Campus News

Poplar renamed to Witherspoon Hall
Residence dedicated to retired professor

by Nicole Palermo
June 12, 2002

As of Thursday, June 6, Poplar Hall will now be known as Witherspoon Hall in honor of Loy Witherspoon, a distinguished faculty member of 38 years. This change was discussed at a recent UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees meeting where it was approved.

Witherspoon came to Charlotte College, the predecessor institution to UNC Charlotte, in 1964 after being sought out by university President Bonnie Cone. Witherspoon has done numerous things on campus, such as guiding the growth of the Department of Religious Studies.

"He (Witherspoon) has given his life's blood to the university," said Jacklyn Simpson, director for housing and residence life. "He has contributed so much to the university since he's been."

In addition to his work with the united religious studies program, he has been a student fraternity advisor of Lambda Chi Alpha, as well as his countless behind-the-scenes actions which have supported the university.

Witherspoon received The Distinguished Service Award in 2001,the highest honor given out by UNC Charlotte, in exceptional career service.

Other honors that Witherspoon has received include the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence and the Alumni Faculty Service Award.

Witherspoon has retired from UNC Charlotte but still generously dedicates a lot of him time and energy to the university.

"Even though he has retired, he still does a lot of work with our campus." said Simpson.

SOAR programs being held within the past few weeks, new students have confused looks on their faces when they ask where Poplar Hall is.

"I've had so many students wander in and ask me where Poplar Hall is," said Ditishia Simpson, desk receptionist for Witherspoon Hall. "I have to tell them that they are standing in poplar, except the name was just changed. It's definitely going to take some getting used to."