Virginia Honors 2006 Alumnus Fran Crippen (1984-2010)

The University has dedicated a bench in the lobby of the Aquatic & Fitness Center to honor Fran Crippen, who passed away in October while representing the United States in the 10K World Cup open water race in the United Arab Emirates. Crippen, a native of Conshohocken, Pa., was an 11-time All-American and two-time ACC swimmer of the year (2003, 2004).

While at Virginia, he had also been named the ACC's freshman of the year award in 2003 and was the most valuable swimmer of the 2004 ACC Championships.

The inscription on the bench reads: "In loving memory of Fran Crippen (College 2006), beloved teammate and two-time team captain, who had a heart as big as the world and a smile to match."