
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 5, 1991                   TAG: 9104060417
SECTION: FOUNDERS DAY                    PAGE: VT-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

RUFFNER MEDAL GOES TO ENGLISH

When Edward R. "Red" English came to Virginia Tech in the 1930s he was "a scholastically and socially unprepared 16-year-old," he recalls. Today, a retired businessman but very active civic leader, English says his college experience meant a lot to him.

"Tech has been very good to me," says English. "And I've tried to live my life hoping that my life and actions would enhance the lives of others."

For his lifelong commitment to his alma mater and his dedicated involvement and outstanding philanthropy, "Red" English is being honored as the 1991 William H. Ruffner Medal recipient. The Ruffner award is the university's highest award of service and will be presented to English at the Founders Day ceremony.

Born in Campbell County, he obtained his B.S. in business administration in 1934. English, though he weighed only 167 pounds, played guard for one of Virginia Tech's best Hokie football teams. English entered the Army as a lieutenant in 1942 and was discharged in 1946 with the rank of major in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Today he serves as an officer with numerous enterprises, including English's Inc., English Development Corp., and the Altavista Area Development Corporation. He also is vice-president of English Construction Co.; managing trustee of a charitable organization, the English Foundation; a member of the board of directors of the Central Fidelity American Bank of Altavista and Lynchburg and Central Fidelity Bankshares of Richmond.

A past president of the Altavista Chamber of Commerce, English has received its Outstanding Citizen Award for service to his community, and has also received the annual Distinguished Virginian award given by the Exchange Clubs of Virginia.

Governor A. Linwood Holton first appointed English to the Virginia Port Authority Board of Commissioners in 1970. He was reappointed in 1974 and elected chairman. He served in that capacity for 10 consecutive years, longer than any other chairman.

Of all of English's various services to Tech, the one he says he is most proud of is his founding of the Student Aid Association in 1950. "It's grown so much since we founded it, and other things have grown out of that," he says.

The construction of the English Baseball Field was made possible through contributions from English. Though not a baseball player, English said he helped Virginia Tech get the field "because they needed it."

"Red" English is married to the former Ruth Walton and has four children, two of whom are Tech alumni, and eight grandchildren.

by CNB