VIENNA, WV – Ohio Valley University recognized two northern Virginia couples for their long-term generosity to the institution by formally dedicating the women’s residential hall and general commons area Friday, June 6, 2008.
Herman Sidwell and his late wife Emily, who passed away last year, as well as Dick and Mildred Smith, have been active supporters of Christian higher education in the northeastern United States for a number of years. Both families are members of the Falls Church, Virginia Church of Christ. In addition, Dick Smith served as a trustee for Northeastern Christian Junior College and continues to serve as an active member of the OVU board today.
“The word generous cannot fully describe what these two families have meant to our mission here,” OVU President Dr. James A. Johnson observed. “Their commitment inspires us all.”
The University’s board of trustees elected to name the women’s dormitory Smith Hall in honor of Richard E. and Mildred Smith. The commons area, which separates the women’s dormitory from Rampy Hall, named a year ago to honor Gordon and Roberta Rampy, has been named the Sidwell Commons in honor of Herman and Emily Sidwell.
“We could not be more pleased with the board’s decision,” Johnson remarked. “The names Sidwell and Smith will now be as significant to our students as the facilities they represent.”
“It is an honor for Mildred and me to be recognized by OVU for our support and contributions over the years,” Dick Smith said. “We both believe in education because it is so important. Ohio Valley University’s curriculum is designed to promote education in a Christian environment, thus giving the student what he or she needs for the work force. Education is something that you need in every aspect of life. OVU prepares students to meet the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in the work force.”
OVU board members and their wives, administrators, students and members of the Smith family took part in the dedication ceremony. Remarks were made by both OVU President Johnson and Mr. Dick Smith. T
o learn more about OVU visit, www.ovu.edu
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