State House, Haler honor life of late WSU President Elson Floyd

June 25, 2015

As lawmakers in Olympia wait for a budget agreement, the House of Representatives took time Thursday to honor the life and contributions of the late Washington State University President Elson Floyd. John Sattgast reports from the state Capitol.

Sattgast: A visionary. A winner. A kind and generous man. These are words used by lawmakers in the Washington State House of Representatives to describe Elson Floyd, as they honored his life through House Resolution 4645. The WSU president of the past eight years lost his battle with cancer and died last Saturday at the age of 59.

Representative Larry Haler of Richland, who serves as assistant ranking Republican on the House Higher Education Committee, said Floyd will be remembered for his tireless work to expand access and opportunities for students at Washington State University.

Haler: “Elson Floyd was one of those great men who dreamed that he could inspire and help this generation and future generations by making higher education more accessible to all who seek to improve themselves, their communities and the world.”

Sattgast: 8th District State Representative Larry Haler, who noted that among Floyd's many accomplishments was a change in the law that will allow WSU to build a new medical school in Spokane.

The resolution honoring Dr. Floyd passed unanimously.

John Sattgast, Olympia.