Preserving WVU’s Buildings
I was really pleased to read the article by Barbara Rasmussen in the summer issue on preserving WVU’s wonderful old and historic buildings. These irreplaceable buildings and the memories of them link many generations of WVU students. The university deserves praise for its careful planning for the preservation of the landmark buildings on the downtown campus, including the application to list 25 additional buildings on the National Register.
As a vice president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the nation’s leading private preservation organization, I can tell you that not all university campuses have been as thoughtful as WVU about historic buildings—in fact, WVU is considered a leader.
Additionally, I have always been impressed how WVU’s old campus and downtown Morgantown have coexisted so well over the years without encroaching on each other. In fact, the National Trust awarded downtown Morgantown its Great American Main Street Award a few years ago and we often cite Morgantown as a model revitalized historic downtown commercial district. The university should begin thinking about its architectural landmarks of the recent past—those that will become 50 years old in the next 10–15 years and therefore eligible for the National Register. I am thinking of great buildings like the Creative Arts Center and the Coliseum—and even a transportation landmark like the PRT.
Congratulations to WVU for its sensitivity to its built environment and congratulations to the Alumni Magazine for understanding the importance of this issue to the university’s future. Great campuses and towns help attract great students. As always, I am proud to be a WVU graduate.
Greg Coble ’73 BSJ, ’74 MPA
Arlington, VA
Proud Chemical Engineering Grad
The recent issue of the WVU Alumni Magazine is outstanding. In particular, articles about Glen Hiner and Verl Purdy, both chemical engineering academy members were great. I am a 1955 graduate in Chemical Engineering and a member of the academy. And a big fan of Rod Hundley back then. I have lived in many areas, now the Louisville area. Never prouder of WVU than in recent NCAA.
Dave Hall ’55
BSCH
Our Great Professors
Thank you so very much for publishing my account of having the great Dr. Barns for West Virginia history.
Your tremendous response shows, very clearly, how important teachers are in forming our ideas, beliefs, and futures. This series is a wonderful way to say “thank you” to those great individuals at West Virginia University who devoted their lives to helping others.
Tom Witten, ’71 MA