Spire Magazine 2021

DR. DAVID ARMBRISTER: LEAVING A LEGACY AS THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER s preparations for the institution’s centennial year began, committee members and administrators have turned to one definitive source for inspiration. Lighthouse on the Hill: The Bluefield College Story is the history book prepared by faculty emeritus member Dr. David Armbrister '54. Dr. Armbrister was commissioned by administrators to complete the historical work at the 85th anniversary of the institution. Dr. Armbrister graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Bluefield College, now Bluefield University, in 1954, Bachelor of Arts, 1956, and Master of Arts, 1958 from the University of Richmond. He received his Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville in 1961. In 1968, Dr. Armbrister returned to the institution to serve as an assistant professor of history and sociology. During his 32-year tenure, he was promoted to associate professor of history in 1978 and senior professor in 1997. Armbrister also served as chairman of the Division of Social Sciences and faculty sponsor of Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society. He also received the Distinguished Faculty Award and published two books on the history of the institution. After retiring in 2000, he was granted Faculty Emeritus status in 2009. "I admired Dr. Armbrister. He was one of the most Godly, kind, humble men I've ever known, and he embodied Bluefield College and BC history," said Chris Shoemaker, former Director of Public Relations and current Assistant Professor of Communications. "It was a pleasure to work with him on Lighthouse on the Hill . Through that experience I learned so much about not only the history and people of Bluefield College, but also the value of preserving and sharing these stories." Shoemaker served as the member staff dedicated to pulling additional information needed during Armbrister’s research. Many of Armbrister’s handwritten notes for the publication remain in the possession of the University as part of its archive records. These notes and the text served as the inspiration for a Centennial Celebration exhibit to be unveiled at Homecoming and Family Weekend October 22-24 this fall. “As we began reviewing the history of the institution and the story told of its formation, it was important we display that during the year,” said Joshua Cline, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “A small committee headed up by Paula Beasley, our librarian, and Rebecca Kasey, our Director of Public Relations, was formed to ensure it was a success.” The committee decided to create The Lighthouse on the Hill Centennial Celebration exhibit in memory and honor of Dr. Armbrister. The exhibit will welcome visitors to the main lobby of Cruise Hall, the University’s first residence hall. The lobby will feature a reading room with historical items, newspaper articles, and documents on the creation and early years of the institution. Visitors will then turn left to the small block of rooms on the west side of the first floor of Cruise Hall to walk through time. Residence hall rooms will be decorated with themes from the decades providing a look at the change in residential living on campus. In addition to the room décor, visitors will have large photo collages to see the past century in photos in each room. “We hope that this immersive experience will be an opportunity for visitors to appreciate just how far the institution has come,” said President David Olive. “From a small college envisioned for just male students, to our current university with dynamic academic programs, we have much to celebrate in our continued growth through the decades. Dr. Armbrister passed away in June 2020. In memory of his life and service, the Rev. Dr. David M. Armbrister Memorial Scholarship was established in thanks to the generosity of many alumni and friends. To make a gift to the Rev. Dr. David M. Armbrister Memorial Scholarship, visit bluefield.edu/giving.

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Dr. David Armbrister '54, author of Dr. Charlie The Life and Works of Dr. Charles Lee Harmon (2006 Anniversary edition for the Dr. Charlie Faith Fund), and Lighthouse on the Hill: The Bluefield College Story, 2007.

In Faithful Service: A 100-Year History of Bluefield College

In the preface of Lighthouse on the Hill , Dr. Armbrister wrote, "Hopefully when the college approaches its one hundredth year of service, there will be an interested person – faculty member, staff person, alumnus or alumna, trustee, or someone else who has connections with the institution in any way – who will take it upon herself or himself to complete the history at that century mark." His wish for a written century history is being fulfilled as Chris Shoemaker, former Director of Public Relations and current Assistant Professor of Communications, will complete the last fifteen years of the institution's history. "The centennial history book will encompass all 100 years, said Shoemaker. "It will include Dr. Armbrister's last text unchanged through 2007, as well as my work on the last 15 years. I can only hope that my work with In Faithful Service pays tribute to Dr. Armbrister as much as it pays tribute to the heritage of Bluefield College." In Faithful Service will be available to purchase in June 2021.

You can read the full digital version of Lighthouse on the Hill: The Bluefield College Story at: bit.ly/lighthouseonthehill

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