Elizabeth Pinkerton Scott, 104, passed away July 27, 2019. For many decades, Scott displayed an extensive philanthropic commitment to the University of Virginia, with a particular focus on the Miller Center.

From 1988 to 1996, she was a member of the Center’s Governing Council. During that period, the Newman Pavilion was constructed and she oversaw the interior design. She guided and directed the selection and placement of art and portraits, the planting and care of dogwoods, and the clearing of weeds (some of which she pulled herself). She also headed a committee that brightened offices with flowers and paintings and then set standards for aesthetic maintenance of all Center spaces.

In recognition of her exceptional leadership, the Miller Center in 2003 honored her as the first recipient of the Elizabeth Scott Award for Exemplary Leadership, which acknowledges dedicated volunteers who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the Center in a leadership capacity and to the community at large, without expectation of recognition. The Elizabeth Scott Award has been given annually ever since. 

Because of her love of gardens, the Center also dedicated its north “terrace garden” in her name and bestowed her with the Burkett Miller Presidential Award in 1997. In recognition of this honor, she refused to give a lengthy thank-you speech, instead saying simply, “In these days when civility and moderation are really declining in the public world, it has been a joy to work here where they are thriving.”

Scott was a member of the Miller Center's Holton Society, which recognizes longstanding friends and supporters who have dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to support the work of the Center.