VT College of Science Magazine Summer 2008 | Page 15

C o l l e g e
o f

In addition to funding the two scholarships, which Exx- The Presleys also praise the college’s dean, Lay Nam
on matches 3:1, the Presleys donated to the research Chang, its active alumni support, and the renowned
mission of Christine George, who is currently a biologi- scholars and researchers the university attracts.
cal sciences major pursuing health-related field work
“Beyond the football team, this gives you a lot of pride
in Mali (see story page 7).
in Virginia Tech and for having that as part of your herBill is also an active member of the college’s Alumni itage,” Presley said.
Roundtable, which gathers twice each year to learn
The Presleys now live an active life in a 5,000-squaremore about the college and advise the dean on a
foot log home they built near Bristol, Tenn. They parrange of issues. “Fran willingly tags along,” he said.
ticipate in civic and church activities. Bill enjoys wood“From a purely selfish point of view, I participate in the working, fly fishing, and genealogy. They have four
roundtable because of the intellectual stimulation I grown daughters and six grandchildren. Other Hokreceive,” Presley said. “I come to listen and learn from ies in the family, all originally from Bluefield, include
professors and students who are so bright and so en- Bill’s brothers, Gordon Conrad Presley (GEO ’59) and
thusiastic. These people are really impressive. I don’t Charles Edward Presley (ENG ‘75); a niece, Lena Banthink I could get into Virginia Tech today,” he joked.
isha Presley (B.S. AIS ’02 and M.S. AIS ‘02); and a nephew, Charles Edward Presley Jr. (BIO ‘06).
And for Fran, the reasons are much the same.
“I feel like I’m part of the university even though I didn’t
go there,” she said.

Issue No. 5 SUMMER 2008

Presley continued

M a g a z i n e

Trees of Life
Representatives of Pfizer Inc., the Virginia Tech administration, and the College of Science, as well as
nearly 100 alumni and guests, gathered on the university campus recently for the dedication of 32 bald
cypress trees given to the university in memory of the April 16, 2007, tragedy. Pfizer provided the gift to
“symbolize life and growth.” The company, which is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, also donated two bronze plaques and a check to the Hokie Spirit Fund.

S c i e n c e

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