K-State to rename Military Science Building in honor of Gen. Richard Myers

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Source: Charles Reagan, 785-532-6221, reagan@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Beth Bohn, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Thursday, October 19, 2006

K-STATE TO RENAME MILITARY SCIENCE BUILDING IN HONOR OF GEN. RICHARD MYERS

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University is renaming its Military Science Building in honor of an alum who has served as the nation's highest ranking military officer.

The Kansas Board of Regents today approved the renaming of the building to Gen. Richard B. Myers Hall. A dedication ceremony, featuring Myers, will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9.

The building is home to K-State's Army and Air Force ROTC programs. It is the only building on campus to be built during World War II. Construction started in 1941 and was completed in 1943.

"This is a fitting tribute to a man who embarked on his successful military career in the building that will now bear his name," said Jon Wefald, K-State president. "Gen. Myers joined the Air Force in 1965 through the Air Force ROTC program at K-State, where he also earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He went on to command various Air Force operations in the United States and abroad, among other leadership positions. His military career reached the pinnacle when he was appointed the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, serving from 2001-2005."

As chairman, Myers, a Merriam native, was the principal military adviser to the president, the secretary of defense and the National Security Council.

Before retiring from the position in September 2005, Myers helped design and install a military strategy to win the war on terror while also developing ties with allies to forge a coalition against terror. During his tenure, the United States launched strikes against terrorist cells in Afghanistan and waged a war in Iraq.

Myers previously served as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In addition to his K-State degree, Myers has a master's degree in business administration from Auburn University. He has attended the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.; the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., and the Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at the John. F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Myers holds a part-time appointment at K-State as a Foundation professor of military history and leadership. His duties include giving guest lectures to classes and attending special events for the K-State Alumni Association and Kansas State University Foundation.

Along with offices and classrooms for the Army ROTC program, through the department of military science, and for the Air Force ROTC program, through the department of aerospace studies, Myers Hall also includes a gallery for rifle practice and contests.