SAC Atrium to Be Named for Margaret C. Berry

By Rose Cahalan in 40 Acres, Special on January 13, 2012 at 11:46 am | 2 Comments

On Wednesday evening, the residents of Austin’s Westminster Manor retirement community were eating dinner when about a dozen burnt orange-clad people rushed in.

Heads turned as the group gathered around Margaret C. Berry, 96, longtime campus leader and Distinguished Alumna.

Rick Potter, volunteer with Students for the Margaret C. Berry Student Activity Center, read aloud a letter to Berry from UT President Bill Powers, announcing that the University will name the main atrium of the Student Activity Center in Berry’s honor.

“Then the entire dining room of about 75 people erupted in clapping, cheering, and spontaneous singing of ‘The Eyes of Texas,'” Potter says. “It was a joyful moment.”

They celebrated with cake and champagne.

Students for the Margaret C. Berry Student Activity Center has been lobbying for 18 months to have the new SAC named for Berry. More than 5,000 students, alumni, and friends signed a petition in favor of the naming.

Berry worked at UT from 1962 to 1980. She authored eight books on UT history and traditions, mentored many student organizations, and founded the Early Childhood Development Center, among many other achievements. Even at 96, Berry still visits campus groups to speak about UT history.

“We’re thrilled to get the news that President Powers has chosen to honor Dr. Berry in this significant way,” says Potter. “After so many years of service to the University, no one is more deserving of this honor.”

Plans for a formal dedication ceremony are under way.

Friends and alumni celebrate with Berry at Westminster Manor. Photo by Jim Innes, courtesy Rick Potter.

Tags: margaret c. berry, Student Activities Center