This e-letter is the third and final special edition devoted to the new home of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business. Halpin-Harrison Hall was officially dedicated on Friday, March 28, 2008. The dedication day had four parts: a sponsor's luncheon at 11 a.m., a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony at 1 p.m., a reception and building tours at 2 p.m., and a symposium at 3 p.m. This issue of the Byrd Business Review is a pictorial display of those events. If you have not had an opportunity to see this outstanding Shenandoah University resource, I extend to you my special services as your tour guide. Please come and visit. The following statement is my presentation to the dedication audience during the 1 p.m. ceremony.

Halpin-Harrison Hall today stands as a magnificent symbol of a bright new chapter in the continued tradition of excellence of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business. The educational environment inspires excellence for all who teach and learn within its walls. Our mission -educating students to become successful, principled leaders with a global perspective - does not change. On the contrary, we are now able to set new standards of quality in business education, scholarship and service. There can be no greater testimony for the future potential of this school than the support of individuals who desired to make this new structure a reality.

It is an honor for me to be standing before you today in recognition of such an important event in the life of Shenandoah University and the Byrd School of Business. With the beginning of construction on June 7, 2006, and the completion of the building on January 31, 2008, this building project started as a vision shared by many. President James Davis, the Jerry Halpin and Stan Harrison families and numerous donors recognized the importance of providing a modern structure to accentuate and honor the name on our school - Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. The donors believe that Shenandoah University provides society's best investment in the future, helping young people mature into contributing members of society. Today's business students will be prepared to become tomorrow's global leaders.

This modern structure is built around the concept of student-faculty interaction, a condition that should occur regularly and naturally. Even though technology is present throughout the facility, at no time will the human touch be lost. We possess the best of both worlds. Learning happens differently today. By facilitating students and faculty working together, students working in teams, and public addresses given by organizational leaders, this inspiring building boldly brings business into the business school. As Sir Winston Churchill stated, "We shape our buildings: thereafter they shape us."

Seen from the outside, Halpin-Harrison Hall is a commanding presence as it rises on a prominent site anchoring a new western entry to the campus. Inside, the perspective changes. The building assumes a human scale. The learning environment is corporate in nature; it is comfortable and it is exciting. Direct and indirect lighting is everywhere along with cherry wood finishes and earth tone colors. Move through the building and there are inviting views and surprises. Modern classrooms, conference spaces, study alcoves and beautiful stairways encourage occupants to remain after class to share a cup of coffee, to chat about today's classroom discussion or to talk about a research project.

This building is about community, belongingness, interchange, engagement and collaboration - people, programs and place are activated. The building is about promoting academic growth. It provides a gathering place for the local and regional business community. In short, this building is about the building of relationships that extend education beyond the classroom. Truly, this building has an identifiable heart.

The strength of this university has always been its people - strong faculty who care deeply about their role as teachers, and talented, enterprising students who carry those traits into their careers after graduation. We believe we now have the physical structure for supporting the new nature of business education in Winchester and for attracting, inspiring and retaining the best qualified students and faculty in the future.

Halpin-Harrison Hall is a visible symbol of change taking place in the Byrd School of Business, and it is a clear indication of how the learning process is being dramatically improved. An environment has been created for building leadership, teamwork, communication, technical and analytical skills, all highly valued by employers. This building will meet the needs of our students far into this century.

With tremendous gratitude for the support that is providing the margin of excellence, the faculty and I enthusiastically pledge to constantly improve the quality of our educational product - graduates who will possess the knowledge and competencies for successful careers in the demanding and challenging global business world and who will make a significant and lasting impact on society. We will continue to work with a high level of energy, with determination, focus and grit to honor the Halpin, Harrison and Byrd names.

I extend my deepest gratitude, and that of the members of the Byrd School, to the Halpin and Harrison families as well as to all of you who helped make this building a reality. I must also recognize the tireless work of President James Davis, whose leadership has been instrumental in raising this landmark edifice. My colleagues and I are very grateful for what all of you have done. For me personally, I will always consider my work on behalf of this project to be one of the highlights of my academic career. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Halpin-Harrison Hall: Inspiring Excellence