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The University has a tradition of planting a tree to honor those who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Grounds. Minturn, who retired from the University in 2024 and died in 2025, had been a Facilities Management project manager and then a senior academic facility planner in the provost’s office at the University. 

Richard Minturn, left, with his son, Jake, and wife Suzanne Freeman in 2018 (Contributed photo)

“Of all the projects he was involved with, (the) Shannon Library (renovation) was among his favorites,” said Helen Wilson, a senior landscape architect with the Office of the Architect for the University. “We lost a sugar maple at the south entrance to Shannon Library, which was one of a matched pair that framed the grand main entrance. We are planting a ‘legacy’ sugar maple on the west side of the entrance in Dick’s honor.”

Minturn’s daughter, Molly, who works at Shannon Library, thought the selection apt.

“Sugar maples are associated with New England, where my father was born and raised, but can also thrive in Virginia soil,” she said to those assembled. “When I was a teenager, our family had sugar maple trees in our yard in Essex, Massachusetts, and my parents learned how to tap them and make their own maple syrup.”

The tree will not be the only physical reminder of Dick Minturn. 

“Tangible evidence of Dick’s legacy can be found all over the Grounds,” University President Scott Beardsley said. “He played a crucial role in the planning and design of so much of the new construction around the Grounds, including the Contemplative Sciences Center, the School of Data Science, and the booming growth of the entire Emmett-Ivy Corridor. And the renovation of Shannon Library was one of the most ambitious and complex architecture and construction projects in �鶹�ƽ�� history – and that’s saying something at a university full of world-class architecture.” 

Molly Minturn talks about what she learned from her father and how she still hears his voice in her head. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)

Bryan Lewis, chair of the Arboretum and Landscape Committee that unanimously selected Minturn as this year’s Founder’s Day honoree, recalled meeting him during a major campus project.

“I first met Dick in 2015 during program planning for the McIntire (School of Commerce) expansion project,” Lewis said. “He was a trusted political navigator, a skillful negotiator and wise counsel – as well as a good dinner companion.”

Lewis said the legacy sugar maple boasts a magnificent fall color display, with clear yellow and brilliant orange leaves, and wood that is incredibly hard and durable.

“The legacy sugar maple we plant here today will grow to about 50 feet tall by 35 feet across and can live to 100 years or more,” Lewis said. “Dick was an extraordinarily positive force for the University. We are honored and privileged to give him a lasting tribute here today.”       

J. Shannon Barras, a senior project manager at Facilities Management, remembered Minturn’s kindness.

University President Scott Beardsley talks about Dick Minturn’s lasting legacy at the University and how the buildings on which he worked influence lives. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)

“He was the person who hired me to work at UVA,” Barras said. “We spent much time together on the South Lawn Project, traveling to Santa Monica and spending long days with the design architects. His emails were always so well written, showing his writing background. It always made me smile. He will truly be missed. He was a fine human being.”