University of Virginia Library

RESOLUTION IN MEMORY OF JOHN LLOYD NEWCOMB

The Rector announced to the Board the death of John Lloyd Newcomb, and spoke briefly
of Mr. Newcomb's half century of service to the University as alumnus, teacher, dean,
assistant to the president, president, and since his retirement in 1947, as an advisor
on new construction and planning. The following memorial resolution, drafted by the Rector,
was adopted by unanimous vote of the Board

THAT WHEREAS, the University of Virginia has, in the passing of John Lloyd Newcomb on
February 22, 1954, lost a man who lived and died in unselfish love and devotion to her interests;

AND WHEREAS, it now becomes appropriate to express, not only our grief, but also our deep
appreciation of the significant contributions of John Lloyd Newcomb, the University's second
President, to her advancement and welfare,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the Board of Visitors of the University
of Virginia, in meeting assembled, that this Board records its deep appreciation of the
ability and devotion with which John Lloyd Newcomb discharged the difficult and onerous tasks
which are part and parcel of the burdens of the Presidency of this University,

Of his accomplishments in the erection of Clark Hall, Thornton Hall, the Museum of Fine
Arts, and above all, the Alderman Library, so aptly described by Dr. Alderman as "the beating
heart of the University", and the erection of which had long been one of his dreams,

Of his achievements in expanding and strengthening the faculty and the courses of
instruction of this University,

Of his integrity and modesty, of his keen wit, of his loneliness after the loss of
his beloved wife, relieved only by his comforting sense of humor and his unflagging interest
in this University

He was a man whose whole existence was firmly attached to an ideal, and that ideal
was the University of Virginia

We honor and respect him for his sincerity of purpose, and his indomitable determination
to accomplish that purpose.

We herewith record our firm conviction that in the passing of John Lloyd Newcomb, the
University of Virginia has sustained a very grave and irreparable loss.

It was ordered that a copy of the Resolution be engrossed and presented to Mr. Newcomb's
sister, Mrs. Hunter Gates, of Richmond