April 26, 2012 — John Augustus Herring III, former director of the University of Virginia's Newcomb Hall, died April 20 in Richmond. He was 82.

Herring worked at Newcomb, the student union, for 41 years and was named director in 1963.

During his tenure, he organized and produced the University's Artists Series (now the Arts Board). Because of his interests in music and the arts, he brought many world-renowned performers to the community, including Van Cliburn, Mischa Dichter, Julie Harris, the London Symphony, the Hague Philharmonic and many illustrious Broadway productions. Herring took great pride in his association with U.Va. and often said the Artists Series was his finest hour.

Herring, who earned a master's degree in history from U.Va.'s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, received the U.Va. Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award and the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 1989, the year he retired.

After retirement, Herring pursued his interests in travel, arts and antiquities. He donated several important objects to the University of Virginia Art Museum, where he served on the collections committee.

A great supporter of the Serpentine Society, he provided scholarships to students in need to help them continue their studies. His friends and former students joined him in establishing the John Herring Scholarship for Social Awareness.

Daily Progress obituary