Mark Runge, Emporia State University’s longtime facilities director, passed away early Monday at the age of 62.
University President Allison Garrett says Runge was a professional who cared greatly about ESU, calling his work on campus “transformational.” He also gave of himself to his staff and others around him.
As someone who had over three decades of experience in facilities matters on campus, Runge was closely connected to all major projects — including several of note just this decade. Runge helped to develop the current master plan created earlier this decade and was also involved with the updated plan, which is nearing completion according to Garrett. Runge was also in the planning for Schallenkamp Hall.
3 pm Monday: ESU Facilities Director passes away
Emporia State University is mourning the loss of Facilities Director Mark Runge.
President Allison Garrett says Runge died overnight. Further details are not being released at this time.
Service arrangements are pending.
Statement from Emporia State University Allison Garrett
Dear Faculty and Staff,
I am so very sorry to share the sad news that Mark Runge, our Director of Facilities, died overnight. Mark’s career at Emporia State spanned 32 years, and all who met him knew immediately how much he loved our university, our campus and the Emporia community.
Anytime I had questions about campus buildings, the grounds or upcoming projects, Mark was a phone call away with all of the answers. Much of his job, and that of University Facilities as a whole, required being ready for anything — cleaning up branches and fallen limbs, clearing sidewalks and parking lots after snow and ice storms, dealing with flooding of buildings or assuring that campus power was restored quickly. In all of these circumstances, Mark organized and handled all of these situations with his normal calm efficiency, and a little humor thrown in.
As I walked around campus this morning visiting with many of Mark’s friends and colleagues, everyone had a story to share about him. Those stories were connected by a common theme: Mark cared deeply about people at ESU and in the community. He loved his co-workers and ESU’s students.
Sudden loss of a friend, co-worker or loved one is never easy. As hard as Mark’s passing is on all of us, we know that it will be even harder for Mark’s family — his wife, Cathy, their two sons and their families. Please keep all of them in your prayers during this difficult time.
If you find yourself struggling with this news, please know benefits-eligible faculty and staff have access to counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program. You’ll find more information at
http://www.kdheks.gov/hcf/healthquest/eapservices.html
.
As we learn more about services for Mark, we will share that information through Hornet Announcements.
Sincerely,
Allison D. Garrett
