University of Virginia Library

A Likely Story

By ALLEN HUGHES

CHARLOTTESVILLE, October 4,
1972- Edgar F. Shannon, President
of the University of Virginia, was
forced to evacuate his home on
Carr's Hill today when 341
upperclassmen knocked on the
president's door and demanded a
place to stay during the academic
year. Mr. Shannon suggested that
they camp on the Lawn but was
informed that 1,289 students had
already set up housekeeping in
front of the Rotunda. President
Shannon reluctantly packed his
bags and moved into the
Downtowner Motor Inn.

The eviction of Shannon was
inevitable. Over the past few years,
despite the state's population
remaining relatively constant, the
University of Virginia has been
steadily admitting more students.
Also, the University hasn't built
new dorms to accommodate the
larger number of students. In
addition, the Charlottesville
landlords have been continuously
raising monthly rents for
apartments.

A few of the students living in
the President's mansion, and some
camped on the Lawns, were
questioned. The majority of them
were quite pleased with finding a
place to live. However, it should be
noted that the campers were
concerned about the coming
winter. They neglected to buy tents
with insulated electric heating.

Mr. Shannon announced in an
interview that "The Downtowner is
a wonderful place to stay." The
president also announced that the
University's enrollment would
increase by 1,045 next year. When
asked were the extra students
would live. Shannon replied, "Scott
Stadium and University Hall are
still vacant."