LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life of Professor William
R. Greiner, former Professor, Provost and President of the University
of Buffalo

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Professor William R. Greiner, who spent 42 years at the
University of Buffalo as President, Provost and longtime Law School
faculty member, died on Saturday, December 19, 2009, at the age of 75;
and
WHEREAS, A native of Meriden, Connecticut, Professor William R. Grein-
er received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Wesleyan Univer-
sity and a Master of Arts degree in economics, as well as JD and LLM
degrees in law, all from Yale University; and
WHEREAS, After starting his career at the University of Washington,
Professor William R. Greiner joined the law faculty at the University of
Buffalo in 1967; a distinguished educator, he gradually rose through the
administrative ranks at the University, serving as Chair of the Legal
Studies Program from 1968-1970, Associate Provost of the Law School from
1970-1975, and Associate Dean of the Law School from 1975-1980; and
WHEREAS, From there, Professor William R. Greiner moved into universi-
ty-wide administrative positions as Associate Vice President for Academ-
ic Affairs from 1980-1983, and Interim Vice President for Academic
Affairs from 1983-1984; he became University of Buffalo's first Provost,
its Chief Academic Officer, in 1984, serving for seven years until his
appointment as the University's 13th President in 1991; and
WHEREAS, Under Dr. William R. Greiner's esteemed leadership, the
University of Buffalo entered a period of unprecedented growth and
conducted the most ambitious fundraising campaign in both University and
SUNY history; and
WHEREAS, The University also returned to athletic competition at the
NCAA's Division I level and moved to Division I-A football, increased
its cultural impact with the opening of the Center for the Arts and the
donation of the UB Anderson Gallery, and reaffirmed its commitment to
public service by establishing an Office of Public Service and Urban
Affairs; during his tenure, the College of Arts and Sciences was recon-
stituted and the School of Public Health and Health Professions was
established; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Professor William R. Greiner oversaw the expan-
sion of instructional and research space on the North and South campuses
with construction of the Natural Sciences Complex, the Mathematics
building, the Biomedical Education and Research buildings, and additions
to the School of Management and MCEER; and
WHEREAS, Professor William R. Greiner worked tirelessly to persuade
SUNY to adopt policy changes that benefited the University of Buffalo as
well as other campuses; he oversaw the University of Buffalo-led initi-
ative that allowed all SUNY campuses to manage their own earned tuition
revenue from student enrollments, and was credited with discovering an
obscure state law that permitted alumni organizations to build dormito-
ries using private funding -- which led to the construction of apart-
ment-style living units for more than 2,100 University of Buffalo
students, as well as those at other SUNY campuses; and
WHEREAS, A visionary, Professor William R. Greiner had the keen fore-
sight to see the importance of globalization and educating students to

compete internationally; he was instrumental in establishing the Univer-
sity as a leading international educational institution; and
WHEREAS, Due to his efforts, the University of Buffalo became the
first American university to establish a branch in China; today, 5,000
foreign students from more than 100 countries attend the University; and
WHEREAS, Professor William R. Greiner was the first to push pride in
the University of Buffalo; he changed its logo to an interlocking "U"
and "B," and added one word to the phrase that runs under the logo to
emphasize that UB is "The State University of New York"; he also had the
campus fire hydrants painted blue and white to match the school's
colors; when Professor Greiner arrived at the University of Buffalo it
was an institution; however, through his unwavering passion and love he
transformed it into a university community; and
WHEREAS, After stepping down as President on December 31, 2003,
Professor William R. Greiner returned to the classroom, teaching courses
in the University of Buffalo Law School and the Graduate School of
Education, where he continued his practice of counseling countless
faculty, administrators and students who have gone on to make their own
contributions to the University and its community; and
WHEREAS, An accomplished academic, Professor William R. Greiner
authored THE NATURE AND FUNCTION OF LAW, a seminal legal textbook still
in use today; in 2008, he published the thought-provoking book LOCATION,
LOCATION, LOCATION, which chronicles the factors leading to the
construction of University of Buffalo's North Campus and debunks the
urban legend that the decision to build in Amherst, rather than in
Buffalo, was made for dubious or politically short-sighted reasons; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his efforts of in-depth magnitude, in 2003,
Dr. William R. Greiner received the University of Buffalo's highest
award, the Chancellor Charles P. Norton Medal, given for service to the
University and the region; additionally, in 2004, the University estab-
lished the William R. Greiner Scholarship Fund in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William R. Greiner was a gifted leader and because of his
tireless efforts, the University at Buffalo has taken its place as one
of the nation's best research-intensive public universities; its
national acclaim and achievements are the results of his vision; he had
an ambitious plan and saw it through with courage and conviction, just
as he approached each and every aspect of his life; and
WHEREAS, Despite all his titles, accolades and accomplishments,
Professor William R. Greiner was always a teacher and educator but most
importantly he was a family man; and
WHEREAS, Professor William R. Greiner is survived by his wife, the
former Carol Morrissey, daughter, Susan Keenan, and three sons, Kevin,
Terrence and Daniel, as well as 13 grandchildren, all of whom felt priv-
ileged to be a part of his life and rejoiced in his many achievements;
and
WHEREAS, A beautiful light in the lives of many, Professor William R.
Greiner will be remembered as much for his engaging, hands-on adminis-
trative style, and tireless advocacy on behalf of the University of
Buffalo as for his long list of accomplishments; he was known as the
quintessential university citizen and he cherished his role as professor
and mentor; he will be greatly missed but his legacy will endure; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life of Professor William R. Greiner, former Professor,
Provost and President of the University of Buffalo; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Professor William R. Greiner.