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Longwood Celebrates the Future
with style at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond

The Celebration as it begins in the Rotunda of The Jefferson Hotel

Almost one year to the date that Longwood suffered the worst fire in its history, a celebration of the future was held on April 19 at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond as Longwood officials announced a $32 million comprehensive campaign, the most ambitious fund-raising effort ever undertaken by Longwood.

Dr. Patricia P. Cormier, President of Longwood, opened the corporate-sponsored event by welcoming the guests, "Just one year ago, on April 24, the Longwood family suffered greater devastation than we ever could have imagined. And yet, tonight we celebrate our strength and determination to grow and thrive despite extreme adversity."

Nancy Burke Heflin '64, Alice Cheatwood Stallard '59, Donna Perry Andrews '73, Hugh Stallard, Bunny Howell Adams '70, and John Adams

With a theme of "a turning point: The Campaign for Longwood," those attending the event were treated to a special audio-visual presentation created by The Martin Agency of Richmond. The video opened with dramatic footage of the "Great Fire of 2001" while presenting a historical perspective of one of Virginia's oldest colleges and the promise of a new era for Longwood - a turning point." John Adams, president of The Martin Agency and co-chair of the Campaign Major Gifts committee (along with his wife, Delores Howell Adams, Class of 1970), stated, "We thought the anniversary of the fire would be a great time to show the public how much progress has been made at Longwood over the past year. Enrollment is up, the reconstruction plans are underway, and this campaign is off to a tremendous start."

The co-chairs of the campaign, Hugh and Alice Cheatwood Stallard, Class of 1959, spoke to over 220 donors and potential donors gathered in the historic Rotunda of The Jefferson Hotel. "We are proud to serve as co-chairs of this first campaign for Longwood," Mr. Stallard stated. "We believe in Longwood's mission, vision, and leadership. And we believe that, though Longwood is built upon a tradition of excellence and quality, it is in desperate need of private funding to achieve its goals and aspirations."

Dinner in the Grand Ballroom

Following the opening remarks and reception, guests enjoyed dinner in the Grand Ballroom of The Jefferson Hotel along with some very special entertainment by Longwood students. Five current Longwood students, representing the classes of 1841, 1904, 1944, 1969, and 2002, presented individual monologues reflecting upon the history and lore of Longwood College. An elegant torch-passing ceremony symbolizing the spirit of Longwood passing through previous generations to the guests at their tables followed the monologues. The evening ended with a musical presentation of This is The Moment by Longwood's Camerata Singers.

The campaign kickoff event was generously sponsored by The Martin Agency, Wachovia Bank, N.A., Sprint, and Verizon Communications.