Senator Byrd followed his father, the Honorable Harry F. Byrd, Sr.,
into public service, forming a father-son combination hailed as one
of the most influential in 20th century Virginia.
Following distinguished service in the Senate of Virginia from 1948
to 1965, Senator Byrd succeeded his father in the U.S. Senate in
November 1965. He retired in 1983.
Senator Byrd’s family tradition of fiscal conservatism, unquestioned
integrity and distaste for political expediency deeply infused the
philosophy of Shenandoah University and its Harry F. Byrd, Jr.
School of Business. While his influence on the political life of
Virginia is long-lasting, his legacy to the university and to the
business school that bears his name remains even more profound.
In the days following the passing of Senator Byrd, a great number
of Shenandoah University community members, past and present,
reflected on the man who meant so much to the university.
“The Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business has lost a great friend
in the passing of its namesake,” said Dean and Professor of
Management Miles Davis, Ph.D. “Senator Byrd was a champion
of civic and financial responsibility, as well as higher education. His
largess is legendary, especially regarding Shenandoah University and
its business school. I had the opportunity to interact with Senator
Byrd on numerous occasions. Whether in public or the privacy of his
home, he was always gracious and always wanted to know what was
occurring at the business school.
“The programs have continued to grow and evolve even as Senator
Byrd himself grew and evolved in his thinking over the long years of
his life,” said Dean Davis. “We respectfully mourn his passing and
celebrate the life he led and his everlasting contributions.”
According to Shenandoah University President Emeritus James A.
Davis, Ph.D., Senator Byrd was the financial conscience of the university
and helped shape a strong financial future for the institution.
“His willingness to allow the business school to carry his name
opened many avenues of support and strength for the university, and
his loyal support for the expansion of educational opportunity for
area students and citizens was exemplary,” said President Emeritus
Davis. “Senator Byrd’s role model of civility and public service
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