Affectionately called Big Dave by members of The W family, Evans died at the age of 68 on Nov. 6, 2002, during his 41st year of service. The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning recently approved MUW President Claudia A. Limbert’s recommendation that he be awarded emeritus professor rank posthumously.

The dedication will take place on Friday, April 25 at 4 p.m. on the lawn between Welty Hall and Carrier Chapel. The memorial, which was constructed by MUW’s Physical Plant, is an arbor covering a brick patio and benches next to an existing fountain. It also includes new landscaping and a granite paver.

A tradition at The W that the senior class presents a gift to the university, Senior Class President Conner Anderson said that her class wanted their gift to memorialize Evans because of the positive impact he had on this class.

“Whether he was advising us on classes, political science or just life, Big Dave had an impact on us all,” Anderson said. “He will truly be missed.”

In addition to being a political science professor, Evans also served as director of academic advising.

Wanda Ray, one of his co-workers in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs where Evans’ office was located, said that there is a perfect view of the memorial from Evans’ former office window in Welty Hall.

“It is so beautiful,” Ray said. “I think he would be so pleased.”

A native of Pennsylvania, Evans received his A.B. and M.A. degrees in political science from West Virginia University.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and seven children.