Lawrence Priddy Collection

Lawrence Priddy was born July 7, 1874 in Keysville, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (VPI) from 1893 through 1897. While attending VPI, Priddy was very active in many student clubs and organizations including the Bugle, Gray Jacket, Thespian Club, Mandolin and Glee Club, and the Rooters Club. Priddy graduated with a BS in General Science with the Class of 1897.

Priddy lead the campaign to raise funds and support for the construction of the YMCA building on campus. Following graduation Priddy took a job with New York Life Insurace Company. Priddy remained active in the Alumni Association, serving in various capacities from 1902 through 1935. While Head of the Welfare Committee, Priddy brought charges against President Barringer, the charges were heard by the Board of Visitors in 1910 and subsequently dismissed as "unwarranted" and "inaccurate." President Barringer later resigned in 1912.

There was much correspondence between President Burruss and Lawrence Priddy, they had served together on the Bugle staff as students. Priddy was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Commercial Science in 1929. Priddy also spearheaded the campaign for the building of War Memorial Hall. The campaign, which began in 1919, was successful and War Memorial Hall was completed and dedicated October 23, 1926. A plaque honoring Priddy's contributions was placed in the hall. Lawrence Priddy died September 3, 1944.