OLYMPIA – Following the tragic loss of Dr. Elson S. Floyd, President of Washington State University, students and leaders across the state have rallied around the idea of naming the WSU medical school in his honor. In that spirit, State Representatives Sam Hunt, Chris Reykdal, Timm Ormsby, and Marcus Riccelli sponsored legislation to honor Dr. Floyd’s memory by naming the future WSU Medical School after him.
The driving force behind the creation of the WSU Medical School, Dr. Floyd has been hailed by members of both parties as a leader in higher education. Legislation authorizing the creation of the new school passed the legislature and was signed by Governor Inslee earlier this year.
“Dr. Elson Floyd took Washington State University to new heights in the state and nation,” said Rep. Sam Hunt (D-22nd, Olympia). “Without his outstanding leadership and hard work, the establishment of a Washington State University School of Medicine would not have occurred. Naming the WSU medical school in honor of Dr. Elson S. Floyd will create a lasting, well deserved legacy. When he said ‘Go Cougs,’ he definitely meant it.”
“I suspect the idea of honoring Dr. Floyd in this way occurred to most Eastern Washington legislators as soon as the shock of the news wore off,” said Rep. Timm Ormsby (D-3rd, Spokane). “This will be a fitting and lasting tribute to a leader who left us far too soon.”
“Dr. Floyd was and will continue to be a leader in this state on higher education, particularly in how medical education is conducted in the twenty first century,” said Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-3rd, Spokane). “His dedication to the community-based education model will change how we deliver healthcare to our rural and underserved communities. Elson’s legacy will last for generations.”