Dear Dr. Floyd,
Not only is the whole Coug nation in shock because of the recent news of your passing, but anyone who has come in contact with you during your 59 years of life is affected. You were and will always be an amazing human being. You were only at WSU for eight years, but after all that has been accomplished since your presidency, it seems like you were there for centuries. Student enrollment has reached record numbers, the university created one of the best colleges of Communication in the nation, over 30 new degrees were established, the university raised $1 billion for the fundraising campaign, and on top of that, many more accomplishments were made under you. One of the most notable was the completion of the Medical School, with the first entering class in fall of 2017. I hope that they name the new medical school in honor of you, because you deserve it!
The Cougs all over the nation, whether they were in attendance while you were there or not, thank you for all that you have done for the university and community. You were a kind-hearted man who said hello to any student you walked past on campus with a big smile on your face, even if you were having a bad day. There are so many stories of students talking about interactions with you, like how good it felt to say that they shook the president's hand or had a conversation with him. Then later, when they run into you again, and you remember their names. You built personal relationships with students and attended student events as much as you could, and we thank you for that. Not too many students can say that at different universities across the country, but you were different.
After that evening at your house when I shared my story with Mrs. Floyd, you called me into your office the next day and offered me a job in your office. I was so honored to be working just right outside of your office and in the president's suite during football games with you. Every morning you would say, "hello, good morning, Taylor" with a smile on your face, even after coming out of a meeting that didn't necessarily go your way. You supported me by sharing my article I wrote for The Odyssey on "What it means to be a Coug" and shared it for all of your followers to read, and then personally came up to me and gave me a hug to thank me for making you smile.
There are many, many more things you have done for me, but I am certainly not the only student who has benefited from having you in their life. You have touched so many students during your years as a Coug. The stories are endless, and with each one I read I get chills because I can honestly say I have had the best president an undergrad could ever have. You have taken many students in and cared for them as if they were your own. The university was more than just a career to you: it was your family. You touched a lot of people in many different ways, whether you knew how powerful a hello from you was or not. You made a difference in anyone you came in contact with.
I could go on and on about you, but you understand what I am trying to say. Before I left for the summer to Europe for my study abroad trip, I promised you a home-cooked meal, using my skills learned in Italy, to thank you for all your help last year.
You said you would be looking forward to it. I will keep that promise and make a meal in dedication of you, and I'll share it with your wife in memory of you.
The Cougar nation definitely lost a great one, but as you always say, "Once a Coug, always a Coug!"
Rest in peace, E. Flo. Now all the pain and suffering is over, and now you can just rest and watch over all of your loved ones. Your legacy will always live on through the walls and hearts of WSU!
#IHeartEFlo #GoCougs
"There are no words that can describe the joy that fills my heart. To think about my amazing life of which you are a significant part." - Dr. Elson S. Floyd, Phd.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to honor President Floyd be made to the Elson S. Floyd Founders Fund for the WSU College of Medicine.
