News Release
Main Hall Preservation Fund: $1 Million Raised for Main Hall
Thanks to the generous gifts from the university community, including a dollar-for-dollar matching donation from the Wheatley Family Charitable Fund, Southern Virginia University raised more than $1 million for its newly established Main Hall Preservation Fund.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has linked arms with us to invest in the Main Hall Preservation Fund,” said President Bonnie H. Cordon. “It is a privilege to care for this historic building together with everyone across generations who have called this campus home.”
“It was a thrill and honor to dedicate this giving season to Main Hall,” added Deidra Dryden, vice president of advancement for Southern Virginia University. “We’re thankful for everyone who stepped up and contributed to Main Hall, and we’re proud of the work already done so far!”
After meeting and exceeding its inaugural campaign goal for the Main Hall Preservation Fund, Southern Virginia University immediately partnered with Roofing Innovations LLC, a regional roofing firm, to begin exterior repairs on the nearly 150-year-old historical landmark building.
“We are thrilled to share that we’ve already completed a first round of much-needed repairs to Main Hall’s exterior,” said Tyson Cooper, the university’s vice president of finance and operations. “We partnered with an expert contractor to address the most vulnerable areas, including repairing and replacing roofing tiles, flashing and ridge caps, and gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
“When you’re working with a building of this magnitude and historic significance, there will always be a constant need for care, repair, and maintenance,” continued Cooper. “Right now, we’re focusing on sealing and protecting the exterior of the building to allow for further interior revitalizations down the road.”
“It’s been great to see the work being done on Main Hall, and we are excited about what’s next,” said Jessi Whipple, the director of advancement operations. “We’re so grateful to everyone who showed their love and support for Southern Virginia University and Main Hall!”
In addition to the exterior of Main Hall, several areas of the interior have been updated over the past several years, including the HVAC and sprinkler systems, and recently new carpeting on the main staircase and in the McBride-Engberson Conference Room.
“Main Hall is central to everyone’s experience at our university,” Whipple continued. “This new fund is dedicated to the ongoing repair and preservation of this amazing building that we all love. We are so grateful for the many people who have and continue to support Main Hall.”