Paul Neyron Derring, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate, was the first blind man to complete college in Virginia. He served as Secretary of the YMCA from 1918 to 1964 and as Director of Religious Affairs from 1957 to 1964. While heading the YMCA at VPI, he became a father figure to countless students, was known for his helpfulness and wise counsel, and exerted a great deal of influence on student life. During more than 45 years at VPI, he became one of the most beloved and admired figures on campus. Derring Hall first phase completed in 1969.