Submitted photo Senator Shelley Moore Capito praised retiring West Virginia University president E. Gordon Gee on the Senate floor last week.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor celebrating the career and legacy of West Virginia University’s (WVU) outgoing president Dr. Gordon Gee.

Dr. Gee, who retired last week, dedicated nearly two decades of his life to the service of West Virginia, where he saw the university through many victories and challenges. Dr. Gee worked tirelessly to make education in West Virginia more accessible and obtainable, partnered with Marshall University president Brad Smith to keep the best and brightest students in West Virginia after graduation, and oversaw the addition of 20 hospitals under the WVU Medicine umbrella.

Senator Capito’s remarks as prepared for delivery included:

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor a dear friend of mine, who has dedicated nearly two decades of his life to the service of our great state of West Virginia, and, to the betterment of our students seeking higher education.

“The man who has been president of more universities than anyone else in the entire world!

“Doctor E. Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University, who retired this week.

“Dr. Gee, or Gordon as we call him, was fortunate to serve two tenures as President of WVU,

“First from 1981 to 1985, and again from 2013 to 2025.

“Where he brought his strong desire for community, and love of education, to our Home Among the Hills in Morgantown.

“I know I speak for everyone when I say how much we will miss his signature bow tie–I believe he has thousands, his love for athletics and impact within the NCAA–he even offered to suit up for the WVU football team, although he’s quick to admit he isn’t much of an athlete–his infectious energy, and his thoughtful guidance.

“His legacy will be felt at WVU for generations to come.

“To understand the impact that Gordon has made on West Virginia, I must expand on what WVU means to our state and people far outside our borders.

“WVU was established in 1867, initially named the Agricultural College of West Virginia, and became our state’s first public land-grant university.

“Since then, individuals from across our state, country, and world have become Mountaineers – including many members of my own family.

“There are a couple things that I must note about WVU:

“First, Mountaineers are everywhere. There isn’t a town across West Virginia, or an airport across our country, where you won’t see the trademark blue and gold flying WV logo.

“The Mountaineers serve as a point of pride for our state and bring recognition to the wonderful people, passion, culture, and history that we have in West Virginia.

“Second, Mountaineers are changing the world. Across WVU’s thirteen colleges and schools, whether it be engineering, agriculture, law, or medicine, Mountaineers are making a difference.

“WVU is our state’s only institution to hold the title of an R-1 University, the benchmark that recognizes exceptional research capacity. This is a status that WVU received in 2016 under Gordon’s leadership.

“Gordon’s connection to West Virginia isn’t just a professional one. It’s a personal one too. He chose to return to West Virginia not once, but twice, because he believes in West Virginia, our people, and WVU. When he speaks of his love and passion for our state, it is unmistakenly heartfelt.

“Gordon believes in the power of education, and that belief has left its mark not only on Morgantown, but across every corner of our great state, and honestly, across our entire nation.

“When Gordon became President of WVU the first time in 1981, he was only 37 years old. When he returned to Blaney House in 2013, he came back seasoned, with the experience and perspective that WVU needed.

“Through the foundation of his four pillars–education, health care, prosperity, and purpose–Gordon has guided WVU through times both successful and tumultuous–including through a global pandemic–made education for our children in West Virginia more accessible and obtainable, and moved our state towards one of his principles that West Virginians should not have to leave our state’s borders to receive the health services they deserve.

“The impact that Gordon has made is apparent in many areas, but particularly noteworthy is the impact he has made through the continued expansion of WVU Medicine.

“As the Chairman of the WVU Medicine Board of Directors, Gordon oversaw the addition of 20 hospitals under the WVU Medicine umbrella that span across our state,

“And increased the capacity and research support for WVU’s world class facilities like the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Cancer Institute, Heart and Vascular Institute, and the new Children’s hospital.

“As West Virginia’s Senator, I’ve had the privilege to work with the wonderful and incredibly impressive people of WVU Medicine and visit these facilities many times. Let me tell you, they are on the cutting edge of medical advancements that will saves live and change our world.

“Gordon’s leadership has been a critical part of this success, and it’s fitting that his recently finished portrait will live on the WVU Medicine campus.

“Although Gordon was born in Utah, he is the first to tell you that he is a ‘born-again’ West Virginian. He has made our state his home, and the effort and energy he puts toward benefiting the lives of his fellow West Virginians is evident.

“Two of Gordon’s four pillars that I mentioned earlier–purpose and prosperity–relate directly to economic development in our state.

“Along with Marshall President Brad Smith, Gordon was central to developing the ‘First Ascent’ program in West Virginia, This program connects recent WVU and Marshall graduates with workforce opportunities within our state that launch their professional careers, and keep our best and brightest home, contributing to our communities.

“The duo also worked together to establish ‘Ascend West Virginia,’ which has been a successful effort to attract remote workers to West Virginia’s mountains, highlighting the wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities our state offers to young professionals and their families.

“Additionally, Gordon has made it a priority to visit and spend time in all 55 of West Virginia’s counties, showing the excellent work of the WVU Extension services, designed to build prosperity, enhance educational opportunities, improve health, and create purpose in communities across the entirety of our state.

“While Gordon’s presence as WVU President will be missed, we know that he will continue to make a difference in West Virginia. And, as I said when I started this speech, the legacy he has built will continue to be felt for generations to come.

“I know that I join Gordon and our state when I say we look forward to leadership and experience that the new WVU president, Michael Benson, brings to Morgantown.

“In a recent article published by WVU Magazine, I found the advice that Gordon gave to his successor to be wise, true, and eloquent:

“‘If you love the state and its people, they will love you back.’ That has certainly been the case for Doctor E. Gordon Gee, and the time he has spent in Morgantown.

“On a personal note, Charlie and I have been the recipients of emails, texts, and letters from Gordon that have lifted us up in tough times, and in good times as well.

“I have leaned on Gordon’s counsel as I’ve made difficult decisions, and he has always taken the time to give me thoughtful advice.

“Both Charlie and I can safely say that our lives have been touched by Gordon, and by the friendship we have fostered with him and Laurie.

“Here in the U.S. Senate, there are members who may have Gordon on speed-dial, but I am eternally grateful that the West Virginians are the ones who get to claim him!

“Gordon, I wish you the best in your next chapter, and I hope you enjoy the well-deserved time to now spend with your Laurie, who has made an unbelievable mark on our state and the university alongside you, as well as your daughter Rebekah, and your twin granddaughters that you love so dearly.

“Thank you for all you have done for West Virginia University– for your leadership, your vision, your heart, and all you’ve done for our state and the people who call it home.”