He was the smiling man with the red boutonniere and bright blazer dashing across campus and greeting everyone by name along the way. He was the consummate Southern gentleman who fought discrimination at every turn. He was the Renaissance man who recited German poetry, dialogued with students on tough topics, and even taught one or two how to tie a bowtie. These are just a few of the memories etched in the hearts and minds of a University of Miami community inspired by the leadership of its third president, Henry King Stanford, who served from 1962 to 1981. Stanford passed away on January 1, in Americus, Georgia. He was 92.

Throughout his career Stanford championed greater opportunities and equality for students of color, international students, and women— all while gracefully shepherding the University through two decades of explosive transition, growth, and change.

“His enthusiasm for the University was infectious,” President Donna E. Shalala said. “The entire UM community joins me in mourning the loss of this great leader.”

Former Student Government Vice President Martin Weinkle, A.B. ’70, recalls Stanford’s “strong and smiling face, undaunted spirit, kind heart, and open mind.… He led the University during a very volatile time and made it a more excellent place.” On Stanford’s watch, recruitment of black students increased dramatically, the United Black Students organization was founded, and UM’s first black adminis-trators and professors were hired. At Stanford’s insistence, the football team recruited its first black player, Ray Bellamy. Faculty size tripled, adding two Nobel laureates and 25 percent more doctoral degrees. Federal research funding increased by almost 700 percent, and the administrative structure was reorganized. Stanford also established the Cuban Heritage Collection and Cuban Cultural Center and offered graduate-level intensive programs so Miami’s growing population of Cuban professionals could prepare for state board exams in their fields.

As Student Government president in 1968 and 1969, Michael I. Abrams, A.B. ’69, worked with Stanford on a number of issues, from integration to curfews. “We worked through them successfully in my judgment because he cared about students and was open-minded,” says Abrams, a Board of Trustees member.

Henry King Stanford was married for over 65 years to his beloved Ruth, who died in 2002. They had four children. Stanford earned his bachelor’s degree in history and German from Emory University in Atlanta, his master’s in government and management from the University of Denver, and his Ph.D. in political science and public administration from New York University.

A campus memorial service is set for 3 p.m. Friday, February 27 in Storer Auditorium. Sign Stanford’s guest book at www.miami.edu/alumni/eblasts/stanfordguestbook.htm.