Besides serving on the Fredericksburg City School Board, Matt Rowe works in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a profession he owes in no small part to the VIP he helped introduce on Monday night.
“My job would not be possible without Dr. Gladys West,” Rowe said.
West, 93, watched from a balcony at James Monroe High School as speaker after speaker celebrated her legacy — as well as the impact she will continue to have as the namesake of the city’s new elementary school.
In August, the school board voted to accept the recommendation of a naming committee to select West, a mathematician and “hidden figure” behind the eventual development of GPS. Following Monday’s reception, the school board opened its meeting by approving a resolution honoring West.
Two groups that shaped West’s academic and professional careers attended the reception in a show of support. Pink-clad, blazer-wearing sisters from Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. — West’s sorority at Virginia State University — filled two tables, while representatives from the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Dahlgren were on hand to recognize one of the operation’s greatest successes.
Rowe, who served on the naming committee, noted one aspect of West’s story that aligns particularly well with the division’s values.
Bunches of balloons in various colors dotted the reception area, representing West’s various academic achievements. There was blue and orange for Virginia State, pink and white for her AKA affiliation, and white and crimson for the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a master’s degree in public administration.
Finally, there was the orange and maroon of Virginia Tech, where West punctuated her academic career with a Ph.D at the age of 70.
“One of the things that we care about here at FCPS is lifelong learning,” Rowe said.
Other speakers included Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine and state Sen. Tara Durant (R-27th), who offered West a commendation from the state senate as well as a flag that flew over the state capitol in her honor.
Del. Joshua Cole reads a letter to Dr. Gladys Mae West from Vice President Kamala Harris. (Photo by Joey LoMonaco)
Del. Joshua Cole (D-Fredericksburg) noted that Oct. 27 is West’s birthday — and revealed that he “pulled some strings” as a member of the Democratic National Committee to produce an early present. Cole then read an original letter from Vice President and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris congratulating West on the naming honor.
“Over the course of your life and career, you have served as an exemplary leader, educator, and mentor,” Harris’ letter read in part. “As a key developer in the creation of a global positioning system, you have helped chart a path of opportunity for aspiring women and girls in STEM.
“I am confident that through the new Gladys West Elementary School, you will continue to serve as a shining example to Black women across the nation that their dreams can be realized.”
