News & Events

Norfolk Academy’s Homecoming Chapel 2024 marked a historic occasion with the formal dedication ceremony for the Harvey L. Lindsay Jr. Soccer Complex. 

The complex is named for Harvey Lindsay, a Norfolk Academy Trustee from 1986 to 1989, renowned throughout the Commonwealth for his work as a commercial real estate developer, civic leader, and philanthropist. The dedication ceremony, planned as an on-field event, was moved indoors due to the forecast for afternoon storms; it was held in the school’s Samuel C. Johnson Theater with Upper School students, faculty, and honored guests in attendance. 

In his opening remarks, Head of School Travis Larrabee expressed the school's profound gratitude to Mr. Lindsay's daughter, Franny Beasley, who like her father served as a school trustee (2008-2023), and her husband Bobby Beasley ’70, who was active on the school’s Alumni Board. Their generosity made the state-of-the-art complex, located at the front of the campus, adjacent to Wynne-Darden Stadium, a reality.  

Mr. Larrabee said that Franny Beasley exemplifies humbleness in her service to the school, even as she is unstinting in her efforts. “She devoted herself to serving this school in every way possible,” he said, beginning as a volunteer in the Lower School’s Cooper Library, where she gained a keen understanding of the opportunities on both sides of the learning and teaching equation. As a trustee, she chaired the Education Committee for many years, making it an effective agent for improvement in the daily life of the school. 

Bobby Beasley ’70 served for many years on the Alumni Board, and the Beasleys’ son, Bobby III ’06 is currently a member. The Beasleys’ daughter, Holley, graduated in 2011, and she and her brother were both decorated athletes and student leaders. 

Board of Trustees Chair John O. Wynne Jr. '94 spoke about Harvey Lindsay, whose life and achievements are “the embodiment of the very traits and habits that we seek to instill in our graduates. He led a life of integrity, leadership, and service.” 

Mr. Lindsay served as president and chairman of Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate, a company started by his father in 1919. In a 70-year career, his work transformed the region’s landscape and spurred the region’s economic engine. He was selfless in his dedication to improving civic life.  A passionate advocate for civil rights, he helped form a committee that became the Urban League of Hampton Roads and served as the organization’s president. He was also president of the Norfolk Community Concert Association, director of the U.S. Naval Base Little League, director of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, and board member of the Access College Foundation.  

Mr. Lindsay was an avid and accomplished athlete and was recognized as an All-American by the Lacrosse Association - a sport he played for the first time during his second year at UVA. He also loved coming to NA to cheer on his grandchildren in all of their endeavors. Mr. Lindsay passed away last year.

Both boys and girls varsity soccer teams presented the Beasleys with signed soccer balls, and they participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, holding up an orange and blue ribbon that stretched the full length of the stage. As Franny Beasley cut the ribbon with a giant scissors, the screen image of the field, rendered in an artist’s watercolor, dissolved to reveal the new complex's scoreboard. 

“This field represents my dad's spirit, his love for sports, and his joy for helping people," Franny Beasley said. “It brings me great happiness to think about all the moments that will be shared here with teammates and coaches and families, which will further allow his legacy to live on."