March 6, 2008
Then and Now: The events surrounding Gerbfest, June 1995
William P. Gerberding served as UW president for 16 years, so it was fitting, then, that the campus celebrate his impending retirement in style. This they did with a get-together called Gerbfest, held in Red Square on June 1, 1995.
An advance story on Gerbfest ran in the May 25, 1995 University Week. “This will be an opportunity for President and Mrs. Gerberding to say goodbye,” the story said. “Barbecue and other picnic foods will be sold at 1979 prices — the year the Gerberding presidency at the UW began — and complimentary cake will be served. Musical performances, student jugglers and photo opportunities will add to the fun. Members of the Husky Band and rally squad will be on hand.”
Shortly thereafter, the UW remembered Gerberding in a more substantial way: On June 9, the Regents voted to change the name of the Administration Building to William P. Gerberding Hall. Gerberding stepped down as the UW’s 27th president on Aug. 31, to be succeeded by Richard McCormick.
No such departure ceremony will be needed this year, it seems. Current UW President Mark Emmert was recently courted by representatives of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., who seek a new president — but he declined to be considered.
