Virginia Tech® home

Barbara G. Ryder Excellence Fund

Dr. Ryder with students at Grace Hopper Conference
Barbara Ryder (center) with student attendees at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing.
SUPPORT THE FUND

The Barbara G. Ryder Fund for Excellence in Computer Science was established in 2016 to honor the leadership and contributions of Barbara Ryder, J. Byron Maupin Professor Emerita of Engineering.

Ryder served as department head from 2008-15, and retired from Virginia Tech in 2016. She exhibited a tireless commitment to inclusive excellence. To honor her legacy, this endowed fund was established to ensure that the department will always have resources to support student excellence and belonging. Income from the Ryder fund helps support initiatives and activities, including:

  • Outreach and recruiting: Staff and student visits to K-12 schools and community colleges, hosting visitors to campus, student coding camps, and teacher workshops.
  • Retention and community building: Student organization activities, student mentoring programs, social events, and service projects.
  • Professional development: Student attendance at national and regional conferences.
  • Invited speakers: Hosting invited speakers who can serve as role models for our students.