April 23, 2024

UMW College of Business Classroom Named for Longtime Accounting Professor

The University of Mary Washington dedicated the Leigh Frackelton Classroom on April 20 in honor of Professor Emeritus Leigh Frackelton (center) and the Gibbons Team Room, thanks to a generous gift from Bill, Susie and Michelle Gibbons ’16. Both spaces are in Woodard Hall, home of UMW’s College of Business. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

The University of Mary Washington dedicated the Leigh Frackelton Classroom on April 20 in honor of Professor Emeritus Leigh Frackelton (center) and the Gibbons Team Room, thanks to a generous gift from Bill, Susie and Michelle Gibbons ’16. Both spaces are in Woodard Hall, home of UMW’s College of Business. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

When Professor Emeritus Leigh Frackelton retired from the University of Mary Washington’s College of Business (COB) in 2021, the pandemic left little room for fanfare.

Rob Strassheim ’96 wanted something more for his former professor, who taught business law and accounting at the University for 35 years.

“Leigh is an institution here at Mary Washington,” said Strassheim, who now serves as vice rector of UMW’s Board of Visitors. He helped raise tens of thousands of dollars to name a classroom for Frackelton. “I felt this would be a fantastic endeavor to thank someone who has been so impactful in the classroom and in the community.”

Former students and colleagues, family and friends finally had the chance to fête the longtime faculty member, dedicating the Leigh Frackelton Classroom, as well as the Gibbons Team Room, in Woodard Hall on Thursday, April 20. Read more.