By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities
RICHLAND, Wash. – A public luminaria lighting ceremony to honor the late President Elson S. Floyd and others affected by cancer will be hosted by students at Washington State University Tri-Cities 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, on the Rotary Stage on campus.
A brief ceremony will honor the late president. Participants may purchase luminaria for $10 (paper) or $35 (metal keepsake) and place them in memory of him and of loved ones. Donations also may be made online at www.relayforlife.org/columbiariverwa.
Proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society to support research. Researchers at the WSU Health Sciences Campus in Spokane, Wash., are recipients of such funding.
“We want to not only have a memorial for Dr. Floyd, but to do something positive by raising funds that will go toward research in cancer prevention and treatment,” said Amber Eubanks, WSU Tri-Cities alumna and program assistant for the Office of Student Life.
Eubanks served in student government for three years at WSU Tri-Cities; Floyd visited every year, she said, and always made time to talk with students.
“He would walk around talking to students who were studying or hanging out to ask them how they were enjoying themselves and where they felt that WSU Tri-Cities needed to grow,” she said. “He really was a service-oriented leader.”
The luminaria lighting is an opportunity to give back while raising awareness for the need for further cancer research, said student Austin Wingle.
“President Floyd was an advocate for WSU’s future medical school, from which all WSU campuses will benefit,” he said. “I hope many people show up in support.”
For more information, contact Ken Fincher, assistant vice chancellor of advancement and community engagement, at 509-372-7398 or ken.fincher@tricity.wsu.edu.
Contacts:
Ken Fincher, WSU Tri-Cities advancement and community engagement, 509-372-7398, ken.fincher@tricity.wsu.edu
Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities public relations, 509-372-7333, maegan.murray@tricity.wsu.edu