VCU mourns the passing of William Ginther, a Board of Visitors member from 2010 to 2018 and rector for two terms

By VCU Health News staff

Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao, Ph.D., released the following statement about the passing of William M. Ginther, a former rector of the VCU Board of Visitors:

"Bill was a passionate and accomplished VCU alum who cared deeply about his alma mater. Bill often spoke about the tremendous impact his two VCU degrees had on his life.

Bill was also a dedicated rector of our Board of Visitors. He was a founding trustee of the School of Business Foundation and also served on the boards of the VCU School of Business Alumni Society, VCU Health System and as the president of the VCU Alumni Association.

Bill brought to these roles his business skill as well as his tremendous sense of personal conscientiousness in providing leadership for the board of his alma mater. He deeply valued the opportunities that his education at VCU provided him - and he, with his wife, Marsha, was determined and committed to providing that opportunity pathway for other students.

Bill and Marsha received the 2016 Alumni Award for Extraordinary Service, awarded to alumni who have shown extraordinary leadership and who have made outstanding contributions to VCU. They also received the 2019 Edward A. Wayne Medal, which is the university's highest honor given for service and generosity.

Bill was truly representative of what this institution stands for, which is opportunity combined with hard work that leads to success.

One of Bill's great legacies is the progress that VCU made under his leadership of our boards and committees within our organization. But his greatest legacy is the beautiful family he leaves behind that will continue to strengthen our community and model the very best of families everywhere.

Many of us have been honored to call him a friend, and we mourn Bill's passing. We send our love and prayers to his truly lovely family.

Bill and Marsha's generous support of VCU will continue to make a difference in the lives of many students."