VCU news

By Leila Ugincius

Charles G. Thalhimer Sr., longtime friend and benefactor of Virginia Commonwealth University, died Tuesday. He was 94.

The eminent Richmond businessman — who served as vice chairman of his family’s iconic department store, Thalhimer Bros. Inc., until his retirement in 1986 — had a relationship with the university for more than 50 years.

"Charles Thalhimer was an iconic, larger-than-life, and beloved member of the community who made a difference in the lives of so many people, including at VCU," VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., said. "Our internationally renowned School of Business, in particular, has benefited from the generosity and wisdom of Mr. Thalhimer and his family, and I will forever be grateful for the profound legacy of leadership and compassion he has given us. Charles Thalhimer made Richmond and VCU better, and he left an indelible mark on the community we love."

In 1984, Thalhimer established the Thalhimer Family Endowment Fund, among the largest endowments in the School of Business, which finances the Charles G. Thalhimer Family Executive-in-Residence program and the Charles G. Thalhimer Family Scholar-in-Residence program. In 1986, Thalhimer was named chairman of the university’s fund drive and remained a key figure of university funding projects thereafter.

That same year, he established the Thalhimer Family Scholarship as a part of the fund. Each year, the scholarship provides two top performing students — one senior and one master's student — with funding for a year’s tuition and fees as well as a stipend.

The scholarship was more than a financial investment for the Thalhimers. It was also a personal investment, one for which its recipients are grateful.

“It was a chance [for them] to get involved in someone’s life,” said past recipient Nida Ansari. “Without this scholarship I would have had to take out loans on an international tuition — which is significant. This scholarship helped me finish school and allowed me to focus on my academics instead of worrying about how I was going to pay for my next semester.

“The Thalhimers are absolutely wonderful people. They didn't just sponsor my scholarship and remain at a distance, they made me feel like family. Today, I consider Mr. and Mrs. Harry Thalhimer [Charles Thalhimer’s son and daughter-in-law] my surrogate parents — they have been there for me through thick and thin, and seen my version of good, bad and ugly.

Having the Thalhimer family’s support meant the world to Kellie Masters, who graduated this spring with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and received the scholarship her senior year.

“Instead of worrying about paying the bills and putting food on the table, I was able to pursue my passions, find a job in my industry for the experience, and get involved in the School of Business by taking a leadership role in a student organization,” she said. “Their investment in me meant that I could invest in myself and my future. Additionally, I've made a wonderful connection with the Thalhimer family as a result of receiving the scholarship.”

Masters met Thalhimer and his family in November at a “get to know you” lunch for the recipients and benefactors. Masters was struck by his overwhelming kindness, she said.

“Despite his age, he was quick-witted and very curious about the students who were chosen for his scholarship,” she said. “I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet someone who was so influential in the Richmond community — and influential to my college career, as well.”

While the scholarship allowed Karan Puri to devote all his time to his studies — he graduated with a 4.0 GPA — it also exposed him to the generosity and guidance of the Thalhimer family, he said.

“Whether at a personal or at a professional level, I was able to receive guidance from Mr. [Harry] Thalhimer on all matters,” Puri said. “The Thalhimer family and scholarship also played a very prominent role in helping me find a job upon graduation. … It showed me the true power of giving and generosity, without the desire of expecting anything back. The impact of the scholarship on my life is way beyond what words can describe.

“I was humbled to be in his presence and his passing is truly a huge loss to the VCU and local Richmond community.”

Ansari echoed that sentiment.

“We've lost someone incredibly special,” she said, recalling how Thalhimer sent her handwritten notes expressing his pride in her progress and letting her know that he was keeping "tabs" on her.

“It takes a special person to stay connected in their community with such passion and take such a vested interest in people like me,” Ansari said. “Mr. Harry Thalhimer is the same way. I could only hope to make someone feel the way the Thalhimers have made me feel — like I matter and that I am capable of great things. It's inspirational, and a gift only few have.

This year’s graduate recipient, Miles Dumville, took a full course load during his first year in the M.B.A. program at the School of Business, while participating in extracurricular organizations, such as the School of Business strategic planning committee. It left Dumville with no time to join the workforce.

“School really was my life, and I like it that way,” he said. “I really enjoy the School of Business and I wanted to be involved as much as possible as a student there.” Receiving the Thalhimer scholarship affords him the opportunity to continue with his student activities, including serving on the graduate programs committee this year.

“He’s an inspiration,” Dumville said of Thalhimer, whom he regrets never having met. “I’ve heard a lot about him just because he’s such a prominent figure in Richmond’s history and he had a successful business and so many other philanthropic ventures. I think it’s wonderful that someone can not only be successful in their career but give so much to their community. I definitely strive to follow that.”

Thalhimer was cherished for more than just his philanthropy. His employees, colleagues and friends recognized him for his compassion, warmth and generosity. He truly cared about the Richmond community and continuously strived to improve it.

"When I moved to Richmond, four years ago, I was warmly welcomed by Charles Thalhimer and his family,” said School of Business Dean Ed Grier. “The Charles Thalhimer name has been synonymous with generosity and scholarship at VCU. The VCU School of Business is able to offer full-tuition scholarships in his name.

“Additionally, his generosity allows us to welcome international business leaders and scholars to share their knowledge with faculty, students and the community. We are honored to have a philanthropic legacy that benefits the School of Business for years to come. I will miss his friendship and counsel."

The Thalhimer family has been extremely generous to other areas of the university as well, creating an endowed chair in the School of the Arts and providing crucial funding throughout the School of Medicine, including for research at the VCU Massey Cancer Center.

In addition to his work with VCU, Thalhimer served on the board of United Way Services, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and Maymont.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 5, at 2 p.m. at Congregation Beth Ahabah, 1111 W. Franklin St., followed by a private burial.

 

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