On observing a stately older gentleman sitting in the corner of the room exercise his wit to lighten up the dullness of a Board of Visitors meeting, a student might write off Senator Hunter B. Andrews, Class of 1942, as a somewhat humorous old man. That student would be in great need of an education.
Andrews, who passed away 13 January at his home in Hampton at the age of 83, will be remembered as one of the College's most extraordinary and esteemed alumni. Andrews was a member of the College's Board of Visitors, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Foundation Board, and the presidential search committee when he died. Before this he served 32 years in the Virginia Senate (1964-1996), as Senate majority leader from 1980 to 1996, and as the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee from 1986 to 1996.
“Larger than life probably doesn't quite do it,” said Stewart Gamage, Vice President for Public Affairs, who knew and worked closely with Andrews.
She explained that Andrews was for a generation the College's greatest ally in state government, and an influential one at that. From working for desegregation in public schools to having a heavy role in the construction of Tercentenary (McGlothlin-Street) Hall and projects at VIMS, his impact transcends his efforts to help the College. His skills as a legislator afforded him longevity as a leader in the Senate.
“If there was a job he didn't have, it probably wasn't worth having,” said Gamage, who added that Andrews' preponderance of Senate leadership posts prompted the body to enact rules limiting such expansive influence.
President of the College Timothy J. Sullivan knew Andrews as both a trusted colleague and a close friend.
“He was a loyal and generous friend to me for over 30 years,” said Sullivan. “By a huge margin he was the most effective and consistent advocate [for the College] in the legislature for a period of 20 years.”
Sullivan described how Andrews' “creative intervention” in the policy making process brought about the construction of such projects as the art studio at Lake Matoaka, the recreation center, and the current law school building.
Governor of Virginia Mark R. Warner further observed Andrews' service in an official statement.
“He may have left the Senate a decade ago, but his influence continues to be seen today in Virginia’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and the importance of a quality education for all of Virginia’s children,” said Warner.
Andrews has received a number of honors from the College over the years, including an honorary doctor of laws degree which he received alongside Prince Charles during the 1993 tercentenary celebration and the Alumni Association's Alumni Medallion in 1988. The Marshall-Wythe School of Law selected him as the Carter O. Lowance Fellow in 1997. The College created the Hunter B. Andrews Distinguished Fellowship in American Politics in 1999, which has been granted to figures including Samuel Berger, Thomas S. Foley, and John Lewis.