Honoring Bill Reeves

    In a moving, uplifting ceremony late this afternoon, Collegiate’s former Student Activities Center, known for years as SAC, was named in Mr. Reeves’s honor.
    The 6,790-square-foot structure, built in 1987 and refurbished for Middle School use earlier this year, will be known, now and forever, as the Reeves Center.
    “The Reeves Center captures Bill’s legacy and reminds folks that the Middle School that we have today – as incredible as it is – hasn’t always been there,” said Head of School Keith Evans. “It took someone to get it started.  Bill was that person.”
    The Rev. William Reeves, an ordained Episcopal priest, joined the Collegiate Family in 1976 as head of the Boys School.
    “I first met him in the parking lot in front of the old Girls School (now Flippen Hall),” said Alex Smith, who served for many years as Collegiate’s vice-president for development. “I instantly liked him because he was so cheerful and upbeat.  And he had a cool car, a 1967 BMW 2002ti.
    “Bill has been such a wise counselor to many of us. He’s such a reflective guy.  He’s a philosopher.  He thinks very broadly and deeply about how things should be and is willing to discuss the issues and make some very thoughtful decisions.”
    When Collegiate’s structure changed in 1986, Mr. Reeves became head of the Middle School and directed the sometimes difficult transition by building consensus and morale and setting a tone of caring and excellence that continues today.
    “Bill saw a vision of the best in each of us,” said Peggy Bothwell, a long-time friend and colleague. “He walked the walk along with each of us to allow that to happen.  He taught us the meaning of compassion.”
   Mr. Reeves turned over the reins of leadership to Charlie Blair in 1991, enjoyed a year’s sabbatical, then returned as a teacher of ethics in the Upper School until his retirement in 2007.
    Along the way, he officiated at most of Collegiate’s Lessons and Carols services and performed more wedding ceremonies and baptized more children with Collegiate ties than he could count.
    In his golden years, he remained active as a minister and counselor and for many served – and continues to serve – as a spiritual advisor during challenging times while providing a gentle, humble, reassuring voice of reason.
    “Bill created an atmosphere of tolerance and humanity,” said John Coates, a friend, colleague, and Middle School English teacher.  “He would always go to the wall for kids and for adults.  Bill was always ready to celebrate our achievements. 
    “He could always see over the next speed bump.  He never allowed us to give up.  He never gave up on any of us. 
    “That’s a real gift, a human gift, a spiritual gift.”
    The Reeves Center, the latest of Collegiate’s state-of-the-art facilities, includes four classrooms, a large meeting room (formerly known as SAC1), the Middle School counselor’s office, two tutoring rooms, and ample storage.
    On the east side, and included in the renovation project, are a blacktop playground and sitting area.
     “The Reeves Center has wonderful classroom spaces that embrace the things that Bill thought were so important to the Middle School,” said Charlie Blair.
    “We have a lot of excitement and enthusiasm around the teaching and learning that’s going on in there.  That’s what Bill was all about.”
    Mr. Reeves is a respected scholar, eloquent speaker, world traveler, lifelong learner, and, most important, a good and decent man.
    Indeed, his legacy lives on in all who show compassion, offer a helping hand, speak kindly, respectfully, and non-judgmentally, and bring out the best in others.
    “Every time that you have a conversation with Bill, you walk away feeling better,” said Keith Evans.
    “I’m in a long line of people who would say, ‘Bill Reeves is one of my favorite people.’”
                                                         -- Weldon Bradshaw