Amy Denay Stanford '03, graduate coordinator and manager for the Department of Economics, passed away on Sept. 21.

Stanford was born the night of her sister’s first dance recital, so her mom and sister like to say she “danced her way into the world.” From the very beginning, she brought sparkle, color, and creativity to the lives of her parents, Carolyn Miller Stanford and Richard Titus Stanford, and her sister, Erika Suzanne Perdue.

Stanford began taking dance lessons when she was just four years old, and she did ballet, jazz, tap, and toe dancing until she was 22. For her junior dance graduation, Stanford choreographed a solo routine to the Eagle’s "Desperado." One-upping herself, for her senior graduation she choreographed a routine to Elvis Presley’s "If I Can Dream."

As a pre-teen, in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, she latched onto the group New Kids on the Block. When New Kids reunited in 2008, Stanford and her sister, Erika Perdue, started going to their concerts regularly — always one show every tour, sometimes two or three.

“We developed lifelong friendships with a group of fellow fans from around the world: the Netherlands, North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Colorado, and California,” Perdue said. “We had fabulous Blockhead weekends with our friends.”

Stanford was born and raised in Blacksburg and Christiansburg, where she quickly became a lifelong Hokie. Stanford’s mother worked for Virginia Tech from the 1960s through the 1980s, guiding the way for Stanford.

In high school, Stanford began working in the Virginia Tech payroll office, so when she enrolled at Virginia Tech as a first-year student, she continued her student-worker position in payroll. She graduated with a degree in communications in 2003, then landed her MBA from Radford University in 2006.

The following year, Stanford danced straight back to Virginia Tech, first becoming the graduate coordinator in the Department of Economics before serving as department manager for the past 15 years.

“Amy shunned the spotlight, but she was a true mover and a shaker,” said Sudipta Sarangi, professor and head of the economics department. “She had wonderful ideas and impeccable execution. When people told me that the department ran efficiently, I often told them that was due to Amy.”

She was well-known throughout the College of Science for bringing a smile to her daily tasks and her steady persistence in getting the job done.

“Whether it was navigating a complex work challenge, lending an ear to a friend in need, or simply sharing a moment of laughter, she approached life with an unparalleled blend of wisdom, warmth, and unwavering kindness,” said Gebre Gebremariam, an instructor in economics. “She had an incredible ability to make everyone around her feel seen, heard, and valued.”

Many came to know Stanford from her dedication to the College of Science Staff Association, including Betty Wilkins, graduate program coordinator in the Department of Physics.

“Amy’s smile and infectious laughter will be missed, but not forgotten,” Wilkins said. “Amy was the heart of our staff association, making sure that everyone felt included at our events and that the service and accomplishments of her fellow staff members were celebrated accordingly.”

As undergraduate coordinator, Perdue worked with her sister daily in the Department of Economics. Even though she had a first-hand view of Stanford’s work, she and her mother have been overwhelmed with stories about how Stanford treated those around her.

“She was a kind, friendly, funny, compassionate, caring, smart, calm, loving person who made everyone feel heard and appreciated,” Perdue said. “And that’s how we want her to be remembered.”

The Department of Economics is holding a memorial service for Amy Stanford on Nov. 4, from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. at Holtzman Alumni Center.

Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:

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