University of Lynchburg: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
The University of Lynchburg, a private institution rooted in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has a rich history of producing alumni who have made significant contributions across diverse fields. From its humble beginnings as Virginia Christian College in 1903, founded by Josephus Hopwood, the university has fostered an environment of learning and growth, shaping individuals who have gone on to achieve remarkable success. This article explores the stories of some of the University of Lynchburg's most notable alumni, highlighting their achievements and the impact they have had on the world.
A Foundation of Education and Values
Virginia University of Lynchburg has been training leaders for over 130 years. Since its inception, VUL has been coeducational and committed to Biblical principles and the philosophy of self-help. The institution believes that those who study in its classrooms today are tomorrow’s world leaders. Inside the walls of this institution, you will find a wealth of history, a history set in motion by the University’s founding fathers Phillip Fisher Morris, John Mitchell, Jr., Walter H. Brooks, Sr. and other members of the Virginia Baptist State Convention. Inside the classrooms, you will find some of the finest educators in the country. All over the campus, you will find a very gifted and diverse student body, devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and achievements. In keeping with the motto of “Self-help and Interdependence,” VUL is proud to offer higher education to students who may not have the chance to attend larger traditional universities. In a real sense, we see ourselves as the ancient phoenix who recreates itself from the ashes of its past.
Virginia Seminary and College was organized in May 1886 during the 19th annual session of the Virginia Baptist State Convention at the First Baptist Church in Lexington, Va. The Rev. P.F. Morris, pastor of Court Street Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Va., offered the resolution that authorized the establishment of the institution. In July 1886, lawyer James H. Hayes of Richmond was appointed to obtain a charter for the school. During the 1888 session of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, the location of the school in Lynchburg, the plans and specifications for the first brick building, the letting of the contract for the erection of the building and the charter were approved. The cornerstone of the first building was laid in July 1888. The school was opened on Jan. 18, 1890, by Professor R. P.
Notable Alumni in Politics and Public Service
The University of Lynchburg has a strong tradition of producing leaders in the realm of politics and public service. These alumni have dedicated their careers to serving their communities and shaping policy at the local, state, and national levels.
Franklin Perkins Hall: A Democrat, he was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates 1976-2009, serving as minority leader 2002-07. On March 28, 2009 Hall announced that he would retire from the House effective April 14. Governor Tim Kaine appointed him to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board as of the same date. He died on May 26, 2015.
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Stephen Dwayne Newman: An American politician of the Republican Party. He has served in the Virginia General Assembly since 1991, first in the House (1991-1996) and then to the Senate of Virginia (1996-present). In 2016, Newman became president pro tempore of the Senate of Virginia.
Charles D. Poindexter: An American politician. He has been a Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates since 2008, representing the 9th district, made up of Patrick County plus parts of Franklin and Henry Counties.
Alumni Making a Difference in Arts and Entertainment
University of Lynchburg alumni have also made their mark in the world of arts and entertainment, showcasing their creativity and talent in various fields.
Rob Wittstadt: A graduate who has been on the writing team for the CBS hit show S.W.A.T. since its inception in 2017. The show follows the members of a Los Angeles Police Department tactical unit. What if you knew a school shooting was going to happen, but not exactly when and where? That’s the challenge that the characters in the CBS hit show S.W.A.T. faced in a January 3 episode written by a Lynchburg graduate.
Adam Kaufman: An American actor, known for his role in 2002 in the Steven Spielberg science fiction mini-series Taken as Charlie Keys and as Parker Abrams in season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In 1999, he starred in the unaired pilot Brookfield as Jamie Harper.
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Deirdre Quinn: An American actress, known for her role as Miss Texas in the 2000 film Miss Congeniality.
Alumni Excelling in Athletics
The University of Lynchburg has a strong athletic program, and many of its alumni have gone on to achieve success in the world of sports.
- James Blair Bibby: An American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 12-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972 to 1984 with the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and Pittsburgh Pirates, with whom he was a member of its 1979 World Series Champions. He pitched a no-hitter against a team in the midst of a three-year dynasty. Also, in 1981, as a member of the Pirates, he missed out on a perfect game by just one hit, allowing a lead off single, before retiring the next 27 batters he faced.
Alumni Contributions to Science and Research
University of Lynchburg alumni also contribute to science and research. Kaitlyn Okin ʼ25, a student in the Master of Science in Athletic Training program, presented her research at the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Meeting in January.
Alumni Dedicated to Service and Compassion
Many University of Lynchburg alumni are dedicated to serving others and making a positive impact on their communities, embodying the university's values of compassion and social responsibility.
Lee Verrone: Who has logged more than 200 hours in compassion flights taking animals to permanent, loving homes and helping people reach medical centers for treatment. "I love to fly, and I love to help people.
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Dr. Carrie LeCrom: Will work with the girls soccer team at Stellenzicht Secondary School, helping the players develop skills as soccer coaches. Her goal is to give them career skills and empower them to coach younger girls in soccer.
University Presidents Who Graduated From the Institution
Of the university’s 16 presidents, the following 11 were graduates of the institution: Robert C. Woods, William H.R. Powell, Vernon N. Johns, Madison C. Allen, McCarthy C. Sutherland, Benjamin W. Robertson, Leroy Fitts, Melvin R. Boone, Thomas E. Parker, Elisha G.
Preserving History and Tradition
Vintage (and not-so-vintage) editions of The Argonaut, Lynchburg’s yearbook, can now be viewed online, thanks to dedicated donors like Dr. Julius A. Sigler Jr. ’62, ’15 DSc and Janet C. Sigler ’65.
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