April 20, 2017 May 3: WSU Tri-Cities building dedicated to honor Elson Floyd
RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities will dedicate its West Building in honor of late WSU President Elson S. Floyd during a ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, outside the front entrance to the building.
The structure, to be known as the “Elson S. Floyd Building,” also will display a sign in Floyd’s honor.
As part of the ceremony, WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Keith Moo-Young will remark on Floyd’s many accomplishments at WSU and the influence that he bestowed on WSU systemwide.
“President Elson Floyd led many tremendous initiatives for Washington State University and his legacy will live on for years to come through the light he shown on students, WSU employees and community members around the nation,” Moo-Young said. “He lived the Cougar spirit and was beloved by many. We are thrilled to honor him and his family by dedicating one of our buildings in his honor.”
WSU Tri-Cities’ currently named West Building will be dedicated on May 3 as the Elson S. Floyd Building in honor of the late WSU president.
The idea for the renaming of the building was presented by Mark Mansperger, clinical associate professor of anthropology, as a means to honor Floyd’s legacy at WSU, and specifically his contributions to WSU Tri-Cities.
Karina Barajas, WSU Tri-Cities principal assistant who also worked directly with Floyd for a time in Pullman, said Floyd’s leadership was evident across the WSU system.
“He was everything I pictured a great leader to be – a man of stature, he would walk into a room and you could easily see and feel the love he had for WSU and for all of us Cougs as students and as employees,” she said. “I am grateful I had the opportunity to serve under his leadership.”
Following the dedication ceremony, light refreshments will be available for those attending. Both the ceremony and reception are open to the public.
Media Contacts:
- Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities public relations specialist, 509-372-7333, Maegan.murray@tricity.wsu.edu
- Ken Fincher, WSU Tri-Cities assistant vice chancellor of advancement and community engagement, 509-372-7398, ken.fincher@tricity.wsu.edu