Six named to honor roll of distinguished Richmonders

Six former professors and professor- administrators have joined 31 other faculty and staff as members of the University of Richmond Trustees' Honor Roll of Distinguished Faculty, Administrators and Staff.

The six, whose tenures at the University ranged from 1901-86, were inducted posthumously at a ceremony in Boatwright Memorial Library Jan. 8.

The honor roll was established in 1979 to recognize individuals who contributed exemplary service to the University. The criteria for selection includes: concern for students, significant service to the chosen field, contribution and devotion to the institution and "that indefinable quality known as personality."

Twenty-one people were inducted in 1980, and 10 others were added in 1993. Their names are located on a brass tablet in the library's lobby.

The 2006 inductees include:

• Frances Wheeler Gregory, who served as chair of the history department and helped create the history honors program. In 1987 the history department honored her with the creation of the Francis W. Gregory Award, given annually to the best history graduate at Westhampton College.
• William Asbury Harris, who taught ancient languages from 1901-41. He also served as secretary of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society for many years.
• William Hensley Leftwich, who served as professor of psychology, chair of the Department of Psychology and director of the Center for Psychological Services. He also served as associate dean of summer school and director of student services and activities. In 1973 he became vice president for student affairs and served until 1986.
• Caroline Stookey Lutz, who taught English from 1917-59. She often enlisted her students in the University of Richmond Marionette Repertory Theater, which she established in 1930 and expanded through the years.
• Edward Franklin Overton, who guided eight student generations into the field of teaching, serving as professor of education and chair of the education department from 1946-78. He came to the University following practical experience as a public school administrator. Following his retirement, he served on the University's Board of Associates.
• Jean Gray Wright, who taught French from 1930-66 and served as chair of the Department of Modern Languages for 19 years. She was an officer of the Modern Language Association of Virginia and helped found Friends of the Boatwright Memorial Library.

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