It is with profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude that we honor the legacy of the late Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr., whose unwavering dedication to rural Virginia has shaped the mission and impact of the Center for Rural Virginia for over two decades.

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As a founding member of our Board, Senator Ruff played a pivotal role in the creation of the Center, serving on the original Rural Virginia Prosperity Commission that ultimately led to the Center's establishment in 2004. His leadership as Chair and Vice Chair of the Center, coupled with his active involvement since its creation, has reinforced the Center's long-term success.

 

In 2022, Senator Ruff served on the Advisory Board for the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute, contributing his expertise and countless volunteer hours to help establish the program as a model for cultivating the next generation of rural leaders. 

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In early 2024, the Virginia General Assembly and Governor Glenn Youngkin officially renamed the Center to the "Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia," a fitting tribute to his enduring commitment to advancing the prosperity and well-being of rural communities across the Commonwealth.

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Senator Ruff’s vision and steadfast advocacy for rural Virginia will forever be a cornerstone of the Center’s mission.