In honor of professor and former Associated Press correspondent George Esper, West Virginia University’s journalism school is creating a fund for Esper, who died earlier this month.

Esper was a legendary journalist with the AP, known mostly for his refusal to leave his post at the end of the Vietnam War, staying behind to cover the fall of Saigon.

Esper taught at WVU after retiring from a 42-year career with the AP, much of it as a war correspondent.

The George Esper International Study Enhancement Fund will support students participating in either study abroad or a faculty-led international trip.

Dean Maryanne Reed said the fund pays tribute to Esper’s career and to the transformative power of an international education and experience.

Reed says anyone can contribute to the fund, which will be administered by the WVU Foundation.

Esper died in his sleep on Feb. 3 night, his son, Thomas, told the AP. The 79-year-old Esper suffered from a number of ailments, especially serious heart issues, and less than two weeks ago was released from a rehab center in Braintree, where he had been sent after his latest treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Besides covering stories, Esper mentored young reporters in the AP and aspiring journalists he taught as a college professor.

“Hundreds of journalists learned from him in the field or in the classroom at West Virginia University and his words and his spirit inspire them every day,” Kathleen Carroll, AP’s executive editor and senior vice president, said. “He was a gentleman journalist and we will miss him sorely.”