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RICHMOND -
From a multi-million dollar bio-tech park, to expanding VCU's Monroe Park campus, Eugene Trani, made his mark on Richmond. Trani did it, turning the urban campus into a vibrant community of its own.
During his 19 year tenure as president of the university, the campus population jumped to more than 30,000 students.
Dr. Baxter Perkinson worked side-by-side with Trani for more than a decade. He says Trani's vision helped shape Richmond, in an area that needed change.
"Once he saw something, every body else might have thought it was crazy but he had the focus to make it happen," said Baxter.
While building his academic empire Trani has invested more than $1.2 billion in construction projects in the City, and acquired more than three dozen properties.
A huge feat for one man to accomplish, but that success did not come without neighborhood challenges. Like building the Siegel Center in the Carver community.
Barbara Abernathy with the Carver neigborhood association says "We asked them (VCU), how could you say you want to be apart of our community when actuality, with this building you turned your back on us."
Abernathy says the university worked with the neighborhood to eventually make the building more appealing and offered neighbors recreational space and health care.
"If you don't have everything you need in a neighborhood, you have to work with the outside forces to bring what's needed for us."
"What has happened during Eugene Trani's tenure, has made Richmond a better city," said Mayor Dwight Jones.
Wednesday, VCU welcomes a new president, Michael Rao from Central Michigan University.
Trani will stay on as a history professor at the Honor's College. He's expected to take a yearlong sabbatical first.
During his 19 year tenure as president of the university, the campus population jumped to more than 30,000 students.
Dr. Baxter Perkinson worked side-by-side with Trani for more than a decade. He says Trani's vision helped shape Richmond, in an area that needed change.
"Once he saw something, every body else might have thought it was crazy but he had the focus to make it happen," said Baxter.
While building his academic empire Trani has invested more than $1.2 billion in construction projects in the City, and acquired more than three dozen properties.
A huge feat for one man to accomplish, but that success did not come without neighborhood challenges. Like building the Siegel Center in the Carver community.
Barbara Abernathy with the Carver neigborhood association says "We asked them (VCU), how could you say you want to be apart of our community when actuality, with this building you turned your back on us."
Abernathy says the university worked with the neighborhood to eventually make the building more appealing and offered neighbors recreational space and health care.
"If you don't have everything you need in a neighborhood, you have to work with the outside forces to bring what's needed for us."
"What has happened during Eugene Trani's tenure, has made Richmond a better city," said Mayor Dwight Jones.
Wednesday, VCU welcomes a new president, Michael Rao from Central Michigan University.
Trani will stay on as a history professor at the Honor's College. He's expected to take a yearlong sabbatical first.
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