Services Set For St. Cloud State President Killed In Crash

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Services have been set for St. Cloud State University President Earl H. Potter III, who was killed in a car crash Monday on Interstate 694 in Brooklyn Center.

School officials say there will be an interfaith memorial gathering for friends, family, colleagues and community members from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday in the lobby of the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. Ashish Vaidya, the school's acting president, will make remarks and be the master of ceremonies for a short program at 4 p.m.

The service will include a presentation of colors, music, food, conversation, displays and remarks from the family. Clergy and other faith leaders from the school will be offering blessings.

School officials said the St. Cloud State campus will close at 3 p.m. Friday to allow employees to attend the service.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Episcopal Church in St. Cloud.

Potter was killed during the evening rush hour Monday when his Toyota 4 Runner, heading eastbound on I-694 in Brooklyn Center, went off the road and hit a guard rail. He swerved into the center lane and almost hit another vehicle before swerving back to the left, causing the vehicle to flip multiple times. It came to rest after hitting cable barriers.

Potter was 69 years old and had been the school's president since 2007.