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Number 3, April 2006
Henry Clay Hofheimer II Library and Phi Beta Kappa
It is Virginia Wesleyan’s vision to become Phi Beta Kappa-caliber by the end of this decade. We will achieve this goal by promoting academic excellence in teaching and learning programs, building a strong and diverse student body and creating a state-of-the-art instructional setting and a campus to support it. Our plans to modernize the Henry Clay Hofheimer II Library and to expand its collection are among the most important steps we must take to become Phi Beta Kappa-caliber.
The Library Modernization and Expansion
The Hofheimer Library building was built for many purposes. For decades, it housed the president’s office, the business office, advancement and admissions. It was not just the library. As new buildings were added to the campus, those other functions moved out. This has resulted in a legacy floor plan that does not serve the purpose of a library or meet the needs of our students and faculty. For instance, the south end of the 2nd floor is a jumble of inefficient offices.
We will modernize and reconfigure the floor plan. In effect, we will finish the library 35 years after it opened, so that the entire building becomes modern, usable, library space. The modernization will result in greater comfort, improved lighting and a wide range of spaces and furnishings to accommodate many different study styles. A technology classroom and two computers will expand the available teaching space on campus.
To accommodate the 50,000 new volumes and provide students with more useable
space, we will enclose one of the building’s overhangs.
In the new space, there will be a 24-hour study lounge with
Internet access and vending machines.
» Rendering depicting enclosed
portico
» Named book collections
FACT: The Hofheimer Library opened in 1970 and was built at a cost of $1.7 million.
The Library Collection
Hofheimer Library currently holds 127,000 volumes, which is a fine collection for such a young college, but we must add 50,000 volumes to support the needs of a modern rigorous undergraduate research institution.
The new books we are adding are being carefully selected by faculty and the library staff from the publication “Best Books for Academic Libraries,” which lists 88,000 books that a top quality library should contain. The 50,000 new volumes will make the greatest possible impact on the quality of our collection.
Why Books When We Have the Internet?
This question comes up from time to time and it is a good one. There are three primary reasons we will continue to add to our “hard copy” collection.
- Copyrights: Under copyright laws, the only books available for free on the Internet are those published before 1923. Obviously, there have been many important books published since then, particularly in the sciences.
- Readability: Most people will not read more than a few pages on a computer screen. In order to read and digest a 200- or 300-page work, students and faculty need the printed version.
- Reliability: Printed books by reputable publishers tend to be more accurate and reliable than information found on the Internet. Anyone can write anything on a web site.
Progress Toward Our Goal
The Key to the Future Campaign covers five years, from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2008.
As of March 31, 2006, the College was at $35.2 million, an increase of $700,000 since our last update.
Each endowment, each capital improvement and every Annual Fund dollar supports the drive to be Phi Beta Kappa-caliber.
Campaign Leadership Gifts
Robert and Nancy DeFord
The DeFords have made gifts, pledges and planned gifts of $1,151,700 to the Campaign. One gift created the Robert and Nancy DeFord Endowed Scholarship to benefit Virginia Wesleyan students. The DeFord gifts also include support for the Annual Fund for Academic Excellence and the Venture Capital Fund.
The DeFords have supported VWC for many years. One of their gifts created the DeFord Gatehouse at the entrance to our campus. Bob serves on the Board of Trustees and recently completed his term as Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee.
Eleanor and Henry Watts
Close friends and generous supporters of Virginia Wesleyan College, the Watts have gifted $1,017,800 in this Campaign. A portion of their gift will create the Eleanor and Henry Watts Endowed Scholarship. The Watts also included the Annual Fund for Academic Excellence and the Venture Capital Fund in their gift.
Henry is a former Vice Chairman of the Board at Norfolk Southern Corporation and was Chair of the VWC Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2001. He continues to serve on our Board of Trustees.
FACT: There have been 23 gifts of
$250,000 or more to the Key to the Future Campaign.