University of Virginia Library

(The following is the complete text of the statement
delivered at yesterday's meeting of the Board of Visitors by
Joseph H. McConnell, Jr., Rector of the University, in
immediate response to Pres. Shannon's announcement of his
resignation. –Ed.)

Perhaps we should pause a moment or two to reflect on the
seriousness of Dr. Shannon's announcement, but I think it is quite clear
to the Board – as it is to me – that we are confronted today with a
great loss, as well as a great responsibility.

Dr. Shannon, I am sure, has read the surprise – and the
disappointment – in our faces. On a decision of this magnitude, such a
mixture of surprise and sadness was inevitable. It causes one to grope
for words.

But I know, Edgar, that I speak for the Board and for the University
community at large – a community you have helped stretch to the
limits of the Commonwealth – when I say how grateful we are for the
good and faithful service you have given us.

The University can be proud of you – as we are proud of you. You
have demonstrated to this Board your complete dedication to the
University. It always came first – in the good days and when it rained,
as it does today, not only outside but in this room.

On behalf of the Board I want to express our deep gratitude. You
have helped carry out the purpose of our founder, Thomas Jefferson,
for this institution in a way that all who know us can take pride.

We have indeed become; under your guidance, a national university,
not just in law or medicine, but in the full range of the liberal arts. You
helped attract a faculty of the highest quality while developing a
program and plant to challenge and inspire those who teach and those
who learn.

You have put new and important emphasis on the University's role
of service to the State, extending the influence of this institution into
new areas of great but neglected need.

You have gained recognition in the councils of higher affairs of this
nation in a manner that has not only brought honor to you but glory to
the University.

And by the timing of your announcement today – well in advance
of the departure we regret so deeply – you have demonstrated again
the qualities of a man Virginia is proud to have as the president of its
university.

The standards you have set will not make it easy for this Board in
finding a successor. It will be a challenge – but we will do our utmost
to meet it. As prescribed by the manual of the Board, I will appoint a
committee at the appropriate time to work with the faculty in
nominating a successor. We ask your counsel, Dr. Shannon, throughout.

Fifteen years ... it sounds so long, yet it seems so short in terms of
your presidency. I am sure that this is because of the inspiration and
excitement you brought to the task and which you carry to the job
each day. When the days are full and life is lively, time passes quickly.
So it has been here.

We will miss you. I know that I can say for all of us that we are
deeply grateful for the privilege of working with you and seeing the
University grow and prosper.

In the days that you will still be with us – and in those quieter days
beyond – we wish for you and your family great happiness and the
knowledge that this University will always remember you with a fond
and grateful heart.