It is with much sadness to report that Herman Gadon passed away August 8, 2009.
Herman was the Founding Director of EPSE and much loved by EPSE students and faculty. He was also very influential in designing the program; many of his innovations still have their influence on the program today (e.g., student assessment, group work and projects, company sponsorship, the alumni group, etc.). EPSE Alum Dave Almos provided great insight to Herman.
"Here’s a portion of a quick note I wrote to Extension’s Bruce Dunn who I saw at Herman’s funeral service. It doesn’t do justice to the man at all.
He was quite a gentleman, wasn’t he? I count him as one of the top ten influencers in my life, mostly through the EPSE experience. He was still fine tuning it in the 4th year (1987) when I attended and it was quite exciting. Natasha and he had the program a bit more directed to couples in those days and therefore Carol has some fond memories also. I stayed in touch with Herman a bit for the following 10 years, first with shaping the Alumni Board and then with some personal career advice as I wandered a bit in the early 90’s.
You asked for memories. I was fortunate to have been selected by my EPSE classmates in 1987 to give the graduation speech, an honor I have always greatly valued. I went back to the copy of the speech that I had retained to see what I might have said about Herman. This was at the culmination of that very-full year and I figured the ‘iron would still be hot’ regarding my assessment of him. I found this. . .
“. . . When first approached by my company about applying to EPSE, I sought out a friend who had participated in year 2. He recommended the program and touched on a number of the positive aspects. But he always returned to Herman … when describing the experience. I now understand why. … In my eyes, Herman has brought the three C’s to EPSE – Continuity, Caring, and Class. He truly cares about this program and each of us. I would start to fade in class around nine occasionally, and would glance over to the side of the room. There would be Herman, eyes shiny, ever alert to intercede with the instructor and bring home an especially important point. And I would consider the fact that he could very well be hearing this material for the 4th consecutive year. I would slowly perk up – if Herman can do four, I can do one!...”
Services were held on Tuesday, Aug. 11th. Herman was married to Natasha Josefowitz. He will be missed very much.
