He considers it the “perfect memorial” for his late wife. And on Oct. 2, surrounded by his family and the Elon campus community, Royall Spence Jr. ’42 dedicated the part of the Academic Village that bears her name. Details…
At College Coffee, President Leo M. Lambert and Department of Philosophy Chair Anthony Weston lauded the new facility and Spence’s generosity to his alma mater. The Spences donated more than 47,000 volumes to the former McEwen Library in honor of his father. Royall Spence also created an endowment for the library and made a gift to name Colclough residence hall in honor of his mentor and friend, George D. Colclough ’26.
Royall Spence Jr. served 22 years on Elon’s Board of Trustees, including as vice chair from 1974 to 1989, and as chair from 1989 to 1991.
President Lambert presented Spence with a framed photo of the pavilion before Spence stepped to the microphone.
“I spent several years searching for the perfect memorial for her,” Spence said of his late wife. “I don’t know if any arrangement could better commemorate our lives together. I know Luvene would appreciate being remembered in this fashion. I am extremely grateful to my family and friends for taking the time to join me on this special occasion in my life.
“Elon brought us together,” he said of Luvene, “and now, because of this, Elon will keep the memory of us together for many years to come. Thank you dear friends, and thank you Elon.”
After applause of appreciation, Spence cut the ribbon spanning the entrance to the pavilion and walked inside, ceremoniously opening the building. Both departments will host an open house Tuesday afternoon in the pavilion.