Economics Prof. Ken Elzinga and his wife Terry are moving out of Pavilion IV at the end of this month.
The Board of Visitors selected Politics Prof. Larry J. Sabato in October to fill the vacancy in Pavilion IV.
"I'm pleased with that choice," Elzinga said, "especially that the choice was a professor in the College."
Pavilion IV was one of the benefits given to Elzinga for being the first recipient of the Cavalier's Distinguished Teaching Professorship.
Pavilion residents live on the Lawn during five-year terms that have a one-time opportunity for renewal.
The Elzingas have lived on the Lawn for the maximum 10 years.
"Living on the Lawn has been one of the greatest honors of my career," Elzinga said.
Thousands of students have visited Pavilion IV in the past decade, whether during the lighting on the Lawn, for dinner, or during a meeting.
College student and Lawn resident Tim Johnson said the Elzingas have been a great asset to Lawn residents.
"In my experience they have always opened their pavilion to the University community, and in that sense we will miss them," Johnson said.
After a decade on the Lawn, Elzinga's only lament is for his dog, Little Rotunda, who has lived his entire life in the shadow of the big Rotunda.
"We're just grateful for our 10 years here," Elzinga said, "but I'm afraid I haven't broken the news to Little Rotunda yet."
College student and Lawn resident Tim Lovelace spoke highly of the Elzingas, and said he is confident that Sabato will make a good Lawn resident.
"I know that the Elzingas have offered a lot to the atmosphere on the Lawn and to the University at large, and I know that Professor Sabato will do the same," Lovelace said.
Board Secretary Alexander "Sandy" Gilliam, explained how the Board determines pavilion residency. The precedence begins with the provost and vice president of student affairs, then goes to deans, and then to teaching faculty.
"But above all what the board looks for is what is loosely defined as someone who would be a good Lawn citizen," Gilliam said. "Someone who is willing to frequently interact with their student neighbors."
Sabato enthusiastically accepted the offer to live on the Lawn.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to have been selected," Sabato said, "I consider it a great honor with obligations."
Joshua Scott, communications director for the Center for Politics, emphasized how anxious Sabato is to fulfill his responsibilities as a pavilion resident.
Sabato "realizes that he has really big shoes to fill," Scott said. "The Elzingas have been a fixture on the Lawn for a decade now. They have truly lived up to the Jeffersonian ideal for Lawn residents."
Sabato will move into Pavilion IV in mid-March after Facilities Management has completed some routine renovations.
"Thirty years ago I lived on the Lawn in 16 East," Sabato said. "I never imagined living in a pavilion
it's simply delightful."
The Elzingas will complete their move at the end of this month. They are moving into a house that they have owned and rented out for the past 10 years.
"And yes, Little Rotunda will have a yard," Elzinga said.
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