About Richard H. Barry
- R.H. "Dick" Barry (1909-1988) was a renowned financial consultant and economic catalyst who was described as "Fargo's doctor of financially ill business."
- 1926 Began banking career at First National Bank in Minneapolis
- 1933 Married Louise Sorensen. They went on to raise three children; Susan, Lynne and John.
- 1935 Established the first installment loan department and later came up with a plan in which people could consolidate their debts over a 12-month period with equal payments (First National Bank, Bismarck).
- 1938 Helped organize the Bismarck chapter of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and was named executive vice president of the Chamber of Commerce.
- 1939 Finance Chairman for North Dakota's 50th birthday celebration.
- 1940 Moved to Fargo, North Dakota and became an assistant cashier at Merchant's National Bank.
- 1943 Became executive vice president of the Fargo Chamber of Commerce.
- 1948 Campaign and finance chair for Harold Stassen for U.S. President, as requested by the future Minn. Gov. Elmer L. Anderson and future Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Warren Burger.
- 1953 Established Barry and Company; developed a strong reputation for helping small businesses and banks with local ownership; instrumental in the development of the Southern Red River Valley Sugarbeet Corp. plant near Wahpeton.
- 1955 Formed the Martin Barry Central American Co., a western hemisphere trading company.
- 1981 Barry's book; "Success from Within; First We Make Our Goals - And Then They Make Us," which discusses his career and philosophy, was copyrighted.
Open for Business
On August 24, Richard H. Barry Hall opened its doors to more than 4,000 students, faculty and staff as the new home of the College of Business and Departments of Agribusiness and Applied Economics.
Located at 811 2nd Ave. N., Richard H. Barry Hall is available for public lectures, conferences, research seminars and career development events, for current and future business professionals to connect.
Building Features Include
Richard H. Barry Hall is an expansive 135,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art learning facility featuring:
- 12 conference rooms
- 2-story atrium
- 3 - story classroom wing: 11 classrooms and 250-seat auditorium
- 6-story faculty office tower including 131 offices
- Coffee bar
- Branches of the NDSU Bookstore
- Bison Connection student service center
- Academic advising offices
- NDSU Library branch
- Reading room overlooking the atrium
- Student study areas on each floor
- Student meeting rooms for clubs and organizations
- Behavioral lab
- Investment management center
A New Level of Global Business Connections
Richard H. Barry Hall also houses the Center for Global Initiatives and Leadership and the North Dakota Trade Office.
The Center for Global Initiatives and Leadership focuses on international business and trade issues. They will involve faculty from across campus to prepare students for global leadership through language, cultural and political understanding and other areas critical to development.
The North Dakota Trade Office provides support for the state's universities, state and federal government agencies and private export professionals to succeed in the global marketplace.
"Our mission of preparing people for the 21st century is extremely well served by the confluence of academic, private sector and interdisciplinary groups. This is a remarkable addition to the research, instruction and outreach capabilities we offer our students and citizens." President Joseph Chapman
Downtown Advantage
Students will be within walking distance of numerous restaurants, coffee shops, specialty stores, art museums, the Historic Fargo Theatre, and more. Many student housing options are available downtown, including "Cityscapes Plaza I," a five-story apartment and retail complex managed by NDSU Residence Life.
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