2008 Woodie Awards
Named in honor of a legacy
Dorm named after former professor
Rosa Gibbons and Hannah Whitsel, Staff writers
Issue date: 10/17/06
Last Updated: 12/26/07
R. Fenton Duvall, former history professor, returned to Whitworth this past weekend for the dedication of his namesake, Duvall Hall.
Duvall's philosophy in teaching was to show students that "the way you and I live today is not the be and end all of life."
Duvall moved his family to Whitworth from the East Coast in 1949. Then-President Frank Warren was so impressed with Duvall's credentials that Warren hired him without a phone interview.
Duvall pioneered the first study-abroad tour, to Italy and France, as a tool to supplement students' understanding of the world.
"Fenton changed our lives," said Anne Storm, a 1974 graduate, who was a student on the first trip and is a current Trustee. Her husband, Kim Storm, who graduated the same year, also went on the trip.
"Fenton Duvall impacted me in that he was the first professor to challenge me to be a better student," Kim Storm said.
Duvall was known for his tough oral examinations. When Kim Storm took the exam, Duvall told Storm he was capable of becoming a better student.
"It took his belief in me to catalyze that," Kim Storm said.
Another student on the trip, Joel Ferris, Jr., named his son "Austin Duvall" because he felt the professor was a good role model and mentor.
Duvall often used art to add depth to his lectures. Alumna Barbara Warden said this practice helped develop her own love of art. She had not been exposed to much art beforehand, but Duvall's lectures led her to pursue a career in art.
Duvall co-founded the Core program with former professor of English, Clarence Simpson. At a time when liberal arts colleges were moving towards fragmentation and specialization, Duvall wanted to create a program that would unite Whitworth students with a common foundation of an education of mind and heart.
Less than a year ago, two alumni anonymously donated money to build a new residence hall and asked that it be named after Duvall.
Duvall said he was very overwhelmed by the generosity of the donors.
At the dedication, President Bill Robinson said that Duvall Hall was designed to reflect the former professor's own personal philosophy of building community within community. Duvall remains deeply committed to the Whitworth community and says he prays for the Duvall residents every day.
When Duvall first moved to Spokane, he began the habit of writing "epistles" to family back on the East Coast. He continues this today sending out epistles to family, friends and alumni every month.
Duvall is equally committed to his family. All his children and grandchildren attended the dedication ceremony. His grandson, Matthew Duvall, said he is humbled by everything his grandfather has accomplished and he is proud to see a building constructed in Duvall's name.
Duvall also expressed that being at Whitworth has revived his enthusiasm for the college.
"Keep up the good work [Whitworth]," Duvall said.
Duvall's philosophy in teaching was to show students that "the way you and I live today is not the be and end all of life."
Duvall moved his family to Whitworth from the East Coast in 1949. Then-President Frank Warren was so impressed with Duvall's credentials that Warren hired him without a phone interview.
Duvall pioneered the first study-abroad tour, to Italy and France, as a tool to supplement students' understanding of the world.
"Fenton changed our lives," said Anne Storm, a 1974 graduate, who was a student on the first trip and is a current Trustee. Her husband, Kim Storm, who graduated the same year, also went on the trip.
"Fenton Duvall impacted me in that he was the first professor to challenge me to be a better student," Kim Storm said.
Duvall was known for his tough oral examinations. When Kim Storm took the exam, Duvall told Storm he was capable of becoming a better student.
"It took his belief in me to catalyze that," Kim Storm said.
Another student on the trip, Joel Ferris, Jr., named his son "Austin Duvall" because he felt the professor was a good role model and mentor.
Duvall often used art to add depth to his lectures. Alumna Barbara Warden said this practice helped develop her own love of art. She had not been exposed to much art beforehand, but Duvall's lectures led her to pursue a career in art.
Duvall co-founded the Core program with former professor of English, Clarence Simpson. At a time when liberal arts colleges were moving towards fragmentation and specialization, Duvall wanted to create a program that would unite Whitworth students with a common foundation of an education of mind and heart.
Less than a year ago, two alumni anonymously donated money to build a new residence hall and asked that it be named after Duvall.
Duvall said he was very overwhelmed by the generosity of the donors.
At the dedication, President Bill Robinson said that Duvall Hall was designed to reflect the former professor's own personal philosophy of building community within community. Duvall remains deeply committed to the Whitworth community and says he prays for the Duvall residents every day.
When Duvall first moved to Spokane, he began the habit of writing "epistles" to family back on the East Coast. He continues this today sending out epistles to family, friends and alumni every month.
Duvall is equally committed to his family. All his children and grandchildren attended the dedication ceremony. His grandson, Matthew Duvall, said he is humbled by everything his grandfather has accomplished and he is proud to see a building constructed in Duvall's name.
Duvall also expressed that being at Whitworth has revived his enthusiasm for the college.
"Keep up the good work [Whitworth]," Duvall said.
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