SGA bids Muir farewell at Kansas State

Feb 9, 2011

DELTA THETA (Kansas State) — In an emotional Student Senate meeting Thursday night, the senators said goodbye to Bill Muir (Kansas State ’67), faculty representative for the Senate and assistant vice president for student life. Muir is retiring on Tuesday and the Senate celebrated his 18 years of serving as faculty representative.

To start the meeting, Gayle Spencer, associate dean for student life, honored Muir with a crown, proclaiming him “King of SGA” for the meeting. Then, brass plaques on Muir’s chair were unveiled.

The chair was then deemed the “Bill Muir Chair” in a Senate resolution. Muir occupied the chair for every Senate meeting. A portion on the back of the chair reads “Bill will be remembered for his friendliness, diligence, attention to detail and devotion to those who served in this body.”

Senate also passed a resolution commending Muir on his service to K-State which includes 24 years in numerous leadership positions.

Tim Lindemuth, faculty representative, read excerpts of letters from former Senate officers. Throughout the letters, former officers consistently referred to Muir as welcoming, encouraging and devoted.

Phil Anderson, former faculty representative, was one of the many guests that made an appearance at the special meeting. He spoke of serving on Senate with Muir.

“He has been an absolutely marvelous college mentor to a large number of senators who will never forget what he meant,” Anderson said. “Thank you Bill, thank you very much.”

Tanner Banion, senator, called Muir a “constant force for good,” both to senators and the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Muir has served 40 years as adviser to the fraternity.

Kyle Reynolds, speaker of student senate, said that the quote “People who do things significant usually do things significantly different,” reminded him of Muir. Reynolds said Muir is always quick to listen and offer encouragement, and always reminds others to “take care of yourself.” Not all the differences that Muir made could be written on paper, Reynolds said.

Danny Unruh, student body president, recalled a time at a fraternity function in Topeka. Muir told him to pick up a piece of litter and asked, “If you aren’t going to do it, who will?”

That mantra, Unruh said, is something everyone can live by. Muir, he said, is always there and is always a friend.

“Family means a lot to me, both my real family and the families I’ve developed over the years,” Muir said. “I didn’t plan to do this 18 years, but you know once you get started, you can’t quit.”

He said everyone should set five lifetime goals. One of his is to go to every continent. He is planning on going on a cruise to Antarctica that the K-State Alumni Association is sponsoring.

He offered a final piece of advice to the senators.

“Always seek a higher level serving people around you,” Muir said.

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