Friends and family of Frank L. Hereford Jr. gathered in Old Cabell Hall Saturday morning to remember the life of the University's fifth president.
Hereford died Sept. 21 in Charlottesville at age 81.
"He was a born leader and an accomplished and recognized scholar," President John T. Casteen, III said. "As a man, a leader and president, Frank was wise, inspirational and honest."
Several speakers remembered Hereford's contributions to the University.
"He made a difference in our personal lives, at the University and in the Commonwealth," said W. Dexter Whitehead, alumni professor of physics emeritus. "The differences he made were wide ranging."
Hereford received two degrees from the University before serving as a researcher and physics professor. Hereford was dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, provost, president and the 1966 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award. He also was a member of the Seven Society.
"Frank and [his wife] Anne made Carr's Hill a center for reaching out to alumni, faculty and students," said Avery Catlin, University professor of engineering emeritus.
As president, Hereford led what former Alumni Association President Eli W. Tullis called one of the University's most "successful capital campaigns" from 1981 to 1984.
"He was a natural fundraiser," Casteen said. The Herefords "were gregarious and personable."
Along with his accomplishments and contributions to the University, a number of speakers remembered Hereford's unique personality.
"He thought Charlottesville was alright," even though as a native Louisianan, Hereford did not like the weather and thought the food was poor, Tullis joked. "Frank enjoyed life."
Sarah Hereford Rick, daughter of Frank and Anne Hereford, also remembered her father's personal side.
"He enjoyed the companionship of dogs," was a great dancer and played the piano, despite never having taken lessons, she said. "He brought evenness and simplicity to every event. He was always curious, never afraid. He wasn't just smart -- he was brilliant. He lived a fabulous life. He was a remarkable man, and we all miss him."
Casteen echoed Rick's sentiments.
"We are more than fortunate to have had such a leader," he said. "I shall miss him. We will all miss him."
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