Former WVU president Gene Budig died today (Sept. 8). (WVU Photo)
West Virginia University President Gordon Gee issued the following statement on the death today (Sept. 8) Wednesday of former WVU President (1977-80) Gene Budig:
“I am deeply saddened to learn that my dear friend Gene Budig passed away this morning, and my warmest condolences go out to his wife Gretchen and the entire Budig family. The breadth of Gene's career accomplishments is astonishing. His service to West Virginia University spanned the gamut from research to athletics while increasing public awareness of our institution’s land-grant mission. Gene’s commitment to his Mountaineer family never faltered.
He was also successful in a wide range of endeavors outside of academia as a Major General in the Air National Guard, president of baseball's American League and author of nine books and hundreds of newspaper columns and op-eds. Most people are lucky if they excel in one field. Gene excelled in four. To borrow a term from baseball, a game Gene loved, I think he hit a professional grand slam during his career.
Perhaps the thing I liked best about Gene was his very dry wit and wicked sense of humor. When Gene came back to West Virginia University for our presidents' panel in 2018, both were on full display.They helped make that special event even more memorable. I will most certainly miss our conversations and close friendship.”
-WVU-
09/08/20
CONTACT: April Kaull, Executive Director of Communications
University Relations
304-212-8710; akaull@mail.wvu.edu
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.