Heartbreaking Loss for Alumni and Community
Three historic buildings on the former Virginia Intermont College (VIC) campus were devastated in a tragic fire, leaving alumni, former staff, and students heartbroken. The once-vibrant campus, rich in history and cherished memories, now lies in ruins. Pam Lemons Davison, an alumna and former professor, expressed her sorrow: “It’s sad to see the devastation. Broken glass everywhere, and I can still smell the smoke.”
Deirdre Cole, whose connection to Virginia Intermont College runs deep, described the emotional impact as “heartbreaking.” Her mother, Deanna Cole Roberts, was a dance instructor at the college, and Cole herself was a student. “The history, the architecture, the furniture—it’s all gone,” Cole lamented. Despite the loss, Roberts emphasized the enduring value of their shared memories. “Those memories will always be in our hearts and souls; no one can take that away,” she said.
Campus’ Deterioration and Fire Investigation
The Virginia Intermont College campus, vacant for over a decade, had recently been deemed “blighted” by the Bristol Virginia City Council. While the fire shocked many, Davison admitted it was not entirely unexpected given the campus’s neglected state. “Knowing it’s empty and abandoned, of course, something’s going to happen,” she said.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, but no conclusions have been reached. As the smoke clears, the damage underscores the urgency of addressing the site’s future. Alumni and community members are now calling for action to preserve what remains of the campus’s legacy.
Calls for Preservation and a Path Forward
The destruction of the buildings has sparked a renewed plea for preservation. Cole urged city leaders and legislators to step in. “I think it’s up to our legislatures and our city to see how they can preserve what’s left,” she said. Davison echoed this sentiment, hoping the fire would serve as a wake-up call for action. “The company needs to do something, make something of this. Let’s create something that alumni, former professors, and staff can all be proud of.”
Roberts stressed the importance of protecting the site’s historical significance. “Let’s save this. Let’s save our history. History is important,” she said. On Saturday, the Bristol Virginia City Council held a closed session to discuss the campus’s future, though no decisions have been announced.
As the community reflects on the fire’s devastation, the shared hope is that the tragedy will galvanize efforts to honor the campus’s legacy and prevent further losses.
