Legislature honors Elson Floyd
OLYMPIA -- Legislators praised the late Washington State University President Elson Floyd as a tireless advocate for WSU and for students across the state.
In passing a House resolution Thursday morning amid shouts of "Go Cougs", representatives said Floyd was a winner who worked to make sure the university was a winner, too. He expanded the university's programs not just in Pullman but at branch campuses in Spokane, Everett, the Tri-Cities and Vancouver. In recent months he was lobbying legislators for a new medical school in Spokane even as he was fighting the colon cancer that eventually took his life.
"He was the definitive advocate for moving WSU forward," Rep. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, said. "He gave precious time that could have been spent with his family and on his treatment."
Washington is a different state because of Floyd, said Rep. Kevin Parker, R-Spokane, who told a story of a young woman who dreamed of going to WSU to study journalism, even though she had no family and no money for college. After meeting her, Floyd arranged for her to have the presidential scholarship.
The many students he touched will be part of the region's future, Parker said. "Washington lost a giant, but we've gained his legacy."
In the Senate, where the resolution included a call to name the new medical school in Spokane for Floyd, Republican Mike Baumgartner choked up when he recalled working with the president on that and other WSU initiatives. Even after he was on medical leave to battle cancer, Floyd remained ready to help with the project.
"He told me 'If you need me to call somebody, you call me. . . We've got to get this done,' " Baumgartner said.
Floyd died too young, he added,but "maybe heaven needed a branch campus."
Two large color photos of Floyd were in the front of the Senate, and members were urged to sign both. One would go to Floyd's family, the other would be displayed at the new medical school when it was completed.
Sen. Andy Billig, D-Spokane, said Floyd was recognized as one of the finest public servants Washington ever had, but he was much more than that. "He was one of the finest people we ever had."
Legislation to name the new medical school after Floyd was introduced in the House Thursday afternoon and a Senate version of the bill was expected later in the day.
