Navas-Read Shakespeare Studies

The Navas-Read Shakespeare Fund was established by alumnus Stan Navas, '41, in honor of his father, Manuel Navas (Syracuse, '13), his brother Albert Navas, '52, his son Stan Navas, '67, Hernando Read, '16, and his Brother Rat Beverly Read, '41. Its purpose is to promote the study of Shakespeare and the Renaissance at VMI. The first holder of the Navas-Read Chair is Prof. Emily Miller.

In addition to funding the Chair, the endowment has funded the purchase of books, videotapes of Shakespeare plays and the latest in Shakespeare CD-ROM's. In conjunction with the English Society, the fund has sponsored lectures by visiting Shakespeare scholars; performances at VMI by the Shenandoah Shakespeare Express and other troupes; tours of the Renaissance museum Agecroft Hall in Richmond; and the annual Washington trip to the world renowned Folger Shakespeare Library and the Shakespeare Theatre. Beginning in 2001, Navas-Read funds are used to finance a week-long trip to England over Spring furlough for English majors and minors and cadets studying English literature, especially Shakespeare, in the Spring semester.

Mr. Navas passed away in the Summer of 1999. He is missed by all of us who have benefitted from his generosity and foresight, but his legacy continues to enrich the lives of VMI cadets.

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Last modified January 9, 2005