SILOAM SPRINGS — The late Dr. E. William “Bill” George, a lifetime patron of John Brown University, has been hailed with one of the most prestigious honors the school can bestow upon one of its supporters.

“It was important for us to find a way to memorialize him,” John Brown III, former JBU president and grandson of the school’s founder, said.

At a recent luncheon of the JBUBoard of Trustees, university president Dr. Charles Pollard announced that the new 38,000-square-foot multipurpose arena, currently undergoing construction on campus, has been named in honor of George.

When completed next fall, the Bill George Arena will serve as the school’s central hub for athletic events, commencement ceremonies and other activities.

“Bill attended JBU years ago whilemy grandfather was still alive,” Brown said. “He then worked with JBU in multiple capacities for more than 60 years.”

October 20 marks the one year anniversary of George’s death.

“At his memorial service, I said that he’d been a friend to my grandfather, my father, me and a great help to all of the school’s presidents,” Brown said. “It is more than appropriate that the building be named after him.”

The announcement that the new facility will carry his namesake came as a timely honor for the local man who served as a JBU Trustee from 1954 until his death.

“He loved the school and it was part of his life for 60 years,” said his widow, Mary Eva George. “I laugh when Isay that my husband would’ve been embarrassed to know that they’re naming the arena after him. Embar rassed but extremely proud.”

A Pennsylvania native George graduated from JBU in 1948.

Following a two-year tenure in the Foreign Service Division, he began working at radio stations based in California and Oklahoma that were owned by JBU.

Fifteen years ago, before Lee Balzer took over as JBUpresident, George served at the school as interim president.

His stint as school leader resulted in his name being inscribed on the school’s presidential medallion alongside other inaugurated presidents.

“When President Pollard told me about the building being named after him I was astonished, we never would’ve expected it,” Mary Eva said. “It’s very exciting and also very humbling forour family.”

Since learning that the JBU arena will carry George’s name, his family, including Mary Eva, his two children Eric and Marsha, grandchildren and great grandchildren have been making it a point to watch a live online Web cam of the building’s construction progress that is available on www.jbu.edu, the university’s site.

“This is such an honor that I can’t even describe the feeling,” Mary Eva said. “Youknow, I always told people that I would look at other women and feel sorry for them - because they never got to marry my husband.”

The building will likely be dedicated around the time of JBU’s Homecoming next year, which will directly follow its completion.

“Bill was very faithful to the university,” Brown said.

“He was a very caring and loving person and we all miss him very much. This is a fitting gesture.”

News, Pages 1 on 11/01/2009

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