Virginia Davidson, Mount professor

 On August 16, 2011, Virginia Davidson, PhD, a professor of English at Mount Saint Mary College, was tragically killed in an automobile accident.

Ginny began her teaching career at Mount Saint Mary College as an adjunct faculty member in 1986, teaching courses in writing and literature. In 1991 she became a full-time faculty member, and rose to the rank of full professor. A beloved teacher, valued colleague and friend to many, Ginny was committed to helping Mount students become better writers and better people. She reached out to our students and they responded positively to her caring and nurturing ways.

Early on in her career at the Mount, Ginny was appointed co-ordinator of developmental instruction, working with the Skills Center to help staff the remedial English courses and establish standards for these courses. She taught many sections of both college writing and basic writing during the course of her 25 years at the college, and she derived great pleasure in seeing students progress from basic writers to successful communicators.

Ginny contributed to the college in many ways during her long and distinguished career. She served as secretary to the faculty from 1991 to 1998, served on the Composition Board, chaired the Admissions Committee, the Curriculum Committee and the Promotion and Tenure Committee, taught in the study abroad program in Oxford, England and participated in the pilot of the general education program.

The Mount has lost not only a dedicated, caring teacher, but a person who loved life and always saw the good in people. For all that she gave, she was much loved and she will be truly missed.

Virginia Davidson Memorial Scholarship

For those of you interested in contributing in Ginny’s memory, the College is establishing a Virginia Davidson Memorial Scholarship. Please make your checks payable to Mount Saint Mary College, and write “Virginia Davidson Memorial Scholarship” in the memo line.

Checks should be sent to the Office of Finance at Mount Saint Mary College, 330 Powell Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550. College Advancement will be notified of your contribution.