May 19, 2010 — After he commended University of Virginia employees on their many years of service, Leonard W. Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer, was himself honored Wednesday by members of the Virginia General Assembly.

State Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, and Dels. David Toscano, D-Charlottesville, and Rob Bell, R-Charlottesville, presented Sandridge with a joint resolution honoring him for his many contributions to U.Va. and to the commonwealth at the annual Service Awards ceremony in John Paul Jones Arena.

"When I first thought about running for office, folks told me I had to get to know two people at U.Va.: 'Mr. Outside,' John Casteen, and 'Mr. Inside,' Leonard Sandridge," Deeds said.

Sandridge, a native of Crozet, will step down on Dec. 31 after more than 40 years as a U.Va. administrator.

The text of the commendation:

House Joint Resolution 263 Commending Leonard W. Sandridge

PATRONS:  Robert B. Bell (chief patron), William J. Howell,  William R. Janis, S. Chris Jones, R. Steven Landes, Robert Tata, David J. Toscano

Senate Joint Resolution 193 Commending Leonard W. Sandridge

PATRONS: R. Creigh Deeds (chief patron),  George L. Barker, Harry B. Blevins, Charles J. Colgan, John S. Edwards,  Emmett W. Hanger Jr., Mark R. Herring, R. Edward Houck,  Janet D. Howell, Robert Hurt, Mamie E. Locke,  L. Louise Lucas, David W. Marsden, Henry L. Marsh III, Stephen H. Martin,   Ryan T. McDougle, A. Donald McEachin,  Jeffrey L. McWaters, John C. Miller, Yvonne B. Miller,  Stephen D. Newman,  Thomas K. Norment Jr., Ralph S. Northam, Mark D. Obenshain, J. Chapman Petersen, Phillip P. Puckett, Linda T. Puller, Frederick M. Quayle,  W. Roscoe Reynolds,  Frank M. Ruff Jr., Richard L. Saslaw, Ralph K. Smith, Walter A. Stosch, Richard H. Stuart, Patricia S. Ticer, Jill Holtzman Vogel, Frank W. Wagner, William C. Wampler Jr., John C. Watkins, Mary Margaret Whipple

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, Feb. 19, 2010
Agreed to by the Senate, Feb. 25, 2010
 
WHEREAS, Leonard W. Sandridge, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the University of Virginia, is recognized in 2010 for his many contributions to the Commonwealth and his fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Crozet in Albemarle County, Leonard W. Sandridge began his distinguished career at the University of Virginia (UVA) as an internal auditor in 1967; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Sandridge, recognized early in his career for his integrity, competence, hard work, and willingness to take on any task, rose steadily and rapidly through the administrative ranks at UVA; and

WHEREAS, in 1977 Leonard Sandridge began his close association with the General Assembly of Virginia as director of the budget for UVA; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Sandridge has served as associate vice president for Budget and Planning, senior vice president for Business and Finance, and as executive vice president and chief financial officer of UVA; in 1989 he became the executive vice president and chief operating officer of UVA, the position he holds today; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Sandridge's titles only hint at the responsibilities entrusted to him by successive presidents and Boards of Visitors of the University of Virginia, the value of his counsel to them, and the esteem in which he is held; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Sandridge is equally well regarded in the Charlottesville-Albemarle community and throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, after a long and rewarding career, Leonard Sandridge will retire at the end of 2010; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate Leonard W. Sandridge for his outstanding service as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the University of Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Leonard W. Sandridge as an expression of the General Assembly’s appreciation for his stellar achievements and best wishes for a happy, rewarding, and much deserved retirement.