Submitted photo Glory Residence Hall was dedicated Saturday on the campus of Davis & Elkins College.

ELKINS – Davis & Elkins College celebrated the dedication of the $18 million Glory Residence Hall on Saturday. The dedication featured tours of the nearly completed building ahead of its grand opening in early November, with a large attendance of students, faculty, staff and alumni of the College.

The dedication of the Residence Hall occurred as part of the College’s celebration of Homecoming Weekend. Members of the 1904 society, Half-Century Club, soon-to-be Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, and many others were present for the speeches given by those who were heavily involved in the “Creating Home: It Takes a Village” Capital Campaign that sought to raise funds for the completion of the building. Among those specially recognized was Kathy Dunbar Ramsdell, graduate of D&E’s Class of 1974. Ramsdell was instrumental in providing funding for the campaign and even carries the privilege of having named the Residence Hall.

During her speech on Saturday, Ramsdell said, “Davis & Elkins College was my foundation for seeing and being away from all that was familiar to me – family, friends, high school, church. The reason for the name ‘Glory’ – glory is how God shows himself to us. My dad liked this campus, and he thought I’d be safe here ‘in the hills of West Virginia.’ The resources he left me, I could use for this building, and give God his rightful place – and name her Glory.”

Other speakers during the event included: Benfield-Vick Chaplain, Tanner Capps; Board Chair, Dave Cutlip; Student Government Association President, Sidney Megna, Mills Group Planning Principal, Michael Mills, and D&E President Chris A. Wood. Emceeing the event was Vice President for Advancement, Scott Goddard.

Said Goddard, “What a glorious occasion it is to gather for the dedication of Glory Residence Hall at Davis & Elkins College. I’d like to recognize all of our donors who have contributed to this project. Every gift, no matter the size, has made a meaningful difference, and we are grateful for your support. This moment is a testament to our shared vision of providing upgraded housing options that truly reflect the values of Davis & Elkins College. It is about creating a community where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of collaboration and support that has brought us here. Together we are building a brighter future for our students.”

Glory Residence Hall will be home to more than 100 students on campus. The multi-story building features modern design elements and accessible amenities for all students, including common areas and an outdoor patio overlooking the Myles Center and the Walter S. Robbins Memorial Chapel. Upon its grand opening in November, Glory will be the first new residence hall at D&E in 54 years, and it is only the first of several student housing improvements in what will eventually become the “Freshmen Village.” Following these improvements are plans to upgrade housing opportunities for upperclassmen, including the recent dedication of D&E’s brand new “Varchetto Village.”

D&E President Chris A. Wood said, “This is indeed a momentous day in the history of this College, and I am so grateful that we are all gathered on this glorious morning to share in this joy and to offer our praise and thanksgiving to almighty God for all of God’s bountiful blessings … Is a healthy home not a place to learn, grow and mature – to form relationships that last a lifetime? Is a healthy home not a place to learn morality, ethics, and responsibility? Is it not a place to be accepted, nurtured, or loved? Glory Residence Hall is more than bedrooms and common spaces. It is home.”