History & Traditions

History

The founding of Westhampton College in 1914 stemmed from the desire of the Baptists of Virginia to establish a women's college of high standards and quality - a rarity at the turn of the century. Following much discussion and investigation, it was decided to establish the new women's college as a coordinate college with Richmond College.

At that time, Richmond College was located downtown on Grace Street near Lombardy. Virginia Baptists found one block of this campus available and decided the women's college could occupy it. After careful consideration, it was decided that this was not enough room, that Richmond College was growing and expanding, and perhaps a new campus for both colleges was the best idea. The Board of Trustees decided to locate at what was then a very remote West End location. This areas was called Westhampton, and the lake in the center of this location was called Westhampton Lake. The new women's college was given the name Westhampton College.

The area on the south side of the lake where the new women's college would be was completely barren. The area on the other side of the lake was heavily wooded. The first building built was named Westhampton College, and that was the only name it went by for many years. Now it is called North Court. The other original buildings of the University are Thomas Hall, Jeter Hall, Ryland Hall, and the first or front portion of Sarah Brunet Hall, which served as the dining hall for the Richmond College students.

In 1898, women were admitted to Richmond College. At first, most of these women were daughters of faculty members. About 65 women attended Richmond College and for a couple of years prior to the opening of Westhampton College, they worked and organized to prepare for "their college." Consequently, when Westhampton opened in 1914, four classes were in place. Also, organizations, activities, and traditions were already planned and in progress that very first year.

Dr. Frederic W. Boatwright, President, appointed Dr. May L. Keller as the first Dean of Westhampton College. He insisted that this new Dean be a woman (the first woman dean in Virginia), a Baptist, and have a Ph.D. Due to her well-disciplined academic background, she set high standards for Westhampton College. The first women to attend Westhampton College were highly motivated and determined. This excellence has continued to this day and most assuredly will continue into the future.

Traditions

The uniqueness of the Westhampton College environment provides opportunity for special events, which build and enrich a sense of community, including the following events:

PROCLAMATION NIGHT:

This candlelight ceremony, that brings together the first year and senior women, emphasizes the importance of the Honor Code, the signing of the pledge by each first year woman and the official recognition of new students as members of the college community. In addition, every first year woman writes a letter to herself, which contains her thoughts about how she will grow, develop, and change during the coming years; she will read this letter during the Proclamation Night of her senior year.

FIRST YEAR STUDENT TREE PLANTING:

Each spring, the first year class plants a tree as a gift to Westhampton College. The branches of the class tree represent the growth experienced by each student; the roots represent the roots students put down as members of the University Community. The tree as a whole symbolizes the strength and permanency of the Westhampton spirit.

RING DANCE:

The most memorable and unique of the Westhampton College formal functions is the Junior Ring Dance where the junior class women, their parents, and escorts join together in celebration. Each of the women is introduced and her academic pursuits are announced. The class forms the shape of a "W" as each student is individually recognized.

SENIOR CELEBRATION NIGHT:

The Westhampton College Dean's Office and the University of Richmond Alumni Association annually sponsor a dinner for the senior class to celebrate their impending graduation and alumnae status.  Special awards are given, and an alumna addresses the class.  Distinguished Leadership Awards are given to outstanding senior women, as well as other college awards.