Culbertson Hall dedicated in Sept. 8 ceremony

Professor Culbertson and his wife, Nancy B. Culbertson ’77, pose with the plaque that now adorns the front entrance of Culbertson Hall.  “This has been a terrific day for me and my family,” Culbertson said. The Culbertsons have three children: Jeffrey, James and Deidre Culbertson Church ’84.

The College’s newest residence hall now officially bears the name of one of its earliest students – George E. Culbertson ‘57.

Culbertson Hall was named in recognition of Culbertson’s many years of dedicated service and lifelong devotion to the College.

Culbertson came to the College as a student in 1956.  After completing his two-year degree in 1957, he went on to Virginia Tech where he earned a bachelor’s and doctoral degree in mathematics. He taught at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis before returning to the College in 1970 as a mathematics professor. In the 32 years that followed, he served the College as registrar, associate dean, acting vice chancellor and dean, chief financial officer, dean, provost and senior vice chancellor, and finally, chancellor ad interim. Although he officially retired in 2002, Culbertson continues to serve the College as a liaison to technology companies such as Northrop Grumman and CGI.

“George, no one will ever earn this recognition more than you and your family,” Chancellor Emeritus Joseph C. Smiddy said during the dedication ceremony that was attended by more than 100 family members and friends.

The 120-bed facility is the home-away-from-home for members of the freshman class.  Completed in June 2006, Culbertson Hall is the College’s first residential facility to include a fireplace and private rooms. Culbertson Hall features a smart classroom, a multi-purpose/recreation room, lounges on each floor, and a two-bedroom apartment to accommodate the professional residence life staff member.

“It is very fitting that the building on this campus that will bear George’s name is one where students live and learn,” said James N. Gott ’72, chair of the UVa-Wise Board. “Above all the things that George has been to this institution, his heart and his mind always and forever will be with the students – challenging them, encouraging them and guiding them.”

Posted March 21, 2007