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(l. to r.) Stuart Laughon, Pepper Laughon, Anne Andrews,
Ira Andrews, President Lindgren
Click here for a slideshow from the event. |
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Andrews Hall, a 108-bed, suite-style freshmen facility. |
Randolph-Macon College held a ground-breaking ceremony on Monday, October 25, 2010 in honor of the construction of a new residence hall. Andrews Hall, a residence for freshmen, is expected to be completed in August 2011.
R-MC President Robert R. Lindgren welcomed guests to the ground-breaking site, located near the football field on Henry Street. “This is a great day in the life of the college and the tangible beginning of a campus Renaissance that will make the quality of our facilities the equal of our wonderful academic programs,” said Lindgren. “Students often choose a college based on visual appeal and quality of life issues, and this beautiful new residence hall will be a major draw for the next generations of Randolph-Macon students, because it combines beauty with comfort and modern conveniences – all the things students are looking for.”
Ira Andrews III ’59
The hall is named in honor of Ira Andrews III ’59, R-MC professor emeritus of
religious studies and retired dean of students. Andrews’ collective experience at the college spans more than 50 years. As a student, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and was a member of Clericus and the Glee Club. After graduating, Andrews earned a master of divinity degree from Emory University, where he was elected to Omicron Delta Kappa. He returned to R-MC as a professor of religious studies and was later appointed to serve as dean of students. He is also an ordained Methodist minister.
New Residence Hall
The Andrews Hall, a 108-bed, suite-style freshmen facility, will include a 1,500-square-foot common room for academic and student organization use, study areas, a gaming/TV room, a laundry facility, a staff apartment and a community porch. Construction of the Hall was made possible by a lead gift by Frank E. “Pepper” Laughon Jr. ’59 and his wife Stuart.
“This great new facility, which will allow us to house more students on campus and to grow modestly over the next decade, would not have been possible without the generosity of Stuart and Pepper Laughon,” said Lindgren.
The Laughons
Laughon serves on the R-MC Board of Trustees, Student Affairs Committee, the Athletic Committee and as chair of the Greek Alumni Advisory Board. In 2003, the Laughons established the Pepper and Stuart Laughon Commitment to Community Award, which is presented annually to an R-MC student organization or individual making significant contributions to enrich the lives of others. In 2007, Laughon received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his service to the college.
Lindgren and the Andrews were joined by the Laughons and Board of Trustees member and chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee Harold Starke ’67 as ground was broken. Others who participated in the ceremony were: Treasurer John Ahladas, Provost William Franz, Dean of Admissions David Lesesne, Vice President for Advancement Diane Lowder, Dean of Students Grant Azdell, Student Government Association President Jim Davidson ’11, Alexis Durnwirth ’11, Brandon Alwan ’11, and Maurice Law, project manager, English Construction.
“We are honored that this beautiful residence hall is named after our beloved Ira Andrews,” said Lindgren. "Over the amazing span of five decades, Ira has been an inspirational teacher, wise and steady dean of students, and mentor and friend to legions of students, faculty and staff. Ira has left an indelible mark on R-MC; no one is left unchanged for the better for having encountered this fine, gentle man. This building bearing his name will memorialize his service and recognize him forever. I am delighted that this exciting project is officially underway. I hold this shovel on behalf of our future students, who I know will appreciate what we are starting today.”
Breaking Ground: New Construction at R-MC
Bricks. Mortar. Turf. And a backhoe or two. The Randolph-Macon College campus is undergoing major changes in conjunction with its Master Plan. Development of the Plan, which was approved in February 2009 by the Board of Trustees, was a collaborative process involving faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and members of the surrounding community.
With the addition of a new residence hall, new tennis courts, new baseball and football fields, an update to the library, and renovations to Fox Hall and Haley Hall, a bright future is slated for R-MC.
A few highlights from Phase One:
Smith Street was moved about a block north of its original location.
Fox Hall renovations of new furniture, new windows and classroom upgrades were completed earlier this year.
The Andrews Residence Hall construction is underway, and the expected completion date is August 2011. The building will have solar panels and a geothermal HVAC system.
A ribbon-cutting and dedication celebrating the opening of the
new tennis courts was held on October 9.
The
new Hugh F. Stephens baseball field will be completed in early spring 2011. The Yellow Jackets’ first game will take place against St. Mary’s.
Construction on
the John B. Werner Pavilion at the McGraw-Page Library will begin in spring 2011. The pavilion will provide a 24/7 study space.
The
new football field will be moved to a north-south position. It is projected to be completed in summer 2012.
Be sure to visit
www.rmc.edu in the coming weeks for a feature focusing on new construction, plans and photos. The R-MC Web cam, located on the northwest corner of campus, will monitor construction progress.