October 20, 2005

Atrium a 'living memorial' to Greenville native

TROY – Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. today said a Greenville native’s legacy will live on through an atrium dedicated in her memory on the Troy Campus.

Hawkins formally dedicated the Frances Daniel Branum Atrium in the University’s new General Academic Building in an afternoon ceremony where about 100 family members, dignitaries, students, faculty and gathered to pay tribute to Branum’s memory.

“… Fran epitomized the ‘leader as servant.’ She was unpretentious. She had the ability, as the poet said, ‘to walk with kings without losing the common touch’,” Hawkins said. “In short, Fran Daniel Branum was a remarkable Trojan who left this world much too soon. We are proud that her name will live on at this campus through the Frances Daniel Branum Atrium.”

A 1993 TROY graduate, Branum, who died in 2003, became a member of the Troy University Foundation Board of Directors from 1995 – 2000. She was a graduate of Fort Dale Academy and was an active community leader serving on the Greenville/Butler County Public Library Board and the Children’s Policy Council. She was also a member of the Daniel Foundation Board of Directors.

During the ceremony, Hawkins and family members led by Fran’s husband Richard Branum, unveiled an oil portrait of Fran Branum which will hang in the atrium. Hawkins also presented Richard Branum with a replica of bronze plaque commemorating the atrium.

Missy Head, Fran Branum’s sister, offered remarks on behalf of the family.

The atrium is the centerpiece of the campus’ newest building, a 42,000 square-foot academic building that increases the classroom space on the campus by about 22 percent.

Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Ed Roach officially opened the building. Classes began being held there in September.

A replica terracotta warrior also adorns the atrium. Hawkins said the statue was given as an anonymous gift to the University.