Celebrating the life of Sandra Jean Caldwell Davis.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Jason Ballard

Declares the life and philanthropy of Sandra Jean Caldwell Davis, highlighting her leadership, endowments to Virginia Tech and Radford University, and impact on regional developmen

Bill text as passed House (HR2075ER)

Summary of HR 2075 (2026 Session, Virginia)

Purpose and intent

HR 2075 is a memorial resolution recognizing and honoring the life and contributions of Sandra Jean Caldwell Davis, a prominent Southwest Virginia businesswoman, philanthropist, and community leader.

The resolution expresses the House of Delegates’ sadness at her passing on March 17, 2026 and pays tribute to her achievements, public service, philanthropy, and impact on higher education and regional development.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution:

Laments the death of Sandra Jean Caldwell Davis.
Provides a comprehensive narrative of her career and philanthropic activities, including her early work with the Virginia Department of Health, leadership roles in banks (notably as the first woman in Southwest Virginia to become senior vice president at Bank of Christiansburg), and entrepreneurship with BCR Real Estate and Property Management.
Highlights her substantial support for higher education and regional development, such as:
Endowments and donations to Virginia Tech (including Street and Davis Performance Hall) and Radford University (Davis Performance Hall and the Davis College of Business and Economics).
Leadership roles with Virginia Tech Foundation Board of Directors, Virginia Tech Athletic Fund Board, and involvement in Virginia Tech’s $1 billion capital campaign.
Endowments and appointments to university and college boards, and gubernatorial appointments to boards of visitors at Virginia Tech and Radford University.
Enumerates recognitions and honors she received (Citizen of the Year awards, Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame, William H. Ruffner Award, honorary degree from Radford University, etc.).
States personal details (marital status, survivors) to honor her memory.

The resolution concludes with formal expressions:

A formal note of great sadness by the House of Delegates.
A directive for the Clerk to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to her family.

Who is affected

Primary: Sandra Jean Caldwell Davis (deceased) is the subject of the memorial.

Secondary: The family and supporters who benefited from her philanthropy; the broader Southwest Virginia community that benefitted from her leadership, business development, and higher education endowments.

Legislative audience: Members of the Virginia House of Delegates, who adopt and acknowledge the memorial.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Type of measure: House of Delegates resolution (non-binding, commemorative).

Status: Introduced and laid on the Speaker’s table on June 4, 2026, in the Special Session I.

Sponsor: Primary sponsor is Delegate Ballard; co-sponsor is Delegate Jason Ballard (as noted in the record).

Notable context

The bill serves as a formal, ceremonial acknowledgment of an influential community figure’s life and contributions, rather than establishing policy or appropriations.

It reflects the state’s practice of recognizing notable Virginians posthumously and highlighting local philanthropy and higher-education philanthropy as a matter of record.