Limestone College President Dr. Walt Griffin is shown with his wife, Penni, and family Friday beside a plaque that displays the new name of the physical education center. Griffin was joined at the ceremony by his four children — Megan, Rebecca, Kathleen and Shawn. He has eight grandchildren. (Ledger photo / SCOTT POWELL) After seeing Limestone College through dark days, it seemed only fitting that longtime president Dr. Walt Griffin would have a building named in his honor.

Griffin’s relatives and local residents gathered Friday afternoon for an outdoor ceremony to dedicate the Walt Griffin Physical Education Center. The president’s four children traveled from as far away as Houston and Iowa to witness the college honor their father.

Griffin, who became president at the college in 1992, was instrumental in the decision to construct the physical education center in 2005. The 16,224-square-foot building houses the athletic training education program, the Limestone wrestling practice area, a fitness center, classrooms, locker rooms and offices for coaches and faculty.

Limestone College Board of Trustees recently voted unanimously to forever tie Griffin’s name to the building.

“I’m humbled and flattered by the decision of the Board of Trustees to name the physical education facility after me,” Griffin said. “This honor is a reflection of the labor and accomplishments by all the people in the Limestone College family who were involved in the construction of this magnificent structure. This building perfectly reflects our focus on academics and athletics.”

During Griffin’s presidency, Limestone College has seen its full-day enrollment increase from 274 students in 1992 to 817 students this fall. The college budget has been balanced for 17 consecutive years and 10 buildings have been renovated.

Winnie Davis Hall of History is nearly finished while plans are under way to build a new residential hall on campus, according to Griffin. The college is also planning a multimillion dollar capital campaign to upgrade the library and athletic facilities.

“In the words of a song by The Carpenters, ‘We’ve only just begun,’” Griffin said.

Limestone College faculty member Charles Cunning said the college’s recent accomplishments have occurred because of the president’s strong leadership.

“I remember when I took my son on a tour of the campus back in 1992. He was shocked at the condition of the buildings and wondered aloud why anyone would want to come to Limestone,” Cunning said. “Today, Limestone College has been invested with a new sense of vitality and energy. Every academic program is growing. This turnaround in Limestone’s fortunes is a tribute to the great leadership we have received from Dr. Griffin during his presidency here.”