Former VP Pierpont dies near Fla. home By David Enders Daily Staff Reporter Former University Vice President Wilbur Pierpont died from an apparent heart attack yesterday while playing golf near his home in Sarasota, Fla. Funeral services are pending for the man who served in the University's second post from 1951-77, working under University presidents Harlan Hatcher and Robben Fleming. The period of Pierpont's tenure as vice president is known for its rapid growth, most significantly the construction of the first buildings on North Campus. "He was a wonderful man," Pierpont's wife, Maxine, said yesterday from her Florida home. Pierpont was instrumental in North Campus' construction. In 1996, the University honored Pierpont and his wife by naming what was formerly known as North Campus Commons after the couple. At the ceremony to rename Pierpont Commons in 1996, former University President James Duderstadt lauded Pierpont. "We have to admire the foresight of President Hatcher, Vice President Pierpont and the Board of Regents," Duderstadt said in an article printed in The Michigan Daily on Feb. 19, 1996, explaining that Pierpont helped take an area of rolling farm hills and turned it into what is now a sprawling part of campus. Former Regent Deane Baker also attended the ceremony. Baker, who served on the board during Pierpont's vice presidency, said Pierpont was respected during his tenure. Pierpont also served as the University's chief financial officer and was a business and accounting professor. "Bill Pierpont earned and enjoyed his reputation as a financial wizard," Baker said. "He was a known leader who inspired confidence and loyalty." Originally on page 1A in the 1-27-2000 issue of the Daily.