The Theresa Pollak Building
In 1971, VCUarts named their new building after Pollak in honor of her selfless dedication to the school, its curriculum, and most of all, its students. Click the thumbnails on this page to explore various documents related to the building and the dedication ceremony. Of special note is a transcript of Dean Burgart’s touching speech, in which he recognized the many challenges Miss Pollak overcame in shaping the school into the successful edifice it is today, as well as a letter to Pollak from President Warren W. Brandt. The letter is particularly apt in summarizing the Theresa Pollak Building’s significance—not just for the School of the Arts, but for the entire VCU institution at the time. In Dr. Brandt's own inspiring words to Miss Pollak,
“We are tremendously pleased and honored that you will permit us to use your name on this building. It is really the first major building of what we hope will be many housing various elements of the Art Program which you initiated and fostered. It could not be more fitting than to name it for one who has meant so much to RPI and VCU over the years. Your name carries a tremendous meaning to a great many students and alumni. It symbolizes the spirit of VCU: dedication, enthusiasm, concern for students, outstanding teaching, and exciting programs of student. We at Virginia Commonwealth University are tremendously honored to be able to name this structure ‘The Theresa Pollak Building.’” [M 5, Box 2, Correspondence Re: Building Dedication, Brandt Letter to Pollak.]
