"Dr. Dinner was on the board of the Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau when I worked there in the late 70s - early 80s. She was a firebrand that minced no words and I idolized her! She modeled a strong role model for me and I am grateful to have had that experience. Gone too soon. We still need her"
In loving memory of
Betty Jane Diener
September 15, 1940 - January 23, 2015
DR. BETTY J. DIENER, FORMER VIRGINIA SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND PROFESSOR
The Honorable Dr. Betty J. Diener, 74, of Fort Lauderdale FL and Eastham, MA, died peacefully of pulmonary fibrosis on January 23, 2015 in Fort Lauderdale. She was born in Washington DC to Edward and Millie FeildDiener on September 15, 1940 and attended Arlington, VA schools. Dr. Diener received her BA from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, and was one of the first women to earn an MBA and a Doctorate from Harvard Business School. She had a successful 50 year career in business, academia and politics, serving as the Commonwealth of Virginia's Secretary of Commerce and Resources under Governor Chuck Robb from 1982-1986. In that position, Dr.Diener overhauled Virginia's advertising and image, advanced the state's wine industry, oversaw the state role in the cleanup of Chesapeake Bay and promoted the sale of Virginia-made products. The Virginia Press Association named her Newsmaker of the Year in 1983.
Dr. Diener worked for Young & Rubicam and American Cyanamid prior to obtaining her DBA from Harvard in 1974. She then entered the most fulfilling phase of her life as a teacher and administrator at various universities. She was Assistant Dean at Case Western Reserve University, Dean of the Business School at Old Dominion University, Provost and Professor at the University of Massachusetts - Boston, and upon retiring to Florida, she was Professor of Management at Andreas School of Business at Barry University in Miami Shores, finally retiring from that position in 2012. Dr. Diener was an exceptional teacher, eager and devoted to training future business leaders.
Dr. Diener was an international expert on environmental management/sustainability and one of the first to teach the strategic importance of sustainable growth. She was twice a Fulbright scholar conducting sustainability research and training in China and India. She developed curricula on sustainability, and published in academic journals and served on editorial boards. She also served on a number of corporate and non-profit boards, including the Council for a Sustainable Florida, the Bainbridge Graduate Institute, the Environmental Business Council of New England, and the Provincetown Repertory Theater.
Dr. Diener was a long-time advocate for the advancement of women in business and for gender equality. She was recognized twice by Glamour magazine as one of the outstanding Working Women of 1979 and of the decade in 1983. Dr. Diener was an avid traveler, visiting every continent, and she loved sports, politics, and Texas "hold-em". She was predeceased by her husband Robert Bell. She leaves a wide circle of friends, particularly in Massachusetts, Virginia and Florida, and she will be sadly missed by all.
A Memorial Reception and Exhibit will be held on February 23 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Stonewall National Museum & Archives in the ArtServe Gallery located at 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL with burial at a later date in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, Virginia. Contributions in her memory may be made to the American Lung Association, The Stonewall National Museum and Archives in Fort Lauderdale, FL. or a local animal shelter.
Tributes
"There is no worse pain then the death of a loved one. May you find peace in the following verses I found in God's word the Bible. Revelation 21:4 gives us the hope of seeing our loved ones again: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. Also, John 5: 28, 29, Acts 24: 15, are text with hope that someday we can see our loved ones again. We need not fear death any longer, for God has promise in Isaiah 25:8 that he will swallow up death forever" what great joy to be able to live forever without the fear of losing our loved ones again. ! How wonderful it will be to be able to embrace them once again! We all hope for that."
"Betty served on the council to clean up the infamous Mass. Military Reservation at the behest of the Governor. She drew fire from the General in charge for the military, who took a cheap shot at our hero. Her response was "the next time we meet, you better be packing your f***ing guns." And not stated quietly, so I was told... Gonna miss her."
"My deepest sympathies goes out to the friends and family of Betty Jane Diener. During this time of grief it's my sincere hope that you find solace in the memories shared with your dear Betty as well as in the future promise found at Isaiah 25 : 8 which says, " He will swollow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. " May reflecting on this promise provide you with peace and endurance now and in the days to come. "
"One of my fondest remembrances of Betty occurred while I was attending a meeting of other business school deans some years ago. The group of about eight was rattling on, likely about the administrativia on our campuses when we somehow landed on the fact that we all knew Betty. The next 30 minutes were just the best, sharing Betty stories, about how she took on some silliness at a meeting, or how she "educated" a trustee or politician, it was her energy and voice, always unambiguous and forthright. It seemed we all experienced Betty's approach to life. What a privilege it was to have known Betty and to see her in action. "
"Fridays will be quite empty for me as Betty and I had a standing movie matinee date most every week for several years. She remains an inspiration to many and a dear friend in my heart and I will miss our 'dishing' trash talk of Florida politics and the Hollywood awards season, Sunday Marlins football games at her place, and the occasional mail order catered dinners. May her spirit carry on in us all. Mitch"