In an effort to recognize major philanthropic contributors to the University, the Board of Visitors named a pedestrian bridge, three professorships and two Medical School libraries in honor of the donors Saturday.
The pedestrian bridge is named after former Board member Bill Goodwin and his wife Alice, University Rector Gordon Rainey said. The bridge now is known as the Goodwin Bridge and currently is under construction. When complete, it will span Emmet Street near Massie Road.
"Mr. Goodwin's leadership and eight years of experience as chairman of the finance committee is just extraordinary," Rainey said. "We wanted to express our appreciation to Bill and his wife for their combined generosity."
The bridge signifies Goodwin's essential leadership position on the finance committee, Rainey added.
"It is important because it is symbolic," he said. "It connects North and Central Grounds just like Goodwin's leadership and generosity has touched all parts of Grounds."
Goodwin said he and his wife appreciate the tribute.
"I was overwhelmed," Goodwin said. "I've tried to help U.Va., so it was a great honor."
Additionally, the Board created professorships in religion, culture and social theory, pharmacology and law. There currently 432 such endowed professorships, University spokesperson Carol Wood said.
"The professorships are the result of private funding that enables the University to compete for the best teachers and resources," Wood said. "It is one way for chairs to achieve excellence by supporting top professors."
Wood said the professorships have been established but recipients have not yet been named.
Board Secretary Alexander "Sandy" Gilliam Jr. said the three new professorships are unique in the way in which they are funded.
African Americans in the Law School primarily funded the law professorship, Gilliam said.
Joseph Larner is one contributor to the pharmacology professorship, which Gilliam said will focus on diabetes to maintain interest in this area.
Finally, Gilliam said Wynette LaBrosse and Frank Levinson's interest in science and religion led them to create the religion, culture and social theory professorship that seeks to explain ideas related to how science affects religion and to develop answers to these questions.
The Board also christened the di Benedetto Library and the Sarah DuBose Fund Family Education Room in the Medical School.
Robert Boyle, a doctor in the Neonatology unit, said the new Family Education Room will serve as a teaching library for patients and their families.
"We want to have material readily available to serve as a teaching tool to the families," Boyle said.
The new room will include a multimedia library with Internet access.
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