RICHMOND -- The Virginia General Assembly Thursday honored Virginia’s Outstanding Scientists and Outstanding Industrialists for 2008, including Radford University graduate and Board of Visitors Rector R.J. Kirk.

Senator Henry L. Marsh, III introduced the honorees to the Senate, while Delegate Franklin P. Hall introduced them to the House of Representatives. Both governing bodies gave the award winners a warm standing ovation.

“This award for R.J. Kirk is a source of pride for everyone connected with Radford University,” said President Penelope W. Kyle, who was in attendance. “To have the Senate and the House honor our Rector and alumnus provides inspiration to the entire Radford University community.”

“Personally, I was thrilled to be a part of this momentous occasion,” Kyle added.

Kirk (right) received one of the highest awards bestowed by the Commonwealth when he was named Industrialist of the Year by Governor Timothy N. Kaine and Science Museum of Virginia Director Richard Conti on February 1.

Kirk, a 1976 RU graduate, is currently serving RU as Rector of the Board of Visitors. He also has a law degree from the University of Virginia. He is senior managing director and CEO of Third Security LLC, an investment management firm he founded in 1999.

The Industrialist of the Year Award is given for recent achievement in any aspect of Virginia business or industry. Recipients are those who have made a distinct contribution to a business or industry that has advanced business development through the innovative use of science or technology. Consideration is also given to the individual’s service to the community.

Kirk’s success began as an attorney in Bland County in 1983 when he co-founded General Injectables Vaccines. By the time it sold in 1996, Kirk had founded New River Pharmaceuticals, which focused on improving versions of widely prescribed drugs. Last year, the company was sold to Shire, plc for approximately $2.6 billion.

In addition, Kirk was instrumental in creating NewVA Capital Partners LP to make investments in companies operating in or considering relocating to the Roanoke Valley, New River Valley and Alleghany Highlands. Today, NewVa is a major investor in four such local businesses including Synchrony and Intrexon.

Kirk serves on numerous boards including the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Clinical Data, Inc., and Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. In 2006,  he was appointed by Governor Kaine to the Virginia Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates.

Other 2008 award winners include Charles H. Foster Jr., Richmond, Lifetime Achievement in Industry; Jack Musick, Gloucester, Lifetime Achievement in Science; James M. Russell III, Yorktown, Outstanding Scientist; and Sarah Spiegel, Richmond, Outstanding Scientist.

The five honorees will receive their awards at a banquet at the Science Museum in Richmond on April 17.