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Celebrating Clarke Heritage Society Members
Special group of Virginia Wesleyan supporters honored at annual luncheon
University News | November 29, 2018
The Lambuth M. and Alice A. Clarke Heritage Society Recognition Luncheon was held on campus November 29, honoring a special group of Virginia Wesleyan supporters who have chosen to include Virginia Wesleyan in their estate plans.
Alice Clarke and her daughter, Virginia Hitch, attended the annual event, held in the Pearce Hospitality Suite. Mrs. Clarke and her late husband, Lambuth, president of Virginia Wesleyan from 1966 to 1992, planted many of the seeds of Wesleyan’s future success.
One of the University’s signature establishments, the Heritage Society was formed many years ago by Wesleyan friends and family with the Clarkes among the inaugural founders. In 2016, the society was named in recognition of the Clarkes, whose name has long stood for admirable values and extraordinary service.
Lunch guests heard a special preview of “Sing We Now of Christmas,” performed by Wesleyan Vox Vera and led by choral director Bryson Mortensen. The forthcoming Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, opening in March, will be the new home of the Wesleyan Choirs and other VWU performers. During the luncheon, President Scott D. Miller presented building namesake and Trustee Susan Goode with a handmade piano hammer—a meaningful souvenir sent from Steinway & Sons in New York City following the selection of VWU’s concert grand piano earlier this month.
Dr. Miller also paid tribute to special friends of Virginia Wesleyan that were lost this year—Macon Brock, Bob Boyd, Anne Shumadine, and Robert Nusbaum. “These four individuals each made a tremendous impact on Virginia Wesleyan in lasting ways,” he said, “and we honor their memory, their generous spirit, and their legacy of devotion to our institution.”
The event concluded with additional musical selections by Wesleyan Vox Vera.
Learn more about The Lambuth M. and Alice A. Clarke Heritage Society