Did you know World War II veteran Edgar F. Shannon Jr. was sympathetic to students protesting the Vietnam War in 1970? Have you seen Frank L. Hereford Jr. hobnobbing with Elizabeth Taylor?

Using archival images, Edward Gaynor and Petrina Jackson illustrate the lives and times of the eight presidents of the University of Virginia. Gaynor and Jackson are the curators of the exhibit at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, “Students, Scholars, Leaders: The Academic Lives of the University of Virginia’s Presidents,” which displays photographs, books and other documents that shed light on the history of the University presidency.

Click below to watch an audio slideshow narrated by Gaynor and Jackson.

Comments

• Mark Jander, '54, '61 on March 17, 2011

  A delightful profile of seven people who have done so much to make Mr. Jefferson's University the place that it is. And of an eighth who undoubtedly will follow in their steps with equal impact while bringing to her office the added perspective of a woman.

• Glenn Showalter on March 17, 2011

  It would certainly be hard to pick a favorite UVA president after listening to that fine history video but President Shannon holds a unique place in American history as a WW2 hero for which he owe him highest honors. I was privileged to work at UVA in 1970 and it was obvious he had a gift for dealing with that war demonstration yet an empathy for the student protesters. "No one hates war more than the men and women who have to fight it." It seemed like just another day at the office for Edgar Shannon, except for the late nights. Like Woodrow Wilson, all daughters, a blessed man :>)

• Brawner Cates Class of 67 on March 18, 2011

  Wow I did not know about President Shannon's involvement in The Battle of the Coral Sea.A truely great man and UVA leader.Believe he had a W&L connection.Long live the Minks!Godspeed to President Sullivan.Jefferson's dream certainly lives through these great leaders.

• Arthur G Foster on March 23, 2011

  I was interviewed by Edgar Shannon in the summer of 1964 in Heidelberg prior to becoming a faculty member of the School of Architecture and the University’s first Master Planner. After lunch we walked around Heidelberg where I was stationed as a young Army Corps of Engineers officer just completing my military obligation. Being interviewed by Dr. Shannon while walking and talking about architectural history, his life-long study of Tennyson, and his dreams for expanding the University of Virginia with the guidance of the best architects and landscape architects was a wonderful experience. Extremely modest, I only discovered later of his exemplary military record.

• Louise Dudley on March 28, 2011

  What was the occasion that got President Casteen on the antique fire truck?!

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