On December 30th of 2010, the city of Arlington lost an icon: Tom Vandergriff. At a courthouse where he served as county judge for 16 years and in a city where he was mayor for more than 25, mourners gathered last January for the viewing of the man many called “Mr. Arlington.” Vandergriff’s Memorial at Texas Hall, honored his pivotal role in moving UTA from a 2-year college to a 4-year research institution. UTA’s most recent honor is “Vandergriff Hall”, a residence hall in the new College Park District. He is remembered for contributing to the broad expansion of Arlington and DFW. He died at age 84 but many would say his legacy will live on.
By: Christine Nicholson
