University vice-president dies suddenly in Europe
Wesley Koczka, associate vice-president international and chief executive officer of global operations for Thompson Rivers University, died last weekend (March9/10).
Koczka was on TRU business in Europe when he died suddenly.
"Wes was a visionary," TRU president Alan Shaver said in a statement.
"I had the privilege of working and travelling with him to India, China and Colombia. He was totally committed to internationalization as a way of bringing the people of the world together. I witnessed his charm and humour as he gently dealt with all around him during our trips together.
"I enjoyed seeing him in action — and I learned a lot," Shaver said.
"Those that worked day-to-day with Wes on campus remarked on his love of an eclectic range of music that played continually in his office and his penchant for Tim’s coffee and Timbits that he inevitably shared through the office each Friday."
A memorial service celebrating the life of Koczka will be held on Friday, March 15, at 11 a.m. in the Grand Hall of Campus Activity Centre.
Koczka's family will be attending the service.
Koczka, who moved to TRU three years ago after working in the international-education field for the University of Victoria, helped TRU World grow to the point it now brings in more than 1,800 students from 80 countries and has 1,000 students enrolled in programs in China, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Koczka, who had a wife and three children, was a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan. He received his doctorate of education from Brigham Young University in Utah.
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