Fund Honors the Late Bruce M. Unger

Professor Bruce Unger Political Science

A fund has been established to honor the late Professor Bruce Unger, who taught political science at R-MC from 1968–2008. This fund was created by R-MC Professors Lauren Bell, James Doering, Adrian Rice and Deonna Woolard, all of whom were hired by Unger during his service as acting dean of the college during the 1998-99 academic year. It was established September 1, 2010 on the occasion of these faculty members’ promotions to the rank of professor, with grateful appreciation to Unger for his four decades of leadership and service to Randolph-Macon College and its students. Subsequently, other faculty members have also donated generously to the fund.

Unger joined the faculty in 1968 and served as chair of the political science department from 1999–2002 and from July 2003–February 2004. He was respected by his peers as demonstrated by their election of him to serve numerous years as the faculty representative on the president’s cabinet and as the faculty liaison to the Board of Trustees. He worked hard to engage and challenge students in the classroom and was just as diligent in helping them secure internships and research projects. Remembered for his wit, humor, and zest for life, Unger loved to travel and would delight his colleagues and students with stories about what he learned. He understood that one’s education does not stop in the classroom; rather, he believed that experiential learning is equally as important as formal instruction for gaining insight and understanding.

To carry on Unger’s example of lifelong inquiry, the fund is designed to help faculty members and students defray the cost or enhance the experience of professional or personal experiential learning opportunities. As Bell explains, “Bruce traveled frequently to supervise internships and to attend professional conferences and events. He was passionate about exploring and experiencing the culture—especially the food—of the places he visited. We established this fund to give our colleagues and our students the chance not only to go to conferences or to do an internship, but also to experience the cultural opportunities available in the places they go.”

In recognition of his lasting influence on the college and his many students, the college named Unger’s former office, Fox Hall 105, in his honor. A formal dedication of his office took place on Saturday, October 15, 2011.

For those seeking additional details or who are interested in making a gift to support this fund, contact Vice President for Advancement Diane Lowder at dianelowder@rmc.edu or (804) 752-7350.