” Wisconsin has lost a great leader and educational pioneer with the passing of Governor Lee Dreyfus. Few people have made such varied and lasting contributions to the University of Wisconsin System and the State of Wisconsin .
“As general manager of WHA-TV, Governor Dreyfus embraced the role of technology in extending the university’s reach and fulfilling the promise of the Wisconsin Idea. As a professor of speech and broadcasting, his classes were always very popular with students. Appointed to the UW System Board of Regents in 1989 by Governor Tommy Thompson, he advocated that our state do more to tap the vast intellectual potential of Wisconsin’s citizenry.
“At his 1968 inauguration as chancellor of UW-Stevens Point, he observed:
‘The desire for universities to be great obviously means they need great students. There is a tendency in this country to develop average programs for exceptional students when it seems obvious to me that we need to develop exceptional programs for average students.’
“Governor Dreyfus understood the vital role of our public university and our obligation to help all Wisconsin people achieve greatness. He exuded a positive, encouraging energy and challenged others to embrace the same passion for educational opportunity and academic excellence. We strive to maintain that enthusiasm while emulating his very open, effective communication style.
“On behalf of the UW System, I offer our deepest sympathies to the Dreyfus family. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students, scholars, public servants, and citizens alike.”