BANNER ELK, N.C. – The Lees-McRae Athletics Department celebrated the dedication of the Talbert-Morrill Family Pavilion and Morrill Scoreboard at the Fred I. Dickerson Athletic Complex on Saturday morning, during a special ceremony as part of the college's alumni soccer weekend.
The event brought together college leadership, alumni, student-athletes, and supporters to honor a transformative gift from longtime supporter and alumnus Dr. Charles Lynn Lewis '75. Rather than naming the facility after himself, Lewis chose to recognize individuals who have significantly shaped the college community: Head Women's Soccer Coach and Senior Women's Athletic Administrator Cally Morrill, and her spouse and former Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations Dr. Katie Talbert.
"Lynn is someone who believes deeply in this institution and the people who make it special," President Lee King said. "His support has touched so many areas of campus—from scholarships to academic programs to athletics—and today's dedication is another example of his commitment to honoring others."
Lewis personally led a recent effort to resurrect a scholarship in honor of beloved former faculty member Dr. Lewis Hall that had lacked sufficient funds to be endowed. With Lewis' financial commitment and the college's support, this scholarship will assist students for years to come, starting this fall.
"What matters most to me is recognizing the people who have truly made an impact on my life—the ones who have shown me kindness, offered genuine friendship, and, in many ways, allowed me or current students to stand on their shoulders," Lewis said. "I believe deeply that people who give so freely of themselves to a mission they care about deserve to be honored. This is my way of doing that—of saying thank you and making sure Katie's and Cally's commitment and contributions are never forgotten."
Not only is Lewis generous himself, but he seeks to inspire others to give and is doing so by allowing his contribution to serve as a challenge gift for the Bobcat Club during the college's Giving Month, which will help support all team sports.
Morrill has recorded 123 wins and has coached the Bobcats for nine collective seasons. She is a five-time Conference Coach of the Year, earning the accolades in the South Atlantic Conference (2012, 2013) and Conference Carolinas (2011, 2021, 2024). In addition to her work on the soccer field, Morrill also serves as Senior Woman Administrator, supporting departmental leadership and student-athlete advocacy, and as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business and Management, teaching Sport Management courses that prepare students for careers in the sports industry.
Talbert enjoyed success while serving as a fundraiser and leader in alumni relations at Lees-McRae, and together they share a great love and passion for the college and athletic program.
This dedication represents a major investment in a facility that serves nearly 200 athletes across multiple programs. Director of Athletics and Club Sports Ed Winters noted that the enhancement will have a lasting impact well beyond women's soccer, supporting training, competition, and community engagement.
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