University of Virginia Library

Letters

Style Of Statesman

major university presidents,
Mr. Shannon possessed a more
singular quality – the stature
and style of a statesman.

He proceeded in his manner
of quiet eloquence to succeed
no less in effecting the epochal
changes in the composition of
the University's student body
and quality of its academic
status than in his personal
relations with individuals. He
should be remembered more
for the grace and style in his
way of achieving these things
than for the achievements
themselves.

There are others who could
have moved the University in
the direction he took it, but
none who could do so with the
stature and presence he
projected.

He will not be easily
replaced.