May 28, 2010 — Andrew Charles Ruppel, 71, professor emeritus at the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce, died May 20 at his home in Charlottesville.
Widely admired for his generosity, quiet magnanimity and humility, Ruppel will be remembered for his 38 years of selfless commitment to the McIntire School and the University.
"Andy was a beloved and important member of our community for many years," McIntire Dean Carl Zeithaml said. "His presence will be greatly missed by us all."
After 30 years as a professor of the management of information technology, Ruppel retired in 2001. In his retirement, however, he remained a vital presence at McIntire, making use of his outstanding organizational and management skills to help oversee the school's move from Monroe Hall into its new home in Rouss and Robertson halls on the Lawn. In 2008, in recognition of his long service to the University and his key role in McIntire's "Back to the Lawn" building project, the Board of Visitors honored Andy by renaming the portion of Hospital Drive in front of Robertson Hall "Ruppel Drive."
"Andy was a great source of knowledge and a tireless worker," said McIntire Associate Dean for Administration Gerald Starsia, who oversaw the "Back to the Lawn" project. "It was clear why so many people across Grounds trusted his judgment, and why so many people respected his integrity. Andy had a way of quietly solving problems while never calling attention to himself."
Ruppel's service to the University was honored in 2005, when, in a Founder's Day ceremony presided over by President John T. Casteen III, a tree was planted in recognition of his significant and lasting contributions to the design, planning and maintenance of the University's Grounds. The planting of a Founder's Day tree is meant to serve as a living memorial celebrating the legacy of a worthy individual.
Ruppel was born Aug. 9, 1938, to Carl Philip and Margaret Emilie Nessel Ruppel. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Imogene Newman Ruppel. Other survivors are a sister, Joan Mirovsky, and her husband, Frank, of Leesburg, Fla.; a niece, Susan Collins, and her husband, Roger; two nephews, Gary Kollmann and his wife, Peggy, and Bruce Kollmann and his wife, Pat; one grand-nephew, Michael Kollmann; and three grand-nieces, Heather Collins, Christine Kollmann and Jeanette Klein.
Before joining the University of Virginia in 1971, Ruppel served in the U.S. Army and earned degrees from the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University (B.S., summa cum laude), the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (M.S. in Industrial Management) and the University of North Carolina (Ph.D.).
In keeping with Ruppel's wishes, there will be no memorial service. Memorial contributions can be made to the McIntire School of Commerce Foundation, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400173, Charlottesville, VA 22904, and/or Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911. Friends may sign the guest book.
Widely admired for his generosity, quiet magnanimity and humility, Ruppel will be remembered for his 38 years of selfless commitment to the McIntire School and the University.
"Andy was a beloved and important member of our community for many years," McIntire Dean Carl Zeithaml said. "His presence will be greatly missed by us all."
After 30 years as a professor of the management of information technology, Ruppel retired in 2001. In his retirement, however, he remained a vital presence at McIntire, making use of his outstanding organizational and management skills to help oversee the school's move from Monroe Hall into its new home in Rouss and Robertson halls on the Lawn. In 2008, in recognition of his long service to the University and his key role in McIntire's "Back to the Lawn" building project, the Board of Visitors honored Andy by renaming the portion of Hospital Drive in front of Robertson Hall "Ruppel Drive."
"Andy was a great source of knowledge and a tireless worker," said McIntire Associate Dean for Administration Gerald Starsia, who oversaw the "Back to the Lawn" project. "It was clear why so many people across Grounds trusted his judgment, and why so many people respected his integrity. Andy had a way of quietly solving problems while never calling attention to himself."
Ruppel's service to the University was honored in 2005, when, in a Founder's Day ceremony presided over by President John T. Casteen III, a tree was planted in recognition of his significant and lasting contributions to the design, planning and maintenance of the University's Grounds. The planting of a Founder's Day tree is meant to serve as a living memorial celebrating the legacy of a worthy individual.
Ruppel was born Aug. 9, 1938, to Carl Philip and Margaret Emilie Nessel Ruppel. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Imogene Newman Ruppel. Other survivors are a sister, Joan Mirovsky, and her husband, Frank, of Leesburg, Fla.; a niece, Susan Collins, and her husband, Roger; two nephews, Gary Kollmann and his wife, Peggy, and Bruce Kollmann and his wife, Pat; one grand-nephew, Michael Kollmann; and three grand-nieces, Heather Collins, Christine Kollmann and Jeanette Klein.
Before joining the University of Virginia in 1971, Ruppel served in the U.S. Army and earned degrees from the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University (B.S., summa cum laude), the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (M.S. in Industrial Management) and the University of North Carolina (Ph.D.).
In keeping with Ruppel's wishes, there will be no memorial service. Memorial contributions can be made to the McIntire School of Commerce Foundation, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400173, Charlottesville, VA 22904, and/or Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911. Friends may sign the guest book.
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May 28, 2010
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