Blake Christensen, JD '12, and Brittany Kidd '11 Honored as Inaugural Alvin P. Anderson Scholars
Two William & Mary students - - law student Blake Christensen '12 and undergraduate business major Brittany Kidd '11 - - were honored as TowneBank's first Alvin P. Anderson Scholars at an Aug. 25 reception at TowneBank's Monticello Avenue office in Williamsburg. Each received $5,000 scholarships and inscribed crystal vases.
In her remarks, TowneBank Regional President Anne Conner said the bank was "extraordinarily proud to honor and to remember" Anderson, a "man of impeccable character, integrity, dignity, and humor." He was, she said, "one of the best storytellers I have ever met," which provoked knowing laughter from Anderson's many friends, colleagues, and family members who had gathered for the occasion. Anderson's wife Betsy C. Anderson, father, Dr. William M. Anderson, and daughter, Mary Beth Sherwin '00, were among those on hand for the event. "Alvin was not only successful in his career," Conner said, "he was also a caring family man and committed community activist." Conner presented Christensen and Kidd with inscribed crystal vases to commemorate their selection as the first Anderson scholars.
Anderson, a 1970 graduate of the College of William & Mary and 1972 graduate of the Law School, served as the Managing Partner of the Williamsburg office of Kaufman & Canoles, and was also a member of the firm's Executive Committee, until shortly before his death in 2008. His civic contributions during his 36-year legal career were numerous. For example, he served on Townebank's Hampton Roads, Peninsula, and Williamsburg boards, and was a Director of the Riverside Healthcare Association and a Director of Hampton Roads Academy. He also was the Commissioner in Chancery and the Commissioner of Accounts for the Circuit Courts of the City of Williamsburg and James City County. Recipient of the William & Mary Alumni Medallion in 1998 in recognition of his professional achievements and his outstanding commitment to his alma mater, he also served as a member of the College's Board of Visitors, as a trustee of the Law School Foundation, and as President of the Alumni Association.