04/01/2025
It is with great pride and fond memories that we dedicate The West Hall Day Room to Charles A. “Gus” Manning, a man who left an enduring mark on Little Creek and all who knew him. Over his nearly six-year stay with us, Gus and I grew close, and I came to cherish his friendship, his wit, and his larger-than-life spirit.
Gus loved his card games, especially Tong, a favorite among a tight-knit group of UT friends who’d been playing together for decades. When Gus came to Little Creek, the tradition continued, and I was lucky enough to join the crew. “Bring your money,” he’d say with a grin, setting the tone for those lively Monday night gatherings in the West Hall Day Room. Even after Gus’s passing, the games pressed on, a testament to the joy and connection he brought to us all.
Now, that same West Hall Day Room has been transformed. The walls sport a fresh coat of paint complete with an orange and white checkerboard design, and a plaque honors Gus’s memory. Knowing him, he’d probably say the plaque is too small—he had a great sense of humor like that.
Here’s to Gus: a friend, a character, and the heart of our Monday nights. The room stands as a tribute to his legacy, and I know he’d be proud (even if he’d tease us about it).
--Bruce Myers, President