Campus News

Neff Estate provides GC Art Studio naming gift

Deceased art teacher's gift kicks off Garrett College's capital campaign

The Garrett College Art Studio, in Memory of Virginia Neff, will be housed in GC's 600 Building.

The estate of Virginia "Ginni" Neff – who taught art for the Baltimore City Public Schools before retiring to Garrett County – has provided a $60,000 gift to Garrett College that serves as the initial gift in the College's latest capital campaign.

The Garrett College Art Studio, in Memory of Virginia Neff, will be housed in GC's 600 Building. The studio is being relocated from the 700 to the 600 Building this summer as part of a two-building renovation project.

"Knowing of Ms. Neff's love of the arts, and her background as an art teacher, we felt naming the art studio in her memory was highly appropriate," said Garrett College Foundation Executive Director Cherie Krug, adding that the Garrett College Board of Trustees approved the naming at its March meeting.

Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president, said the naming is "a fitting honor for someone who loved art in all its forms."

"We learned that Ms. Neff was very accomplished in stained glass, with her art displayed in many churches both in the United States and overseas," said Midcap. "After she retired to Garrett County, she was well known for painting murals on local barns."

Midcap said the renovation being supported by the new capital campaign will serve three main purposes.

"The 700 Building renovation will provide additional facilities to support our intercollegiate athletic program, which has increased from 70 student athletes in 2020 to about 160 student athletes this year," said Midcap. "The 600 Building renovation is providing an enhanced site for the art studio, as well as lab space for our new Radiologic Technology program."

Midcap said the Neff gift is the first of three that have already been secured by the Garrett College Foundation to assist in funding the renovation project. He added that the next two gifts – which will be for naming rights to the athletic training center and fitness studio – will be made public in the near future.

"I've been amazed at the interest and enthusiasm potential donors have shown for this campaign before we even officially launched," said Midcap, noting the Foundation is assisting the College in raising the final $500,000 of the $4 million renovation.

The 700 Building renovation – scheduled to start in late spring – will provide locker rooms and coaches offices for the College's four outdoor teams (women's and men's soccer, baseball, and softball). It will also include athletic training space to treat injuries, the related fitness studio where injured athletes can rehab, and a wrestling room.

"We anticipate a lot of interest in supporting the campaign and naming these facilities," said Midcap, adding the College's turf field and press box are also available for naming rights.

Individuals interested in giving to the campaign, including potential naming rights, should contact Garrett College Foundation Executive Director Cherie Krug (301.387.3100 or cherie.krug@garrettcollege.edu).