University in Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Paul Neyron Derring

(1894-1973)

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011

1. Paul Neyron Derring Marker

Inscription. Secretary, YMCA 1918-1964
Director of Religious Affairs 1957-1964
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate, Paul Neyron Derring was the first blind man to complete college in Virginia. While heading the YMCA at VPI, he became a father figure to countless students, was known for his helpfulness and wise counsel, and exerted a great deal of influence on student life. During more than 45 years at VPI, he became one of the most beloved and admired figures on campus.

Derring Hall first phase completed in 1969

Erected by VPI Class of 1953.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.

Location. 37° 13.749′ N, 80° 25.556′ W. Marker is in Blacksburg, Virginia, in Montgomery County. It is in University. It can be reached from the intersection of West Campus Drive and Perry Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg VA 24061, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Virginia,

in the Blue Ridge Highlands,

and in the New River Gorge.

It is also in the

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American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: George Burke Johnston (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Clinton Harriman Cowgill (about 400 feet away); Charles Henry Burchard (about 500 feet away); Mary Draper Ingels (about 500 feet away); Frank Leigh Robeson (about 600 feet away); Thomas Marshall Hahn Jr. (about 600 feet away); John William Hancock Jr. (about 700 feet away); John Edward Williams (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blacksburg.

Also see . . . Derring Hall. Virginia Tech (Submitted on June 1, 2011.)

Derring Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011

2. Derring Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 767 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on June 1, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.