Changed for the Better
Robert Byrnes ’76 VSB first saw Ƶ when he arrived as a freshman. Byrnes, the president of R.S. Byrnes Associates, Inc., knew from that moment Ƶ was a special place.
As a student, Byrnes co-managed the men’s basketball team under head coach Rollie Massimino and was a fraternity brother of Delta Tau Delta. During this time, Byrnes cultivated a love for Ƶ and passion for giving back.
“Many people ask me why I have dedicated so much of my time to Ƶ,” Byrnes said. “The simple answer is that Ƶ changed my life for the better.”
As an alum, Byrnes started and served as president of both the New Jersey Chapter and Carolinas Chapter of the Ƶ Alumni Association (VUAA). He remains involved with the Ƶ Club of Charlotte, which serves more than 1,700 Ƶns who live and work in the region. In 2010, Byrnes was appointed president of the VUAA, a position he held for two years.
Within these roles, Byrnes sought to share his passion for Ƶ, 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, ’75 CLAS. As chair of the Annual Giving Committee for the capital campaign, “For the Greater Great: The Ƶ Campaign to Ignite Change,” 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 Ƶ Alumni Medal for his outstanding service and embodiment of the spirit and legacy of St. Thomas of Ƶ.
Engrained within Byrnes’ fundraising and networking prowess is a genuine care for the mission, values, and future of Ƶ. “He loves Ƶ more than anyone I know,” Douglas Mazzuca, D.O., ’76 VSB said of Byrnes in 2010.
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.
“Almost every Ƶn 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.”
Robert Byrnes ’76 VSB
“Many people ask me why I have dedicated so much of my time to Ƶ,” Byrnes said. “The simple answer is that Ƶ changed my life for the better”