Laptop Initiative

In fall 1998 Longwood was the first college in the Commonwealth
to require all freshmen to have a laptop computer. Following the success of the “Laptop Initiative,” Longwood has continued to integrate technology throughout the learning process. Today the campus is wireless and students can connect to the Internet via their laptops from anywhere on campus.

Great Fire of 2001

On 24 April 2001 fire damaged or destroyed more than 200,000 square feet of building space including the signature Rotunda. No lives were lost and no serious injuries were suffered. President Cormier declared “The Ruffners are going to be rebuilt and they will be rebuilt in the way in which they were designed.”

Longwood College becomes Longwood University

In April 2002 former Governor Mark Warner signed legislation changing Longwood’s status from college to university. The change took effect 1 July 2002.

Longwood’s First Campaign

On 19 April 2002 Longwood officially launched the public phase of its comprehensive campaign, a turning point: The Campaign for Longwood. The campaign concluded on 30 June 2003, one year ahead of schedule, with more than $33 million in contributions.

Division I NCAA

On 12 November 2002 Longwood President Dr. Patricia P. Cormier informed the NCAA of Longwood’s intention to reclassify its intercollegiate athletic program to Division I status. The decision to move to Division I is part of Longwood’s overall strategic plan to raise the visibility and profile of the University.

Brock Commons

Brock Commons, a beautifully landscaped pedestrian mall and gathering place, was dedicated on 24 April 2004. Named in honor of benefactors Macon and Joan Brock, ’64, Brock Commons occupies the former Pine Street, a busy, congested, and dangerous thoroughfare that bisected the campus.

Cormier Center for Citizen Scholars

In June 2004 the Longwood University Board of Visitors adopted a resolution renaming the previously established Center for Citizen Scholars in honor of the Cormiers. The Cormier Center for Citizen Scholars provides select students with opportunities to enhance their educational experiences while contributing to the betterment of society.

Presidential Naming Program

In September 2004 three major buildings on campus were named in honor of Longwood’s three most recent former presidents.Lancer Hall was named Willett Hall for Dr. Henry I. Willett Jr., president from 1967-1981; the library was named Greenwood Library for Dr. Janet D. Greenwood, president from 1981-1987; and the dining hall was named Dorrill Dining Hall for Dr. William F. Dorrill, president from 1988-1996.

Rotunda and Ruffner Hall Rededication

Nearly four years to the day after Ruffner Hall was destroyed by fire, Longwood’s signature building was rededicated in a ceremony on 23 April 2005. Thousands attended the event and representatives of classes from 1931 to 2005 took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Roy Clark Benefit Concert

Last year country music legend Roy Clark performed his 13th benefit concert at Longwood. Proceeds from the concert benefit the Roy Clark Music Scholarship which he established in memory of his parents.

New Science Center

The new state-of-the-art science center officially opened last December and became the home of the Department of Natural Sciences.

Longwood Landings, A Public/Private Partnership

In fall 2006 Longwood Landings at Midtown Square, a $20 million student housing and retail project, opened on Main Street adjacent to campus. The Landings includes four, four-story buildings with the top three floors as residential and the ground floors as retail.