Venues – University of Lynchburg: Conference, Events, and Support Services

University of LynchburgCloverlea Farmhouse and Virginia Claytor Memorial GardensClaytor Nature CenterHistoric Sandusky

The University of Lynchburg’s main campus offers some of the region’s premier facilities for large or small events.

Burton VIP Room

This event space is located on the third floor of Drysdale Student Center, just off the East Room foyer. It can be accessed through the Burton Dining Hall or a rear entrance. There is a central conference table with comfortable chairs. This is a great option to hold a meal during your scheduled event. Seating and table arrangements are able to accommodate 12 individuals. In this space, you will find a large TV screen that is equipped with an internet connection, a computer, a wireless keyboard, and a mouse. This space is connected to the Burton Dining Hall, making it easy for catering needs. We assure you that noise from the kitchen and dining room will not be a problem.

Dell

All roads in the Dell lead to Friendship Circle, which recognizes our historic commitment to equality. But watch your step — legend has it that those who step on the seal will never graduate.

Virginia is for lovers! Ours was the first Virginia LOVEworks sculpture on a college campus. The “LC” honors our history as “Lynchburg College.”

East Room

Located on the third floor of the Drysdale Student Center. The East Room can house 75 guests with conference table-styled seating and a little over 100 guests in theater-style seating. This event space includes two TVs, a computer, and easy access to restrooms. It also has the option of entering through the rear of the building, if your event requires more privacy.

Genworth Conference Room

A smaller, more intimate room option to host your next event is the Genworth Conference Room. It is located on the second floor of the Drysdale Student Center, the home of many essential spots for our students. This room can accommodate up to 16 individuals around a large conference table. Along with seating around the table, there are 12 large, plush chairs on the perimeter of the room. This is a great asset in this room to allow guests to relax between meetings or speakers. This conference space is equipped with a computer, projector and a retractable projector screen.

Memorial Ballroom and Patio

Memorial Ballroom is located on the third floor of Hall Campus Center. It has entrances on the front, back, and side. There is an elevator in this building, as well as male and female bathrooms. The ballroom can hold up to 200 guests with many different seating and table arrangements that can work for any event you have planned.

It has three projectors, three retractable projector screens, a stage for guest speakers, a computer, surround sound, and wired microphones. Also, the ballroom has a large outdoor balcony that wraps around the entire side and back of the building.

The building has a beautiful view of the main entrance to campus, Drysdale Student Center, and Shellenberger Field.

Gold bottles with red carnations, water glasses, and place settings, on a black tablecloth with a black and white table runner

Memorial Ballroom with long, rectangular tables that are set for a large lunch gathering

Pavilion and Sand Volleyball Court

Located behind Brewer Townhouse, you can find the pavilion and sand volleyball courts. No external catering is permitted in the pavilion, but that does not mean you cannot have food at your event! Bringing your own BBQ, cookout, or potluck is encouraged. If bringing your own meals is too much stress or a hassle for you, have no fear, we have on-campus options. A popular pick is Domino’s located right next to the pavilion making convenience at an all-time high. Alcohol must be booked and served through University catering. Not only does this space have a large covered area with picnic tables, you also have the ability to use the sand volleyball court. Whether it be a game for fun or you are “in it to win it,” many use this court every day. If you do choose to take part in the usage of the sand volleyball court let us know so a volleyball will be supplied.

Ridgeway Commons and Koudelka Balcony

Located on the third floor of Drysdale Student Center, in front of the Burton Dining Hall, these spaces provide a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Ridgeway Commons is ideal for tabling events and for groups wishing to mingle.

Snidow Chapel

Snidow Chapel is the spiritual center on the University campus. It is where people worship, listen to music, get married, and have other special ceremonies.

The Clifton L. Snidow Sr. Chapel, built in 1966 and able to hold around 400 people, was named in honor of University of Lynchburg benefactors Clifton L. Snidow Sr. and his wife Sallie E. Snidow. At the front of the chapel hangs “Saving Grace,” a two-sided art quilt made for the University of Lynchburg by artist Jill Jensen.

The main sanctuary space is equipped with a comprehensive sound and video system. Two unisex, handicap-accessible restrooms are located in the chapel narthex. Additionally, Snidow Chapel houses a pipe organ and a grand piano which can complement your special event or celebration.

Snidow Chapel at dusk with the moon in the background

An organist playing the organ in Snidow Chapel

The interior of Snidow Chapel filled with people sitting in the pews

Sydnor Performance Hall

Located in Schewel Hall, one of the newest buildings on campus, the Sydnor Performance Hall offers seating for up to 200 attendees. It is a great space for dance competitions, stage performances of all kinds, and a large lecture space. The space is equipped with stage lighting, wired microphones, surround sound, a projector, a retractable projector screen, and a computer. Classrooms throughout Schewel Hall provide convenient spaces to hold breakout room sessions.

An orchestra performing Christmas music in Sydnor Performance Hall

A presenter in Sydnor Performance Hall with a full audience

West Room

The West Room is located on the third floor of the Drysdale Student Center. It is a medium-sized space that can be used for different events, depending on how many people will be there and what kind of seating they want. For example, 50 guests can fit around tables and chairs, 70 people can fit in a theater-style arrangement, or 85 people can stand if it’s a more casual event.

As well as the indoor space, events can reserve the Koudelka Balcony. This is a great space because it is attached to the West Room. This location is close to Burton Dining Hall and On Common Ground, one of our coffee shops. Guests will have easy access to food during their event. The room has a gorgeous view of Shellenberger Field and the main entrance into our wonderful campus.

The historic Cloverlea Farmhouse is the original estate of the Claytor Nature Center. As part of the gift agreement from Mr. Claytor, and in memory of his late wife, Virginia Claytor, the memorial gardens were installed and planted in the lower area of the garden lawn.

Cloverlea Farmhouse

The beautiful farmhouse of Cloverlea offers a stunning panoramic view of the Peaks of Otter and Blue Ridge Mountains. It is available to rent for special events and is a popular wedding venue. The six-bedroom and three-and-a-half-bathroom house are also available for overnight lodging.

Though renovated and added onto over the years, the original farmhouse dates back to the late 1780s. Next to the farmhouse stands one of Virginia’s largest white ash trees.

Virginia Claytor Memorial Gardens

In memory of Virginia Claytor, the Memorial Gardens were planted near the farmhouse. Landscaping includes a variety of plants, flowers, and herbs.

Visitors may tour the grounds and gardens during normal operating hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Occasionally, the grounds may be closed to the public for private events.

Nature trails located near the farmhouse include the Bog Garden Trail and Pine Forest Trails.

The Claytor Nature Center is open to the general public during normal operating hours. The center, which is located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has freshwater streams, woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, rare plants, wildlife, and a part of the Big Otter River. It is about a 45-minute drive from the University of Lynchburg’s main campus.

The property also includes a hiking trail system, a small-group tent campground, and an amphitheater. There is also the Virginia Claytor Memorial Gardens, which is a series of formal flower, herb, and shrub plantings in memory of the late Mrs. Claytor.

Belk Astronomical Observatory

The Belk Astronomical Observatory is a great place to view the stars. It is located on a high point at the Claytor Nature Center and it has a 177-square-foot dome that houses the primary telescope. There is also an observation deck with 12 piers for mounting smaller telescopes, as well as a single-story, five-room structure with an insulated control room.

The observatory was named after Irwin Belk, a former state senator, for his contributions to the project.

Chandler Eco-Lodge

The Chandler Eco-Lodge is designed to be environmentally friendly. This includes features like preserving trees, using permeable surfaces, framing techniques that save energy, and extra insulation. The floor is made from local white oak.

The 2,100-square-foot lodge can accommodate up to 16 guests in two separate sleeping areas.

Educational Seminar Room and Observation Deck

This room is perfect for a variety of events, such as meetings, lectures, dinners, retreats, and other social events. The large observation deck provides a great view of the wetlands and the Big Otter River.

John E. and Kathryn S. Husted Pavilion

The John E. and Kathryn S. Husted Pavilion facility is a great place for environmental education classes, workshops, and community or family picnics. It has tables and benches, A/V hookups, and a projection screen.

Located in the heart of Lynchburg, Historic Sandusky, in partnership with the University of Lynchburg, is dedicated to providing educational opportunities and career development for students and the public by preserving and interpreting the history of slavery, the Civil War, and 19th century American life. This registered Virginia Historic Landmark is able to accommodate small classes, lectures, receptions, and meetings. Immerse your next event in history in the middle of the Hill City.

Museum Classroom

The Historic Sandusky Museum Classroom can adapt to several arrangements, accommodating 35 people in theater-style seating and 18 people in a classroom layout. The space has basic audio and visual equipment installed and has a small kitchenette area at the rear.

Patio and Courtyard

The Historic Sandusky Visitor’s Center, Museum, and Administrative Building has a large covered patio and courtyard suitable for intimate gatherings such as cocktail parties, company mixers, and garden parties. Light, exterior power hookups, and restroom facilities are available under the breezeway.

Rear Lawn

Nestled in the middle of a quiet residential area, the rear lawn of Historic Sandusky is an ideal setting for a small outdoor gathering or reception. The lawn captures the ambiance of the historic property and provides shaded evenings throughout the summer months for a more comfortable experience.