Tom and Ann Clark had the opportunity to experience first-hand how well the university prepared their daughters, Erin Clark Henry ’01 and Lisa Clark LeCocq ’04, and son-in-law Travis Henry ’01 for success.

After earning undergraduate degrees from Virginia Tech, all three have pursued their dreams and gained success. Their daughter Erin Clark Henry '01 earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience from Vanderbilt University and currently works for biotechnology company Genentech.

Travis Henry '01 earned his doctor of medicine degree at Vanderbilt University and is currently an attending physician at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.

Lisa Clark LeCocq '04 earned her master of arts degree in elementary education from New Mexico State University and teaches elementary school children.

“Erin, Lisa, and Travis are the reason that we became involved as donors to Virginia Tech,” said Tom Clark. “When we first decided to support Virginia Tech, we felt strongly that our support should be directed toward academics. Since the University Libraries is viewed as central to the teaching and learning functions of the university for all students, we felt that is where we could make the greatest difference with our contributions."

The Clarks' generous donation supported facility renovations inside Newman Library to better serve students. In recognition of their gift, the University Libraries will be naming two group study rooms on the fourth floor of Newman Library The Erin Clark Henry ’01, Ph.D and Travis Henry ’01, M.D. Group Study Room and The Lisa Clark LeCocq ’04 Group Study Room.

“We are grateful for Tom and Ann’s generous support as we continue to fuel innovation and creativity through our spaces, faculty expertise, and library resources," said Tyler Walters, dean of the University Libraries. "This is an important time for the University Libraries at Virginia Tech. Private support truly makes a difference as we continue to renovate our spaces, add new technology and resources, and create the modern research library of the 21st century to serve the Hokie Nation and the world.”

The Clarks believe that Newman Library must evolve and modernize its facilities and services to remain relevant to the student body. “Attracting students with modern services like a coffee shop, a comfortable lounge, and high-tech and well-furnished meeting rooms requires donor support to supplement university funding to make all of these things possible,” said Ann Clark.

They are proud of what their children have accomplished and want to encourage other students to continue to work hard toward their academic and life goals.

“By associating Erin, Lisa, and Travis with these study rooms, we hope that other students who use the rooms will be motivated to follow in their footsteps as successful alumni of Virginia Tech,” said Tom Clark.

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