Honoring Leonard Sandridge, U.Va.

Diane Washington | Monday Apr 4, 2011 6:33 pm

Maya Angelou once quoted: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Mr. Sandridge,

I attended a UVa Men's basketball game about 3 years ago. You were heading up the steps as I was walking down the steps -- we were mere strangers but I recognized you. I remember saying "Hi, Mr. Sandridge." As I now share my comments, I can still recall very vividly your warm return of the "Hello - how are you?" accompanied by a firm handshake like you were greeting someone that you knew. Today, at your celebration, I made it my goal to shake your hand and to congratulate you--- because of that first impression that you made upon me 3 years ago. Again, today, you returned my greeting as if you knew me. I can't begin to describe how that made me feel to have such an esteemed leader of this great University of Virginia greet me in such a manner. It is no wonder that there is a major road threading from 250 to JPJ named after you. What a deserving honor!!!

Best wishes for the next chapter of your journey!

Respectfully,
Diane Washington

Reba Camp | Monday Apr 4, 2011 2:16 pm

Your leadership at a difficult time for the Medical Center was inspiring to those of us who were working quietly behind the scenes. Knowing that you stood with us helped us stay focused on getting to the truth, learning from our mistakes and reaffirming our commitment to serve our patients and each other with integrity. Our small group never complained about the early and late hours, the short turnaround times for reports or anything else. How could we when you were working right along side us? Thank you for acknowledging that everyone who works here-- regardless of title, color of uniform or the nature of our work-- is here to serve our patients. Thank you for being the best role model we could ever hope to have.

Jahan Ramazani | Monday Apr 4, 2011 10:51 am

What a brilliant, devoted, and tireless colleague we've had in you. Your relentless energy and boundless passion, combined with world-class managerial skills and profound integrity, have been a tremendous force for good in our lives. Your presence will be sorely missed.

Rahul Gorawara | Monday Apr 4, 2011 9:49 am

I know Mr. Sandridge was not a teacher in the traditional sense of leading classroom lectures or grading homework assignments, but I learned more about leadership from him than I did in any course. I experienced firsthand how his friendly demeanor and his genuine care for students and faculty allowed him to find common ground with folks of various backgrounds and interests. I witnessed how his honestly and humility elicited a strong sense of trust giving him the support to take swift action in difficult times. I observed how his dedication to high standards and his strong work ethic led to consistency and constant improvement in results.

I know the University was fortunate to have Mr. Sandrige’s service for so long, and I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to interact with him during my final year at UVa.


P.S. I think the occasion I was most pleased to see Mr. Sandridge was at the Taylor Swift concert at JPJ last year. Amid a crowd filled with teenage girls, I was glad I was not the only mature male in the audience!

Jeffrey Sitler | Monday Apr 4, 2011 7:49 am

I have asked for your autograph on numerous occasions in the last ten years and you have never let me down. Of course, I was asking then as a DEQ requirement on the many reports UVA has to file with the DEQ related to our environmental permits and reporting and not once did you tell me to get lost. The joke in the office was that if UVA were to have a significant environmental compliance issue with the DEQ or EPA, you would go to jail because you signed the documents and I would lose my job because I prepared the documents for you to sign. Fair?
I appreciated your positive feedback and acknowledgement when I had to report to you that just maybe we would be in a bit of a pickle over some hiccup related to a compliance issue with one of our regulatory permits. Your level-headed thoughtful analyses and responses were always welcome, appreciated and expected as this is how you always interacted with me and those around me. Your support of our sustainability and environmental programs has been greatly appreciated. I was very happy to hear that you would stay on in an advisory capacity for some period of time, however, do take a lot of time off and have some fun on the farm. You have earned it.
Jeff Sitler – Environmental Compliance Manager

Kay Slaughter | Saturday Apr 2, 2011 12:04 pm

Leonard,
Although I've not seen as much of you as I did in the 8 years while I was on Council, I very much appreciate all the work you've done at the University and with the community before,during and after that period. In my experience, you were always a calm voice of reason (tinted with humor) as you represented the U -- a straight shooter in my estimation, which I valued.
Thank you for all you've done and I hope that your retirement will bring you as much pleasure as my recent retirement (August 2010) is bringing me; I'm still learning about it but now there is time to do the many things I love to do other than work.
You have definitely made a difference in the University and the Community at large. I hope to see you around the 'Ville. -- Kay Slaughter

Rebecca A. Lewis | Friday Apr 1, 2011 11:55 am

Leonard, during the time when there was no executive leader in place, it was particularly reassuring to us that you were so visible in the Medical Center. You were a calm presence to staff during inclement weather, or crisis events. When I was on call, and we were in the midst of a snow storm or a hurricane or other climatic event, I appreciated receiving a page from you, asking to join me on rounds. Additionally, arriving at a fire event, and finding that you were also onsite was validating. We felt that your presence at those situations demonstrated your caring for us as part of university enterprise.
I was also very impressed when you rounded that you addressed and resolved situations brought to your attention by staff whom you encountered.
In my files, I have several notes that I treasure from you, commemorating those rounding occasions. Whether it was the Clifton Inn Fire, the baby switch, the Morgue/Autopsy issue, inclement weather, fires, or other events, your presence, sage advice, and caring are significant in their resolution. You are, and have been, an essential ingredient in the success of the Health System. I feel privileged to have been a part of “your era”.

Congratulations on your retirement. You will truly be missed!

Becky

Rebecca Lewis, R.N., MSN, NEA-BC
Administrator

Gladys Bryant | Thursday Mar 31, 2011 10:05 am

I remember reading once that Leonard said something to the effect that he may not be the sharpest pencil in the box, but what he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for it in hard work. During my years at UVA I have always identified with that statement and have tried to practice that “Leonard” philosophy. Even though I haven’t had the pleasure of personally meeting him, he definitely has had a positive influence on me. As stated by so many others, he will be missed at UVA.

Kayla Harman | Wednesday Mar 30, 2011 2:06 pm

Leonard,

First, I would like to thank you for the endless hours you have invested in the well-being of our University and the safety of students. I would also like to thank your family for being supportive in their sincere dedication to others. They, I am sure, are part of the reason you have been able to touch so many lives over the years.

Embodying such a humbled spirit has allowed you go without recognition. Something is to be said for this…. for the simple fact that you have maintained the same level of motivation and inspiration for your work solely because you care. You are a man of great integrity and truly a legend. As a student, I feel honored to have had the opportunity to interact with you and am thankful to know that in my time spent here, there was always someone looking out for my well-being. Your job did not begin at 8 and end at 5, nor did it run on a Monday – Friday schedule; instead, time and day was seen as irrelevant to the work being done.

You are an inspiration for many and I can only hope to touch a number of the lives you have. Thank you for caring, for always being yourself and for being the ideal role model for our student body.

I wish you and your family many blessings as you embrace this next step in life.

Kayla Harman

William J. Kehoe | Tuesday Mar 29, 2011 9:59 am

Thank you, Leonard, for your many years of consistently high-quality service for all of us in the University community. Your leadership style always was one of getting things done in proper order while holding your colleagues in friendship and respect. Your good work here defines much of the University today and into the tomorrow's beyond. Thank you for all you have done for so many now gone from the University, here now, and to be here in generations to come.

Dan Heuchert | Monday Mar 28, 2011 2:20 pm

I've read what everyone else wrote, and it's hard to add anything fresh. I have to say that I was a little bit surprised to see that he enjoys working in his yard -- I thought he lived in Madison Hall!

Seriously, though, the word that keeps coming to mind when thinking about Leonard is "trust." He's so steady, so focused on doing the right thing, so aware of the human implications of the decisions that he makes, that I invariably trust that what he says is not only true, but it is the best possible choice to be made in a situation.

In my line of work, in media relations, I've seen Leonard in all sorts of settings -- whether at a Board of Visitors meeting or interacting with Facilities Management folks. He is the same guy in each place, and he is universally admired, respected and listened to.

I feel sorry for the next person to inhabit his office. Leonard is truly the toughest act to follow.

Yonella | Monday Mar 28, 2011 6:06 am

Thank you for your service, commitment, and dedication to the University. You will greatly be missed but never forgotten. Your legacy will carry on forever.

Thanks

Annamarie Black | Friday Mar 25, 2011 11:53 am

I worked in Madison Hall in the late 90s for vice president and provost Peter Low. As I'm sure is the case today, our office interacted frequently with Leonard and his staff. Busy with a number of projects, I would frequently try to arrive early in advance of phone calls and the rush of email traffic. In the winter months, I would see the glow of Leonard's office light as I approached the front of the building. While I always felt safe in the building, it was a quiet comfort knowing that he was just down stairs. One morning, though, I arrived very early and realized that I had beat Leonard into work. I double checked about 20 minutes later to see if he was here and not off to Richmond or another meeting. Ha! He did indeed arrive after me. I was so pleased--I must have told everyone in Madison Hall about this personal victory. Let me just say that was the only time I beat Leonard into work--not that he was aware of my work hours or my private competition. Furthermore, I can't say that I maintained a habit of keeping an extraordinarily early morning schedule.

So is this really a story about Leonard? I would say yes because, at the deepest level, this typifies his leadership style. We can tell stories about ourselves and puff up a little because Leonard sets the bar without fanfare and hand waving. He is metronome-steady and those around him gravitate to his pace. And then we look up and realize that we are advancing the mission of the University with alacrity; we are weathering storms; we are celebrating.

Thank you,
Annamarie

Sarah Brown Rothschild | Thursday Mar 24, 2011 1:45 pm

As an employee of the University of Virginia, I found there was no greater way to appreciate and understand the institution than to be in Mr. Sandridge’s presence. His encyclopedic-memory of the University’s history over the past four decades is nothing short of astounding. Perhaps the only thing more impressive than his memory of these events is the role he played in so many of those defining moments.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to moderate an event for the young alumni of Washington, DC in the fashion of “Inside the Actor’s Studio.” Mr. Sandridge was in the hot seat, fielding questions ranging from his outlook of the football program’s future to the reduction in state funding to the craziest telephone call he received from the University Police. Many of those fortunate enough to be in attendance that night (and perhaps unfortunately having to speak with me instead of Mr. Sandridge as they waited in a long line to shake his hand) remarked on the tremendous scope of his responsibilities at the University, his candor and their renewed pride in the University after his remarks. After speaking with the last person to leave the room (an hour after the program ended!), Mr. Sandridge looked at me and earnestly asked, “do you think they got anything from that?” before dashing back to Charlottesville in the wee hours to be ready for his early morning meetings.

We should all be proud to call ourselves Wahoos with a man like Leonard Sandridge among us.

Betty Wooding | Thursday Mar 24, 2011 12:30 pm

Mr. Sandridge, Facilities Management sends all best wishes and reminds you, now that you really are retiring, that the Resolution and special Sandridge Snowplow pass will be honored in future snow events.
Resolution
Whereas: During snow storms, LWS invariably shows up in the Landscape Shop around 4:00am;
Whereas: He has a keen interest on the condition of roads and parking lots, and asks details about the success of our snowplowing efforts;
Whereas: He stays in the shop area talking and checking conditions for long periods of time;
Whereas: Landscape staff is too embarrassed to tell LWS they have work to do and resume plowing, in that leaving a VP in the shop would be bad form;
Resolved: LWS evidently has secretly envied the snow plow drivers for many years, so on the event of his retirement in December 2010, he will become the recipient of the Sandridge Plow Pass

Sandridge Plow Pass
This pass entitles the holder to temporary employment with Facilities Management riding “shotgun” in snow plow rigs during winter storm events.
The pay is low, the hours are long and during the midnight shift, and the work is performed only during the worst of weather.
Qualifications include your own winter gear, an unbreakable resolve, and a good attitude. Your first assignment will be riding with Frank Hill.

mary kay | Thursday Mar 24, 2011 12:10 pm

Two visiting college student interns were working for me one summer and they wanted to meet Leonard. I asked if he might spare 15 minutes and he kindly worked us in at the end of a full and long day at 4:30. An hour and a half later, he was still answering their questions. It is their favaorite memory of their summer at UVa.

mary kay ohaneson | Thursday Mar 24, 2011 10:41 am

Who else do you know that brings lunches to employees who have to work on Thanksgiving, who goes down on the football field to personally thank the EMT's on stand-by, who runs across the lawn to help a couple of women carrying heavy boxes, who sends an employee a hand-written thank you note, who sends you a letter when you were just diagnosed with cancer, who leaves a voice mail message for you at 10 o'clock at night to say "well done" and who sets the example of doing the right thing even when no one is watching. He daily lives out the meaning of integrity. I will never forget his kindness to me and my life is better because of him.

Mary Kay Ohaneson

Arlene Buynak | Thursday Mar 24, 2011 8:53 am

Mr. Sandridge:

Meeting you has added to my great experience at the University of Virginia for the last twenty years. Ten years ago, Easter weekend, I was on the terrace of the Rotunda showing a visiting friend, from Florida, the University I was so proud to work out. As we cornered the terrace you came walking toward us. You stopped to chat. I introduced you to my friend, you were so gracious to start a conversation and were genuinely interested in what he had to say. My friend was so impressed that you actually took the time, knew who I was and held a chief position at the University. To me that is who you are.

You’ve left an imprint on the heart of the University and all those who have had the pleasure of knowing you. Enjoy the time with your family, you certainly deserve it. Thank you.

Nancy Rivers | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 11:13 pm

Recently Jon Bowen, writer for the president, forwarded the following quote to me in response to a question regarding Mr. Jefferson's advice on a matter. The quote reminds me of the way that Leonard lives.

"Whenever you are to do a thing, though it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were all the world looking at you, and act accordingly."

TJ letter to Peter Carr, 1785

Linda Weldon | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 3:22 pm

How often do we have the opportunity to know someone with Mr. Sandridge's character, integrity, and abilities? He has helped shape the University of Virginia into the outstanding institution that we know today and he will leave a legacy of explemplary leadership, service, and equal and kind treatment to all. Thank you, Mr. Sandridge, for setting the bar for a professionalism that we all can aspire to.

David Toscano | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 3:07 pm

Leonard, I will not be able to attend on Monday, April 4, because I will be Richmond for our special session on redistricting. I did want to offer my best wishes to you and to thank you for all that you have given to this community. This community would not be the special place that it is without the University. And the University would not be the flagship institution it is without you. Best, David Toscano

Jann Balmer | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 2:24 pm

Leonard,
What a privilege it has been to be part of the University of Virginia under your thoughtful leadership. I truly enjoyed your participation in the Executive Leadership sessions as I found your insights to be both strategic and pragmatic. Your willingness to listen to new ideas and your genuine passion for UVA is a standard that I try to emulate.
Enjoy this new chapter in your life and know that you have a lasting legacy in all of us who have been touched by your leadership.
thank you!

David Tyree | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 1:06 pm

I had a power failure in Jordan Hall years ago around 11:30 P.M. it was dark in the building and I had to move about with a flashlight. I was checking the problem out and found the main buss electrial system had shorted out because of a water leak above it. I saw a flashlight coming toward me from down the hallway and to my surprise it was Mr. Sandridge. I ask him what he was doing in here at this time of night and he said I wanted to see what was going on and was there anything he could do to help me get the power back on. I was really impressed for a man of his stature to leave his home at that time of night and come in to see was happening and help if possible. During my 37+ years he has done this a number of times for me and the area I maintain. What a realataionship with his employee's he trully cares about them, and I hate to see him leave but I wish him WELL and you will be missed SIR.

Your Friend David Tyree

Amy Lemley | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 11:23 am

Dear Mr. Sandridge:

Thank you for your deep commitment to the University's mission, vision, and contribution to the world. I arrived at UVA in 1983 and soon learned of your presence here and the difference you were making for all of us. Now, so many years later, I want to acknowledge your years of service to an institution so many of us love so dearly.

Yours truly,
Amy Lemley (CLAS 1987)
Senior Editor, Darden School

Whitney Hinnant | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 8:03 am

Thank you for all of your contributions to OUR wonderful University. Many blessings to you. Thank you for your part in assuring that this University meet the needs of ALL students.

Be Blessed

Rick Schupp | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 8:44 am

In May of 1997, the balcony on Pavilion I collapsed minutes before graduation exercises began. Eighteen people were injured and sadly one person died from her injuries. Leonard's leadership helped all of us get through that difficult time at the University, and he helped us in Risk Mgmt to realize the importance of putting people first and doing what's right, even if it meant doing things differently than the usual or customary way. We have never forgotten that bit of risk mgmt enlightenment, and to this day as we deal with matters on behalf of the University, because of Leonard we always ask ourselves if we are doing the "right thing" by the people who are involved.

One year later in 1998, engineers advised that U-Hall's dome was in danger of collapsing in on the building. Tough decisions had to be made, and, as usual, Leonard was at the center of it. People were evacuated out of the building and employees were relocated to other locations. When it was decided that essential items would need to be retrieved from within U-Hall for Athletics to carry on it activities, Leonard was among the people who went in to get the job done. It was clear that he would not ask others to go in harm's way without a willingness to do so himself.

Wanda Snead | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 8:51 am

Your loved for the University and
your work ethical speaks for itself.
The road sign that name after you is great.But the smile and friendliness you give on a daily basics to everone will last a life time.Thanks for a great job.

Elizabeth Coles | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 9:01 am

It was about 28 yrs ago that I first met Leonard. Back then you could just pick up the phone and call him directly. He never turned me away. I always felt that he went above his role to be friendly and treat people equal. That means a lot of all employees.

I appreciate all his hard work and for having a connection to employees.

Now, how can Leonard be replaced? His style is unmatchable.

Maria Heil | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 8:42 am

"A MAN WITH INTEGRITY"

Crystal Canada Ballif | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 8:41 am

Several years ago, I came through Madison Hall as a temp and worked for about 5 months for Polly McClure.

When it came time for me to leave, there was a cake and small party and I recall that Leonard took the time to join the festivities and wish me well and join the general hilarity that we all shared in the basement in those days.

Always a genial, kind man with a pleasant word no matter how busy, how rushed.

Dick Mathias | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 7:50 am

Having just arrived in Charlottesville in the spring of 1985, my young family and myself were renting a townhouse for several months until we could take possession of our newly-purchased home. On a regular basis that spring, I would see our landlord mowing and manicuring our rental property yard.

I soon realized my landlord was Leonard Sandridge, already holding an influential University administrative position. It struck me how someone with that sort of responsibility and authority would still take on a menial task, such as yard work.

Watching and interacting with Leonard in the increased capacities he took on during the past 26 years I have know him, his willingness to roll up his sleeves and get it done, all the while being in a top leadership position, has said much about his contributions to this University. Never shying away from getting dirty, Leonard, in his own low-key leadership style, has perfectly mixed his abilities to be both the Indian and the Chief.

Best of luck in your retirement Leonard and let someone else now take on the chore of mowing the grass.

Maggie Short | Wednesday Mar 23, 2011 7:45 am

Despite his position, Leonard has always been approachable & available. When I am Admin on call for the Medical Center, I have always known that Leonard was a just a phone call away & ready to help in any way he could if an unusual situation might arise. Many of us will miss Leonard and his support & wish him all the best. Enjoy those grandkids!!

Greg Tilton | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 11:56 pm

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication

Cathy Campbell | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 9:14 pm

I had the opportunity to share a table with him at Women's Center Event where Johnetta Cole was the speaker. He was very down to earth.
Being in service to UVA for 44 years speaks to his steadfastness and commitment. He will be missed at UVA.

Richard W. Lindsay M. D. | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 8:24 pm

Leonard:

I never visit Mountainside where I teach in the summer without thinking of you and your Crozet birth roots. Aside from that I want to thank you for your friendship and support over many years and I look forward to seeing you out and about and a continuation of that relationship. Best wishes for a happy and full retirement. You have a free pass for advice from a geriatrician friend and admirer. Dr. Dick Lindsay

Kristin Twiford | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 8:10 pm

Mr. Sandridge has an ability to speak to students in an unparalleled way. Every year he speaks at a Student Council meeting, and he addresses our questions and concerns with understanding and patience. He has a way of listening and explaining a situation that lets us know he is truly looking out for our best interests. We are fortunate to have had the leadership of Mr. Sandridge, and to have had the opportunity to get to know him.

Catharine | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 7:44 pm

I remember when I moved to Charlottesville for graduate school and I saw a bumper sticker that said, "I brake for Leonard Sandridge." I later found out who that was and thought it was great that he had his own bumper sticker. I would definitely brake for Leonard Sandridge... and offer him a ride!

Tammy Sisson | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 7:06 pm

Thank you for your years of service to this outstanding university.

Bob Kemp | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 6:54 pm

Leonard,

As I've told you, I cannot fathom the Unveirsity without you. You are so speical.

You know, when all is said and done, the greatness of a human being is ultimately measured by one criteria. That criteria is: "Is the world a better place because they were in it?" Leonard, it is easy to say "yes" regarding you. The world, and especially the University, is infinitely better because of you. Through your work, thousands of people have lived prosperous lives, made wonderful contributions to humanity, and been happy.

Thank you for being you and doing what you have done!

Best wishes.

Bob Kemp

Ann B. Hamric | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 5:22 pm

My First Memory of Leonard

It was May of 2000 on UVA’s graduation day, my first year on the faculty. I had a dear friend whose daughter graduated from the University that year, and I promised her a tour of Dean Lancaster’s Pavilion #2. Jeanette had said that it was fine for me to show my friend the house so long as I didn’t lock the door; Jeanette had out-of-town company coming in sometime in the afternoon and needed the Pavilion open. Of course, my friend and I inadvertently locked the door on our way out! I didn’t know what to do, so I walked up to Carr’s Hill in hopes of seeing someone from the campus police. I recognized Leonard, though I had never been introduced to him, and explained my problem and asked whether he could direct me to a campus policeman. He immediately got on the phone and contacted the police, then walked back with me to Pavilion #2 to see that the door got opened. I was so grateful, and so impressed that he would show such an interest in my plight and take the time to personally see to it that my problem got solved. My impression then, and I have never forgotten it, was of an administrator who treated all persons with great respect and went out of his way to be helpful – he made me proud to be associated with this University. I’ve since had many interchanges with Leonard, and they are all of a piece with this first one – careful listening, rapid responsiveness, and equal respect towards everyone he encounters.

Leonard, you exemplify the best qualities of this University and you will be sorely missed. Thanks for the memories and Godspeed to you and your family as you enjoy the fruits of your labors!

Joe Gieck | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 5:17 pm

While serving as UVas director of sports medicine I went to Leonard with a problem about drug testing. The solution I proposed to him was one which the university attorneys said they could not defend. He replied that we would do it anyway as it was the right ting to do.

You always knew that Leonard would do the right thing and had the confidence that with his integrity whatever situation arose that when he made a decision would be fair and not politically motivated.

Elizabeth M. Layman | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 5:14 pm

I just want to comment, that anyone that had a bumper sticker made about him, has to be at the very least,"semi-important". Obviously Mr. Sandridge is very important and a great supporter of the UVA PD and we really appreciate every thing he has done. Maybe we should all have bumper stickers that say "I brake for Leonard Sandridge"

Bonnie L. Bradley | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 5:11 pm

I don't even know if he knew my name but he knew my face as I have been in the halls of the Medical Center for over 31 years. He would always smile and ask how I was and to have a good day. He was just that friendly sort (you know the old school, the nice guy), he always seemed to really care about you as a person. If I ever saw him outside of the University setting it was the same way. He always gave me a nod and a hello and that wonderful smile. We are very lucky to have had Leonard Sandridge all these years.

Profs. Elizabeth Fowler and Victor Luftig | Tuesday Mar 22, 2011 5:04 pm

We've never met Leonard Sandridge, but we are grateful to him for what we understand to be his leadership in UVA's avoiding, as many comparable institutions haven't during these tough times, large numbers of layoffs and the deep hardships that come with them. We have only a vague sense of how much better our professional lives, and those of our co-workers, have been because of his humane and efficient stewardship, but we feel quite sure that we have much to thank him for.