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Alumni

Parking garage named for area business owners

June 21, 2021

In March, Liberty University officially named its new parking garage on Campus East the Runk & Pratt Garage, recognizing the owners of Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities for being partners in advancing the university’s mission.

Vickie Runk (’89), co-founder with her husband, Brian (’88), called it an honor to be able to support their alma mater through their work.

“Having gone to Liberty back in the 1980s, I never would have thought that I would someday see my name here on a building,” Vickie Runk said. “But that really isn’t what it is about. It’s more about investing in young people to go out and to spread the Gospel and make a difference in whatever they are doing. No matter what field they choose, they can be a Champion for Christ.”

The family’s ties to Liberty actually go back to her father, Dr. Norman Pratt, who attended seminary and worked with Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell in the university’s related ministries. Now, the family has celebrated its third generation of Liberty graduates; the Runks’ son Chris graduated in 2013 and their daughter, Caitlyn, graduated in 2016. They both play integral roles in the family business, along with their brother, Chandler.

The family shares a rich and successful history of operating what will soon be six senior living communities in Central Virginia. Rooted in faith, the company’s commitment to excellence and the care of loved ones has transformed the landscape of senior care in the greater Lynchburg area.

Vickie Runk studied psychology at Liberty, and when she began her career in social work, she found that she had a fondness for caring for her elderly clients and wished she could do more to assure their health and happiness. She and Brian dreamed of starting a home for this underserved community. Her parents joined them on their mission to create loving, healthy environments in which seniors could thrive.

The nine-story garage opened last fall. It especially benefits fans who attend events in both the Vines Center and the new Liberty Arena; from an elevator on the ground level, fans can exit to a covered walkway that connects directly to the pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 460, which empties next to both venues.
To learn more about naming opportunities and how to leave a legacy for a family member or loved one, please contact Dan Branda at (434) 592-3638 or email dwbranda@liberty.edu.

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