[Golden Memories]
Bob Gordon honored for 50 years at JMU Colleagues and former students laud professor By Jacquelyn Walsh (’09)
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afety officer, master teacher, author, researcher. These are a few of the many jobs Bob gordon has performed during his 50-year — and counting — career at JMU. Physics and astronomy professors, staff colleagues and former students gathered in the Festival Conference and student Center Ballroom in april to express their gratitude for gordon’s extensive career. Jon staib, a friend and colleague of gordon’s for 40 years, opened the reception by reviewing the different roles gor-
don has played, the most admirable role being “Bob, the department head who had valuable leadership skills.” staib taught in the department until 1997. “Fifty years at JMU, that’s quite a record,” added staib. “it’s pretty long, but it’s pretty exceptional, too … i paused to listen outside your classroom door on a number of occasions. Your teaching is well reasoned and complete.” gordon’s teaching methods and relationships with students were further emphasized when one of his former students took the podium. Marty Moran (’84) recalled gordon’s advice: “as long as you care about what you’re doing, that’s the most important thing.” gordon and Moran continue to stay in touch as Moran’s family grows. JMU Physics and astronomy department Head steve Whisnant filled in when Bob semi-retired in 2001. “He’s
[In Memoriam]
Remembering William “Bill” Anderson
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ormer JMU professor of accounting William “Bill” Tharp anderson of Harrisonburg died on May 29, 2010. anderson was a U.s. navy veteran, joining in 1957 and serving as a lieutenant commander in the U.s. naval air Force until 1962. He served as assistant dean of The Mcintyre school of Commerce at the University of Virginia, where he earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees. He earned his Ph.d. in accounting from Virginia Tech. He served on the faculties of JMU, Liberty University and grove City College. His wife, dorothy sheets anderson, is a member of the JMU Class of 1959. M
never really retired,” explained Whisnant, “and we are so glad he continues to teach.” numerous attendees showed their gratitude and admiration for gordon, greeting him and sharing a few words. “Fifty years at JMU, a record that is long but also impressive,” said one. another asked, “What prepares a person to spend 50 years in the trenches of academia?” a few shared stories of gordon’s time growing up in east Rockingham County. one explained his “great combination of smarts, diplomacy and speed.” The J. Robert gordon scholarship honors gordon’s long
career and his contributions to JMU. established by gifts from Walter Curt (’85) of sei inc. and Raymond serway, department head of physics and astronomy from 1980 to 1986, the annual $1,500 scholarship award is given to a freshman with a declared major in physics. as coworkers, friends and former students exited the Festival ballroom, they filled a guest book with good luck wishes and long notes of appreciation. “Bob gordon is exactly what universities need more of,” staib said. “imagine a university full of Bob gordons! What a perfect place.” M
‘As long as you care about what you’re doing, that’s the most important thing.’ — Marty Mor an (’84), recalling Gordon’s advice
Former students and colleagues celebrate Bob Gordon’s (far right) 50 years on the JMU faculty.
ThanKs alUMnI &frIends!
Thank you to the 3,475 alumni and JMU friends who contributed $406,945 to the Madison for Keeps initiative. If not for you, 107 students would not have finished their spring semester. That’s 107 bright minds who were able to continue their journey of becoming teachers, computer scientists, musicians, business owners, mathematicians — young men and women who will someday change the world. Sixteen of these students graduated in May.
is just one example of how your annual support truly makes a difference at Jmu.
www.jmu.edu/madison4keeps/ 14
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