in memory

A Champion of student Life

Former trustee william G. Pannill, whose generosity resulted in the creation of Mary Baldwin College’s student center, passed away June 10, 2014. He was 87.

Beginning in the 60s, Pannill led his family’s textile company during a boom in the sweatshirt industry, eventually building Pannill Knitting Company in Martinsville into the nation’s most profitable producer of knitted-fleece sportswear.

During his tenure on the Board of trustees (1986–97), he served as chairman of the student life committee and was soon caught up in the idea of creating a place that would fit students’ social and personal needs. His encouragement and financial support led to the william G. Pannill Student Center, a 10,000-square-foot, Georgian-style building that opened in 1992 and quickly became a central part of upper campus and a hub of student activity. Pannill was quoted in one local newspaper saying that he wanted students to have a place where they could “eat French fries and drink Cokes and just hang out — what i did best in college.”

Pannill attended virginia Military institute, the University of virginia, and north Carolina State College School of textiles. He was a three-year Army veteran whose service included time in occupied Germany after world war ii. in addition to his business and civic leadership, Pannill was also an amateur botanist who hybridized, named, and registered more than 210 new daffodils that were grown in the netherlands and sold around the world. one of his creations is a white variety named “Mary Baldwin,” which he registered in 1977.

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F ile PH oto In 2013 when timothy ray “Burt” Kennedy was recognized for 35 years of service at Mary Baldwin College, colleagues gathered inside Hunt Dining Hall gave a standing ovation in honor of the quiet, friendly man who was often seen working to keep the campus beautiful.

Known as the gentle giant on the MBC grounds crew, Kennedy, 58, passed away April 14, 2014.

By many accounts, Kennedy added a kind presence around campus and loved talking about his truck. Dozens of friends from all segments of the MBC family remembered him on the college’s Facebook page.

“Burt will be missed. [He was] a fine example of a loyal person with integrity,” said MBC security officer nick Hall. “He loved his truck and Christmas. He was always someone you could talk to.”

“i will forever have memories of those gorgeous, rolling, perfectly cut hills,” wrote laChondra everett ’98. “thanks for your service, Burt!”

A member of Staunton First Church of God, Kennedy is survived by a brother, Gary Kennedy and wife Susan; a sister, rose M. wagner; and numerous nieces and nephews. the college planted and dedicated an evergreen tree in Kennedy’s memory in December.