The Fran Elizer Exhibit/Art Gallery Space was named for Mrs. Fran Elizer, long time-library assistant at Oxford College and wife of Marshall Elizer, who served the college for decades in various roles from math professor to business manager. The space was made possible by a generous donation from Hugh Tarbutton, Sr., and Hugh Tarbutton, Jr., to honor Mrs. Elizer and her contributions to Oxford College. Shortly before her death in late 2011 at the age of 95, Mrs. Elizer participated in a ceremony in her assisted living facility in which she "broke ground" on Oxford's new library and the new exhibit space by turning a small sampling of soil from the library grounds using a miniature shovel. In the words of then College Dean, Stephen Bowen, this ceremony "represented the traditional spirit and dedication to Oxford while celebrating change and innovation."
