BRATTLEBORO — On Sept. 21, the Winston Prouty Center changed the name of Vermont Hall to Thomas Hall in honor of Lawrence “Stub” Thomas.
Thomas was a well-known area businessman and Brattleboro native who became a loyal supporter of Winston Prouty and left a legacy gift upon his death in 2018. His family and friends gathered for the renaming.
“The experience of having someone believe so deeply in you and your work that they would leave a legacy this lasting is remarkable. It reinforces the meaning and the purpose in all that we work for,” said Chloe Learey, executive director of the Winston Prouty Center, in a news release.
“We purchased this campus believing in the vision of what was possible and that our community would come along with us. Stub's support allows us to continue to thrive and believe, and it will for the next 50 years. We felt it was most fitting to name the physical home of the Winston Prouty Center after him because it symbolizes to us the way that he continues to hold us.”
Thomas' son Ryan Thomas spoke on behalf of the family.
“Helping children develop and achieve their goals for the future was something that was really important to dad,” he said at the dedication ceremony. “He was critical on the charities he supported. He expected them to honor their commitment and use the money diligently, and that's one of the reasons he really appreciated Winston Prouty.”
“This is a special moment for us,” continued Thomas. “As I get older, I realize the only thing you really leave behind are memories and impressions on other people and something like this can outlast us and hopefully it inspires others.”