GCSU’s decision to permanently close the indoor pool at the Wellness and Recreational Center has brought an abrupt end to the scuba diving program that many students and alumni say shaped their college experience.
The university cited the high cost of maintenance and low overall usage as the primary reasons for shutting down the facility. For Professor Scott Stefano, who taught scuba at GCSU for 32 years, the announcement was both unexpected and devastating.
Stefano received an email from university officials informing him that the closure of the pool meant his course no longer had a designated or approved space on campus.
“We were recently informed that the University’s indoor pool will be permanently closed,” said the email. “Unfortunately, this means the scuba class will no longer have a designated, approved location at GCSU to conduct its sessions. I sincerely apologize for this change, and we are deeply grateful for the many years you have dedicated to providing this unique and valuable program to our students in Health and Human Performance
In a Facebook post published on Nov. 4, Stefano expressed disappointment in the decision and frustration that the program had been assured continued support.
“Despite 15 years left on a 30-year, $28,00,000 bond that students will continue to pay for, the lack of desire to maintain a world-class Olympic pool will now be closed off for meeting space or open space or pickleball courts,” said Stefano in the Facebook post. “The estimates to repair are likely less than the cost will be to ‘renovate’. It is a sad day that an elite institution like Georgia College can’t maintain a commitment on a world-class caliber pool for the duration of the loan to past, present and future Bobcats.”
Stefano fostered encouragement as he expressed his interest to continue teaching scuba.
“I will continue introducing people to the wonderful world of scuba, but the friendships, camaraderie and accomplishment in thousands of college students will likely come to an end,” Stefano said.
Students who completed the course said the program was more than a recreational elective. Many described it as a supportive community that made the university stand out.
Jackson Austin-Cruse, a junior nursing major and former scuba student, recalled he enrolled after hearing positive reviews from a friend.
“I had a friend take the program and really enjoyed it and I’ve always wanted to get my scuba license, so when I saw the school offered it, I was excited for the opportunity,” said Austin-Cruse. “It was a lot of fun, even though the classes were in the evening. It was very engaging, and everyone there had a good attitude. I think a lot of it had to do with it being a completely optional program, so everyone there was excited to work towards the same goal.”
He added that the loss of the program means the loss of community.
“I absolutely think that the school is losing something,” Austin-Cruse said. “I think people really bond in scuba class, and especially the certification trip, and the number of former students that come back to help teach the course is proof of that. Mr. Stefano always says once we pass the class, we’re a part of the GCSU scuba family, and I think that’s true.”
While the pool’s closure marks the end of an era, the university has begun soliciting student feedback on how to repurpose the newly available space. A student survey was distributed following the announcement, asking for input on potential uses such as study areas, recreational zones or alternative programming. For those connected to the scuba class, however, the decision feels final and painful.
“It’s a unique program that not many places offer, so I think GCSU stood out with it, and losing it makes us less unique from other schools,” Austin-Cruse said.
For Stefano and the thousands of students he taught, the end of the program is more than a scheduling change. It represents the loss of a tradition that brought challenge, confidence and connection to generations of GCSU students.