Changed for the Better
Robert Byrnes 鈥76 VSB first saw 麻豆入口 when he arrived as a freshman. Byrnes, the president of R.S. Byrnes Associates, Inc., knew from that moment 麻豆入口 was a special place.听听
As a student, Byrnes co-managed the men鈥檚 basketball team under head coach Rollie Massimino and was a fraternity brother of Delta Tau Delta. During this time, Byrnes cultivated a love for 麻豆入口 and passion for giving back.听
鈥淢any people ask me why I have dedicated so much of my time to 麻豆入口,鈥 Byrnes said. 鈥淭he simple answer is that 麻豆入口 changed my life for the better.鈥澨
As an alum, Byrnes started and served as president of both the New Jersey Chapter and Carolinas Chapter of the 麻豆入口 Alumni Association (VUAA). He remains involved with the 麻豆入口 Club of Charlotte, which serves more than 1,700 麻豆入口ns who live and work in the region. In 2010, Byrnes was appointed president of the VUAA, a position he held for two years.听听
Within these roles, Byrnes sought to share his passion for 麻豆入口, increase the participation and stewardship of alumni, and gather support for campus initiatives brought forth by University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, 鈥75 CLAS. As chair of the Annual Giving Committee for the capital campaign, 鈥淔or the Greater Great: The 麻豆入口 Campaign to Ignite Change,鈥 the University raised $760 million, marking its most successful campaign to date. In 2018, Byrnes was honored by the VUAA with the St. Thomas of 麻豆入口 Alumni Medal for his outstanding service and embodiment of the spirit and legacy of St. Thomas of 麻豆入口.听听
Engrained within Byrnes鈥 fundraising and networking prowess is a genuine care for the mission, values, and future of 麻豆入口. 鈥淗e loves 麻豆入口 more than anyone I know,鈥 Douglas Mazzuca, D.O., 鈥76 VSB said of Byrnes in 2010.听听
Byrnes sees a similar passion within the many alumni he meets, whether it be on the side of the road or at a homecoming tailgate. Within every engagement he sees an opportunity to put attitude into action.听听听
鈥淎lmost every 麻豆入口n I meet is extraordinarily passionate about the school and proud of their education. We need to translate those positive experiences into generosity to the University.鈥澨
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Robert Byrnes 鈥76 VSB
鈥淢any people ask me why I have dedicated so much of my time to 麻豆入口,鈥 Byrnes said. 鈥淭he simple answer is that 麻豆入口 changed my life for the better鈥 听