Furniture and boxes were unloaded next to Pavilion III yesterday as the honored new occupants prepared to settle into their home.
Patricia Lampkin, vice president for student affairs, said she is very excited about moving back to the Lawn. She and her husband, Director of Alumni Affairs Wayne Cozart, previously lived on the Lawn on the second floor of Pavilion VIII from 1988-1992.
The Board of Visitors chose Lampkin and Cozart to reside in Pavilion III during their May meeting. The Pavilions are primarily for deans and senior vice presidents. When one becomes vacant, the Board of Visitors decides who would be the most appropriate person to live on the Lawn, according to University spokesperson Carol Wood.
"Board members were very excited to give Pat and Wayne the opportunity to live in Pavilion III because they know the contributions they have made to the University and will continue to make living on the Lawn," Wood said.
The Board of Visitors selected Lampkin and Cozart after years of renowned dedication to the University and its students, according to Board Rector Thomas Farrell, II.
"We look for faculty that will use the Pavilions in the way that they were originally intended -- which is to remain close to the University students,"Farrell.
Board member Alan Diamonstein reiterated that Lampkin and Cozart were chosen because of their reputation for extreme closeness and affinity for University students.
Lampkin and Cozart said they loved living on the Lawn, and that they are thrilled to be back. They added that they were especially excited to have been chosen at this time because their children are still living at home and will be able to experience life on the Lawn.
Lampkin said now that she lives so close to her office in the Rotunda, life will be a lot easier. She added that the new home will allow her to spend more time with her kids, Colleen, 15, and Hayes, 14. Cozart speculated that Colleen might recall some memories of living on the Lawn as a small child.
Thirteen years ago, Lampkin and Cozart entertained guests twice a week which enabled them to get to know other Lawn residents quite well.
Though the couple said they are not sure if they will entertain quite this much in their new home, they do plan to have frequent get-togethers with other Lawn residents such as garden parties, formal dinners, and movie nights.
"We see it as an obligation of living on the Lawn to interact with other Lawn residents," Cozart said.
The main front room will be used as a classroom for three of Lampkin's classes this year. They plan to hook up an entertainment center, equipped with a widescreen television and computers with Internet access, in the main room for class use and also for other Lawn residents.
"We will make sure that we are active on the Lawn," Lampkin said.
Lampkin and Cozart will live between some of the University's most prominent members. Education Dean David Breneman and Donna Plasket, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Director, live in Pavilion I, while University Vice President and Provost Gene D. Block, resides in Pavilion V.
However, like students living on the Lawn, Lampkin and Cozart will pay a monthly rent, which is determined by the Board. The said the Pavilion is considered below market value so they also have to pay an income tax on the difference.
But living on the Lawn is not all perks. While they said the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, the location will make it harder to separate their professional and personal lives -- it could be a challenge to find a place to retreat and get away from University life every once in awhile.
Lampkin and Cozart said they will live in Pavilion III for the next five years and then have the option to renew the lease.
"It's very easy to burn out being a public figure on the Lawn, so it is a good thing that you have the option to renew," Cozart said.
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