1. Kansas State University
  2. »Division of Communications and Marketing
  3. »K-State Today
  4. »Kansas State community mourns passing of two international leaders

K-State Today

May 4, 2016

Kansas State community mourns passing of two international leaders

Submitted by Office of International Programs and College of Agriculture

Kansas State University administrators reflect on the dedicated careers and accomplishments of two international leaders, Vernon Carl Larson, who died on April 23; and E. Wayne Nafziger, who died April 25. 

"Vernon Larson was an international visionary," said April Mason, provost and senior vice president. "He built K-State's International Agriculture Programs through projects in Nigeria, India, the Philippines and elsewhere throughout the world. Once K-State's Office of International Programs, OIP, was created, he led it through many years of successful growth and expansion." 

"Dr. Larson was a great asset to the university and the Vernon Larson Lecture Series is the longest running lecture series at the university," said Marcelo Sabates, associate provost for the Office of International Programs. "Of Larson's many notable roles at K-State, he also was a member of many professional and honorary societies as well as local civic engagement and he worked tirelessly to promote and educate the world about international initiatives."

Read Larson's complete obituary and information about the upcoming services online

E. Wayne Nafziger enjoyed a 47 year career at K-State and authored 21 books and numerous articles. He was named a university distinguished professor and primarily taught international economics, the economics of Africa and Asia, and comparative economics at the university. He was president of the Faculty Senate, chair of the Lou Douglas Lecture on Public Affairs, and was the major professor for 22 completed doctoral dissertations.

Nafziger and his wife Elfrieda often traveled to Africa, Asia and Europe. Elfrieda, who died in 2007, was posthumously awarded the 2008 International Educator of the Year by the Office of International Programs.

Read Nafgizer's complete obituary online

"Both of these gentlemen dedicated their careers to elevating K-State's international reach and we owe a great debt of gratitude to the tireless travels and efforts by Vernon Larson and Wayne Nafziger," Mason said. 

In this issue

From the provost
From the administration
News and research
Events
Kudos, publications and presentations
Gifts
Financial services
Newsletters, magazines and blogs
University life