SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 36

(By Senators Plymale, Woelfel, Yost, Unger, Kessler, Laird, Stollings, Nohe, Prezioso and D. Hall)

Memorializing the life of Stephen J. Kopp, Marshall University’s thirty-sixth President, for his remarkable and everlasting contributions to Marshall University and the State of West Virginia.

            Whereas, Dr. Stephen J. Kopp became Marshall University’s thirty-sixth president on July 1, 2005; and

            Whereas, Dr. Kopp, during his nine and one-half years as president, led Marshall to unprecedented growth and expansion; and

            Whereas, Under Dr. Kopp’s leadership, more than $300 million was wisely spent on construction of new buildings and renovations on Marshall University campuses; and

            Whereas, With Dr. Kopp’s guidance, the Marshall University Board of Governors approved the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree program, reviving the degree after a thirty-year absence; and

            Whereas, Dr. Kopp’s accomplishments are well documented, including the building of the much-needed and long-promised Marshall Recreation Center; new freshman dorms; a new parking garage; the Rural Health and Clinical Education Center in Chapmanville; the Indoor Athletic Facility and the Chris Cline Athletic Complex; the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center; the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center; the Erma Ora Byrd Clinical Center; the Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex, the Visual Arts Center and the Foundation Hall; and

            Whereas, Dr. Kopp kept his word by fulfilling the promise of a better future for Marshall’s students, while challenging each of us to “dream boldly, plan well and dedicate ourselves individually and collectively to fulfilling this promise”; and

            Whereas, Dr. Kopp was married to his beloved wife of 42 years, Jane, with whom he shared the joy of having two children, Adam and Elizabeth, and two grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan; and

            Whereas, Sadly, Dr. Stephen J. Kopp died suddenly on December 17, 2014, leaving behind a host of family and friends, all of whom will miss him and his vision and passion for life and Marshall University; and

            Whereas, On Marshall University Day at the Capitol, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Stephen J. Kopp and the university he worked so hard to make so great; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate:

            That the Senate hereby memorializes the life of Dr. Stephen J. Kopp, Marshall University’s thirty-sixth President, for his remarkable and everlasting contributions to Marshall University and the State of West Virginia; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Senate extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Stephen J. Kopp on his passing; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of Dr. Stephen J. Kopp and Gary White, interim president of Marshall University.