Lake Norcentra

Lake Norcentra. . , Originally a gravel pit operated during the early 1900s by Isaac Boomer, Lake Norcentra has served as a focal point of Rochester College since 1959. Early college leaders derived the lake's name from the first institutional name, North Central Christian College. Photographs of Lake Norcentra often appeared on the college's early promotional materials and students readily embraced the symbol. , , The college purchased the initial acreage from Detroit advertising executive Lou Maxon. The property included his estate house, now named Gallaher Center, and the area surrounding Lake Norcentra. Maxon lavishly landscaped his country estate and placed a totem pole on the lake's island. The early students took a cue from that totem pole and decided to become the Warriors. The totem pole is now housed in the lobby of the Garth Pleasant Arena. , , The lake has sparked numerous legends over the years, including stories of a railroad car at the bottom of the lake, a child drowning, and the existence of giant turtles in the lake. Stories connecting Lake Norcentra to marriage proposals began surfacing as early as 1965. In time, the rumor evolved into an assertion that couples daring to walk around the lake three times would end up engaged. , , Ranging from quiet moments of solitude to the mischievous pranks of students, Lake Norcentra has provided countless memories for the college community. Some of the legends have been confirmed, like the railroad car that is now buried by years of eroded soil and leaves. Other legends undoubtedly will emerge as park visitors and the college community continue to enjoy a seasonal display of God's handiwork in the beautiful setting of Lake Norcentra Park.