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In
honor of Benjamin Franklin Dewees Runk
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| Tree species: |
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Thuja occidentalis |
| Common name: |
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Eastern Arborvitae |
| Location: |
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Gilmer Hall |
| Date planted: |
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1976 |
On April 13, 1973 Benjamin Franklin Dewees Runk was presented
with the Thomas Jefferson Award for his "singular
devotion and distinction" in serving the University
and its community of students, faculty and alumni. Then
University President Edgar F. Shannon Jr., who named Runk
as recipient of the award, said of Runk in his citation
to the University on Founders Day, "he deeply loves
the University of Virginia and cares deeply about its
members, especially its student members. |
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He is tireless on their behalf, and ever ready to undertake,
and to accomplish, extra tasks far beyond the call of duty.
He teaches and inspires us all by the example that he sets."
B.F.D. Runk was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He was a student
in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Virginia
in the mid-twenties and received his Bachelor of Science, Master
of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy from the University. He
joined the faculty in 1939 and became Professor of Biology in
1956. During President Colgate Darden's incumbency he served
as University Advisor to Students, later becoming Dean of the
University. During his time in this position he helped the student
government change from a system directed by administrative officers
to one primarily of self-government. He held the position of
Dean until 1968. In 1973 he held the Samuel Miller Chair of
Experimental Agriculture and Forestry, with special responsibility
as Coordinator of Farms and Forests for the Blandy Experimental
Farm and Seward Forest.
(Edgar F. Shannon Jr., "Citation upon the Presentation
of The Thomas Jefferson Award" April 13, 1973.)
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