Charles S. Garvin Lake, originally Gee Lake, was formed when additional soil was needed to level the ground during the construction of Memorial Stadium. It is known for its sitting area, walking path, and resident ducks and geese. Garvin Lake is located in front of the Performing Arts Center next to Highway 24/50. It is one of the many beautiful campus features that make up the face of the university as seen from the highway. In 2020 the lake was renamed in honor of Charles Garvin, the first Black student to receive a Master's degree from East Texas State University.