difficulties, 2020 was also a year of innovation, dedication and perseverance for the CofC community, filled with moments of hope, pride and achievement.

Here, in no particular order, are some of the highlights from the past 12 months:

We celebrated the College’s 250th anniversary with the inaugural CofC Day, which brought in more than $5 million in philanthropic donations for the institution.

…welcomed new campus leadership, including a new provost, celebrated the promotion of new academic leaders and heralded the arrival of the new executive director of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture.

hosted the next president of the United States.

The College of Charleston celebrates their 250th birthday with CofC Day, 24 hours of giving and festivities.

…persevered as the institution shifted to online instruction amid the rise of the coronavirus and used the moment to provide realtime lessons to students about the impact of the global pandemic.

…launched the new systems engineering major.

…found new ways of teaching students from the classroom or their bedrooms.

…adjusted to the new normal of social distancing and face coverings to keep the campus community safe.

welcomed the Class of 2024 and said goodbye to the Class of 2020.

…set the stage for the College’s future with the approval of the new strategic plan.

…focused on bridging divides with a series of enhanced diversity and inclusion efforts.

explored our history and celebrated the majesty of the Cistern Yard brick-by-brick.

…cheered the success of CofC basketball star Grant Riller ’20 and the musical alumni of the band Ranky Tanky.

…discovered new ways to have fun.

…marveled at the generosity of our alumni who paid it forward for education majors, first-year students and commercial real estate finance majors.

…were impressed by the flow of research by our students and the mega discovery of one of our faculty.

Steinway Piano

…hit a high note with the completion of the renovation of the Sottile Theatre and the addition of a grand piano.

…earned good grades from U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review as well as accolades for the Honors College.

Cougar Light Nights

…and reveled in the joy and beauty of the holiday season with Cougar Night Lights.

Happy New Year, Cougars! Here’s to moving ahead with determined minds and hopeful hearts.