Leonard Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer, was honored at an appreciation barbecue yesterday, celebrating his 44 years of service to the University as he prepares for retirement in May.
University President Teresa A. Sullivan, Rector John Wynne, Politics Prof. Larry Sabato and former president John T. Casteen, III spoke about the impact Sandridge has made not only at the University but also within the larger Charlottesville community.
Current and former faculty and students, as well as family and friends, including Sandridge's high school principal, came out to commemorate his achievements.
Since 1967, more than two decades before current University students were born, Sandridge joined the University internal audit staff and worked his way through the administrative ranks until being named chief operating officer. "He has held just about every position that involved financing the University, running its operations and planning for its future," Sullivan said.
Wynne expanded on how Sandridge's experience has helped the University. "He is one of the few people who understands the big picture of the University as well as the keys to the success of this institution," he said.
Wynne highlighted Sandridge's ability to manage risk. "When the financial meltdown occurred a few years ago, we weathered the storm without serious harm or without layoffs unlike most institutions of higher education," Wynne said. "Some years ago, when we were losing millions of dollars at the hospital, Leonard fixed it."
In 2004, Sandridge helped plan the structure of AccessUVa, the University's financial aid program for students with financial difficulties. At the luncheon, Sullivan announced the creation and funding of the Leonard Sandridge Endowed Scholarship, designed to provide financial support to University students who are children or grandchildren of University employees. The scholarship will be awarded to applicants demonstrating financial need.
"This scholarship combines two of Leonard's great interests: financial aid for students and the well-being of University employees and their families," Sullivan said.
Sandridge built a lasting legacy and won wide-ranging respect through his involvement in local, state and national affairs in addition to his work at the University. In 2003, the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded Sandridge the Paul Goodloe McIntire Citizenship Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions by a citizen of the region. Conjointly working to provide an asset to the University while establishing a center of activity and entertainment for the state, Sandridge pushed for the development of John Paul Jones Arena, where the ceremony took place yesterday.
This year, he has traveled frequently with Sullivan to Richmond to meet with legislators. Seeing him in action, Sullivan found he commands the respect of state legislators with honesty, integrity, accountability and candor, she said.
"I can tell you from firsthand experience, when Leonard Sandridge talks, people listen," Sullivan said. "They know that his words will be full of good advice and common sense."
Through his interaction with state government, Sandridge has become the "go-to" person for facts, objective analysis and wisdom, Wynne said, adding that Sandridge contributed to the restructuring of higher education during the 1990s and to the adoption of the 2011 Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act.
"Leonard is just as comfortable in the boiler room as he is in the board room," Sullivan said of his character.
Wynne further commented that Sandridge's days start at 5:30 a.m. during a late morning and usually finish late into the evening. "No one has worked harder for this university," he said.
Sandridge took the time to express gratitude toward his wife and family and reminded guests that this celebration was not about himself or one person. "This is a celebration of what we have done together at this university, in the community and in the commonwealth," he said.
As for the question of what Sandridge plans to do during his retirement, Sabato took the liberty to answer. "The fickled finger of fate is telling us what we must do," he said in jest after suggesting Sandridge fill the U.S. Senate vacancy in Virginia. Two slogans were presented on campaign posters, saying, "He's just like us - only better" and "Not just another pretty face." Sabato then said farewell to Sandridge with a quote by Thomas Jefferson he felt embodied the life of Leonard Sandridge: "Determine never to be idle. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing."
Casteen, who worked closely with Sandridge during his time as president, closed the ceremony with a toast highlighting Sandridge's natural gifts: personality and personal discipline.
Although Sandridge's retirement is fast approaching, he will be available for years to come as a consultant, alluding to the adage, "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."
"I am at the stage in my life where it is time for me to fade away, but I do so with great pride and humility and with the satisfaction of knowing that we did our best to make the University as good as it could be," Sandridge said. "And even more importantly, I fade away with the comfort of knowing I leave this University in your capable hands, realizing you will take care of her even better than we have been able to do in the past"
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