E. Bruce Heilman Dining Center
Site: South side of Westhampton Lake, near center of campus
Groundbreaking: May 1, 1981
Opened: August 15, 1982
Dedication: March 7, 1986
Architect: Marcellus Wright, Cox and SmithM
Size: 40,000 square feet
In spring 1980 a Committee on Food Service Facilities was formed. They considered two options for improving food service on campus. One was to renovate the refectory and to renovate or provide a new dining hall for Westhampton. The second option was to construct one centralized dining hall to accommodate students from both schools.
Don Upperco Richmond College Student Government Association president was quoted in an April 3, 1980 Collegian article as saying, “I’d rather see one central facility than two because it would increase the informal social interaction between the two schools Even though I wouldn’t see it while I’m here, it would be good for the University in the long run.” In the same article, Beth Powell, Westhampton College Government Association president, was said to oppose a central facility citing concern over a potential loss of Westhampton identity if a central dining is built.
By Fall 1980 the decision to build a central facility had been made. The plan was announced at the October 3, 1980 board meeting. Construction began with the groundbreaking on May 1, 1981.
In fall 1980 for budgetary reasons the Westhampton dining hall was closed on weekends requiring all students who remained on campus to eat weekend meals in the Refectory. The new building eventually replaced the dining facilities in the Refectory (Sarah Brunet Hall) and the Westhampton dining room.
The building was designed by Marcellus, Wright, Cox and Smith. It took 14 months to complete, under the direction of Bass Construction. The project was completed within the $4.5 million budget. When opened there was a 930 seat central seating area divided into three sections. The building has two levels for dining with the upper level used for student food service and the lower level used for events and special programming. In a September 9, 1982 article the Collegian reported that about 2,000 students were on the meal plan Food service used about 400 gallons of mils, 350-400 heads of lettuce and 200 pounds of hamburger daily. New equipment and layout made the operation more efficient.
The University Club is housed on the lower level of the Heilman Dining Center. It serves lunch during the week during the academic year. It is a popular spot for faculty, staff and student guests.
In March 1986 the building was named in honor of E. Bruce Heilman fifth president of the University. During Heilman’s nearly 15 year term of office the University advanced its national reputation and academic programs and the endowment increased from $38 million to over $162 million. The Robins Center, the Gottwald Science Center, Tyler Haynes Commons, the Heilman Dining Center, Lora Robins Court, Grey Court, a new president’s home, and renovations to Boatwright Library, the Law School, the Robins School of Business and Sarah Brunet Hall were all completed during Heilman’s presidency. Heilman became chancellor on September 1, 1986. Dr. Heilman’s daughter, Terry Heilman Sylvester, a University alumna, currently serves on the University’s Board of Trustees.
Sources:
Rosenbaum, Claire Millhiser. A Gem of a College: The History of Westhampton College, 1914-1989
UR website
VBHS building file
Collegian 1981 - 1982