Administration Building to be Named in Honor of Former Superintendent

At a ceremony later this summer, the Naval Academy will rename the Administration Building “Larson Hall” in honor of Adm. Charles R. Larson, Naval Academy Class of 1958, who passed away July 26, 2014.

The building was built in 1907, renovated in 2014, and serves as the headquarters of the Naval Academy superintendent and immediate staff.

Larson was among the most accomplished and influential superintendents in the 170-year history of the Naval Academy, serving in the position twice - from 1983 to 1986 and again from 1994 to 1998.

He recognized the need for, and enabled the eventual establishment of, what is now the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. Among his greatest initiatives was the establishment of the Naval Academy’s Character Development Division, which he developed immediately upon returning to the academy for his second tour as superintendent. His strong emphasis on providing character and honor instruction to the brigade was instrumental in leading the academy back from a challenging time in its history, both restoring public confidence and repairing the academy’s reputation and credibility.

"Admiral Larson was an exemplary leader in every respect, who served his nation with distinction,” said Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Walter “Ted” Carter. “His influence on the Naval Academy is lasting. It is entirely fitting to name in his honor the building in which superintendents direct the course of the Naval Academy.”

Larson’s accomplishments were numerous, including the establishment of the framework with the Naval Academy Alumni Association for the academy’s largest to-date public/private funding venture which led to the construction of the Brigade Activities Center, now known as Alumni Hall. He also directed the Naval Academy’s 150-year anniversary celebration, and led the effort to build the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center.

“Admiral Larson was an extraordinary American and an extraordinary leader. Through his diligence and hard work, he served with great distinction in the United States Navy both at home and abroad,” said Senator Barbara Mikulski. “Through two tours of duty at the U.S. Naval Academy, Admiral Larson executed his mission to reassert the traditional high standards of moral and ethical conduct required of the midshipmen as future military leaders of America. It’s a fitting tribute that this building will bear the name of Admiral Larson, honoring his lasting legacy to the U.S. Naval Academy.”

You can read more about Admiral Larson's career at the Naval Academy Alumni Association website.