College of Humanities and Sciences dedicates Susan Estabrook Kennedy Memorial Garden

By Malorie Burkett

During a recent ceremony, Virginia Commonwealth University's College of Humanities and Sciences dedicated the Susan Estabrook Kennedy Memorial Garden in honor of Dr. Susan E. Kennedy.

Friends and colleagues gathered at the garden ceremony to share with each other their thoughts and memories of Kennedy. Craig Kennedy, husband of the late Kennedy, Dr. Stephen D. Gottfredson, dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences and Dr. Joseph Bendersky, chair of the Department of History, also offered remarks during the ceremony.

College officials say the garden, which is located behind the Stagg House, 912 W. Franklin St., is intended as a space for people to relax, sit, have lunch or simply reflect on their thoughts.

Kennedy served as administrative associate to the president, associate and interim dean of the College, and as acting vice provost for academic affairs. Known by many as a "woman of firsts," Kennedy published the first book produced by a member of the history department, and was the first to chair the department. She also was the first woman promoted to associate and full professor of history and was VCU's first recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship. Kennedy died in June 2003 at age 61.