By Joyce Kryszak
Amherst, NY – More than 1200 people came together at UB's Center For the Arts Tuesday to honor the memory of former UB President William Greiner. UB's 13th president died late last year.
Click the audio player above to hear Joyce Kryszak's full story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.
Greiner was UB's president for 13 years. But he was affectionately known better as Professor Greiner by those who benefited from his UB role as law professor. Attorney Francis Letro is a former student. He said Greiner gave working class students such as him a chance to be more.
Greiner spent 42 years at UB as a teacher, mentor and later as president. His successor John Simpson said UB-13 left his mark.
Greiner's vision helped make UB a leading educational and research institution. He established UB internationally, and he fought to make UB a division one school. Friends and family said his love of learning and teaching was equaled only by his love of sports. His daughter Susan Greiner Keenan said her dad loved a good game and his joy was contagious.
Greiner will be remembered for another of his passions - improving student life. UB Council Chairman Jeremy Jacobs announced at the ceremony that UB's newest residence hall will be named in Greiner's honor.
After the ceremony the UB marching band played in the atrium and guests were invited to sign the structural beam that will a central part of the new residence hall.