Today, we were honored to name Village II in honor of Dennie Allen who passed away on September 1, 2016. Since his name began with "A," he was first in line at our very first Commencement in 1970, a distinction he would relish for the rest of his life.
But Dennie’s devotion to Virginia Wesleyan didn’t end with his passing. His will directed that his entire estate be given as a bequest to his alma mater—we remain humbled by this magnificent gesture for which we are very grateful.
But Dennie’s devotion to Virginia Wesleyan didn’t end with his passing. His will directed that his entire estate be given as a bequest to his alma mater—we remain humbled by this magnificent gesture for which we are very grateful.
In Dennie’s honor and memory, we gathered this afternoon to name Village II as Allen Village. It’s a fitting expression of our gratitude to him, our remembrance of him as our first graduate in our first graduating class, and our hopes that students who live and study here will be inspired by what he termed his “happiest day” when he received his diploma. Joining us were Dennie's executor, Jo-Ann Robbins, and friend, Alan Haverson. Also pictured is Archivist Steve Mansfield.
