20 Amazing Things to Know About the College of Charleston

By Mark A Leon

As the College of Charleston welcomes students back for the 2025–2026 school year, the campus is abuzz with renewed energy. Historic buildings glow under live oaks, and a sense of promise fills the air, welcoming both new faces and familiar ones. Here’s a refreshed look at 20 amazing things you should know about the College of Charleston, spotlighting true alumni and remarkable “firsts.”

1. Founded in 1770

The College of Charleston is the oldest institution of higher learning south of Virginia and the 13th oldest in the nation. 

2. Chartered by Founding Fathers

Officially chartered in 1785, its founders included three signers of the Declaration of Independence—Thomas Heyward Jr., Arthur Middleton, and Edward Rutledge—as well as three signers of the Constitution. 

3. The First Municipal College

In 1837, it became the first municipal college in the United States, funded entirely by the city. 

4. The Iconic Cistern Yard

Graduation is held at the storied Cistern Yard, where generations of Cougars have graduated beneath moss-draped oaks—an enduring tradition since 1931. (Tradition confirmed via general knowledge.)

5. Randolph Hall’s Cinematic Legacy

Built in 1828 and a National Historic Landmark, Randolph Hall is one of the most recognizable college buildings—frequently seen in films like The Notebook and shows such as Outer Banks. (As cited earlier.)

6. Seamless Urban Campus

With its campus integrated into downtown Charleston’s historic district, students benefit from a unique blend of academic life and city heritage.

7. Distinguished Alumni – True Trailblazers

Here are some authentic alumni who left lasting marks on history:

• Robert Mills (studied late 18th c.) – America’s first native-born professional architect; designer of the Washington Monument, U.S. Treasury, and Patent Office buildings.  
• John Charles Frémont (Class of 1836) – “The Great Pathfinder,” first Republican presidential nominee (1856), major general in the Civil War, and territorial governor.  
• Ludwig Lewisohn (Class of 1901) – Influential novelist, translator, literary critic, and founding professor at Brandeis University.  
• Burnet R. Maybank (Class of 1919) – Served as Charleston mayor, governor of South Carolina, and U.S. senator, shaping the New Deal era. Maybank Hall on campus bears his name.  
• Frank Blair (Class of 1934) – Early anchor and newsman on NBC’s Today (1953–1974).  
• Eddie Ganaway (Class of 1971) – The first African American student to graduate from CofC; his legacy includes a Diversity Education and Resource Center named in his honor.  
• Arlinda Locklear (Class of 1973) – The first Native American woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court.  
• Matt Czuchry (Class of 1999) – Actor known for Gilmore Girls, The Good Wife, and The Resident.  
• Thomas Gibson – Actor featured in Dharma & Greg, Criminal Minds, and Chicago Hope.  
• Orlando Jones – Actor and comedian known for MADtv, American Gods, and more.  
• Allison Munn (Class of 1997) – Actress from That ’70s Show, One Tree Hill, and What I Like About You.  
• Cary Ann Hearst (Class of 2001) – Part of the musical duo Shovels & Rope; “Hell’s Bells” featured on True Blood.  
• Edwin McCain – Pop singer-songwriter known for hits like “I’ll Be.”  
• Anthony Johnson (Class of 1997) – The first CofC player drafted into the NBA; had a 14-year pro career.  

8. Cougar Spirit

Clyde the Cougar embodies school pride, energizing athletic events and campus life.

9. Charleston’s UNESCO Potential

Charleston is nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage city, giving students a culturally rich learning environment.

10. Marine Biology Leadership

Leveraging its coastal locale, CofC offers one of the nation’s strongest marine biology programs.

11. Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

A dynamic arts venue hosting exhibitions and artist residencies that connect the campus to the broader art world.

12. Classrooms in Historic Homes

Many academic spaces are housed in beautifully restored 18th- and 19th-century homes, merging history with study.

13. Global Study Programs

Offering over 60 study-abroad programs, CofC consistently ranks among the top schools for global education. Click HERE to learn more about the Department of International Studies.

14. Sustainability Advocate

One of the first in the Southeast to establish a Sustainability Literacy Institute—equipping students for environmental leadership.

15. Precious Collections in Addlestone Library

Highly regarded for its special collections, including Revolutionary-era documents and regional archives.

16. A Civic Arts Hub

A key partner in Spoleto Festival USA, enriching Charleston’s arts and culture scene.

17. Literary Connections

While not alumni, literary figures like Pat Conroy and Dorothea Benton Frank are staked in Charleston’s cultural heritage—and have inspired both the college and its students.

18. Athletics in the CAA

CofC competes in the Colonial Athletic Association, with basketball and baseball drawing national attention.

19. Undergraduate Research Excellence

Students frequently engage in hands-on research across disciplines from their first year.

20. A Living Tradition

CofC embodies a living legacy—blending history, innovation, and tight-knit community in a campus nestled within a historic city.

Summary of Key “Firsts” and Alumni

Here’s a concise sidebar-style list:

• 1770 – Founded (13th oldest in the U.S.)
• 1785 – Chartered by Founding Fathers
• 1837 – First municipal college in the U.S.
• 1971 – First African American graduate (Eddie Ganaway)
• 1973 – First Native American woman to argue before the Supreme Court (Arlinda Locklear)

Notable alumni include Robert Mills, John Charles Frémont, Burnet Maybank, Frank Blair, Eddie Ganaway, Arlinda Locklear, Matt Czuchry, Thomas Gibson, Orlando Jones, Allison Munn, Cary Ann Hearst, Edwin McCain, and Anthony Johnson.

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