Flood of 1979
At the end of September 1979, Richmond was experiencing heavy rains and flooding. A flash flood on September 30, 1979, caused extensive water damage, especially in the residence halls. University employees worked around the clock to repair damage and dry carpets. Some students were relocated while their rooms were treated. Campus phone service was interrupted temporarily by the flood.High water swept two cars off of Boatwright Drive, across the lake, under the Commons, and over the dam. One Westhampton College senior escaped from her car before it went over the dam, assisted by campus police and another student. She was taken to St. Mary's hospital after the incident and was treated for shock and bruises. The second car, belonging to a male student, was reportedly found some time later in the upper branches of some trees, illustrating just how high the water had been.