Former UB president dies at 75

 
Former UB president William R. Greiner passed away on Dec. 19 due to complications from heart surgery. He was 75.

 
            According to a university press release, Greiner spent 42 years at UB serving as a law professor, provost and eventually the university's thirteenth president, serving from 1991 to 2003.

 
            In November, the SUNY Board of Trustees named him UB president emeritus, a high honor for all of his contributions to the school during his tenure as president and teacher. His presidency boasted years of unprecedented growth at UB, especially within research.

 
            Greiner passed away surrounded by his family. His wife, Carol Greiner, whom he met during his childhood in Meriden, Conn, as well as numerous children and grandchildren, survive him.

 

            'Despite all his titles, accolades and accomplishments, he was always a teacher and educator. After his family, teaching is what he loved most,' Greiner's wife said in a statement to the press.

 

            Greiner will be missed among the UB community, not only for his contributions to the institution but for his legacy as well.

 

             "The entire University at Buffalo family today mourns the loss of one of our most beloved members, and we send our sincere condolences to Carol and the Greiner family," said UB President John B. Simpson in a press release. "Bill Greiner had a profound effect on every aspect of this institution, from academics and research, to student life and our engagement with our alumni and the community. His vision and leadership made UB the outstanding institution it is today."

 

            SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher offered her condolences to Greiner's family in a press statement and also acknowledged his long and distinguished career at UB.

 

            "Whether it was pushing UB into NCAA Division I sports, leading major construction projects that would change the face of the campus, expanding the university's research footprint, or effectively raising the funds necessary to keep UB strong, SUNY will continue to benefit from Dr. Greiner's tremendous legacy,' she said.

 

             Funeral services will be private but a memorial service is being planned for next semester.

 

 

 

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