Larry Sabato's Role in Getting Clemons Library Built

Colleges & Universities University of Virginia
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<p>Many people know professor Sabato from his appearances on national news shows, his books and his classes. However, did you know that Clemons Library exists because of him?</p>

<p>He was the Student Council President of UVa in the early 1970s. He realized that there was a serious need for additional library space, particularly for studying. He invited a number of Virginia legislators to come to Alderman to see the need. On they day they arrived, he recruited everyone he knew to pack into Alderman to make it even crowded then usual. The legislature approved the funding.</p>

<p>Source - historical posters on the 4th floor bridge of Alderman.</p>

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<p>That’s hilarious.</p>

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<p>Larry Sabato also made a million dollar donation to the university, encouraging other alumni to step up and contribute.</p>

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<p>That’s pretty awesome… but I kind of wish they would’ve put a bit more effort into the aesthetics/architectural design of Clemons. It’s a rather unsightly building, both inside and out. Also, the most depressing of the libraries, in my opinion.</p>

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<p>Have you seen a college library from the 1970s that was particularly beautiful? :)</p>

<p>I’ve see so many boxy libraries from the late 60s-70s on college campuses…it’s almost odd if a campus doesn’t have one.</p>