Margaret Holland, Former Assistant Alumni Director, Dies
Margaret Frances Bullard Holland, of Norfolk, a former assistant alumni director at Old Dominion University, died Thursday, March 10, 2011.
She was born Feb. 22, 1926, in Lynchburg, Va. She attended Mary Washington College, Lynchburg College and Old Dominion. Holland worked in the treasurer's office at Lynchburg College, and retired in 1987 as assistant alumni director at ODU after 24 years in the office.
During her tenure, Holland served under four alumni relations directors and 17 Alumni Association presidents. She served as acting director of alumni relations on three occasions. Her dedication and devotion were recognized by the Alumni Association in 1983 when she was presented the Honorary Alumni Award.
"Margaret Holland embodied the alumni relations program at ODU. She was there when we had alumni directors and sometimes when we did not," remembers Bernie Kirsch '64, a former president of the ODU Alumni Association.
"Her years were mostly very lean years for the alumni program. She held it together when there was little money and sometimes when there was very little interest or understanding of alumni relations."
Kirsch, who described Holland as "strong willed," added, "Everyone who knew Margaret knew that she was always after what was best for ODU alumni."
David Shufflebarger, a former ODU administrator, also fondly recalled Holland's contributions to the university. "Margaret was a jewel - no-nonsense and deeply dedicated."
Holland was member of Central Baptist Church in Norfolk. She is survived by her former husband, John E. Holland II of Norfolk; and cousins, Mary Ches Applewhite of Florida and Hannah Modrell of North Carolina. She is also survived by her very dear friends, James Donald, Sue Christian, Barbara Frith and Linda Whitt, and a very special young lady, Miss Zoe Frith, who always made her smile.
A graveside funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, March 14, in Fort Hill Memorial Park in Lynchburg, Va. A dessert reception will be held at noon Thursday, March 31, at the John Knox Tower. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family through hdoliver.com.