Many dignitaries, including North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, Sen. Byron Dorgan, Congressman Earl Pomeroy, State Board of Higher Education President Richard Smith, Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker and United States Circuit Judge Honorable Myron Bright, joined the NDSU community and the family of Richard H. Barry for the grand opening and dedication of NDSU’s newest building on Oct. 2. Richard H. Barry Hall will serve as the new home of the College of Business, Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, Center for Global Initiatives and Leadership and North Dakota Trade Office.
Jim Miller, executive director of the NDSU Development Foundation and Alumni Association, served as master of ceremonies, welcoming guests and talking about Richard H. "Dick" Barry (1909-88), who was a renowned financial consultant and economic catalyst, residing in Fargo for 50 years. A banker, businessman and community volunteer, Barry served as a dynamic leader who was tireless in his commitment to North Dakota through both local and international endeavors.
Hoeven thanked NDSU President Joseph A. Chapman and the Barry family, stating Richard H. Barry Hall is going to make a tremendous difference for not only NDSU, but also the region and the state. He also presented B. John Barry, chairman, CEO and president of The Barry Foundation with a North Dakota license plate that said “BRYHALL.”
Dorgan and Pomeroy congratulated and thanked Chapman and the Barry family for making the facility possible. Smith also offered his thanks for enhancing the higher education of our students.
Chapman offered his thanks to the Barry family, stating they are remarkable people who have changed NDSU forever and created an environment for the tradeoff of students, academic faculty, the departments of agriculture and many incredible opportunities. He talked about NDSU's five themes to articulate what this event means to the university, noting that facilities like Richard H. Barry Hall are what makes NDSU an institution of choice among students.
Walaker welcomed the new facility to downtown Fargo, stating that this gift is not only significant to the university, but also to the city because he believes education is so important.
Amber Alstadt, NDSU Student Government president, expressed gratitude from all NDSU students promising to keep Richard H. Barry's legacy of profession and drive alive at NDSU.
Bright shared memories and reflections of Richard H. Barry, followed by remarks from James Giordano, son-in-law of Richard H. Barry and chief underwriting officer of Canopius, and B. John Barry.
B. John Barry expressed deep appreciation to NDSU's involvement in the creation of Richard H. Barry Hall. He said that his father had a passion for setting goals and meeting them, which is one reason for this gift to NDSU. "We want to be able to help young people reach their goals and we believe Richard H. Barry Hall will be a place of great learning and curiosity as well as a place for students to focus on their goals," he said congratulating NDSU on this achievement.
