Rhode Island School of Design - Portfolio Yearbook (Providence, RI)

Page 20 text:

Thank You Gordy Allen Most of our parents were college students when Gordon Allen began his RISD career in 1946. For 34 years, in the capacity of physics instructor, Associate Professor, and finally as the full time director of the Student Activities Office, Gordy has been much more than generous with his time for the benefit of both the students and the college. Beyond the standard expectations inherent of his direc- torship of the SAO, such as advisor to the Student Council, Gordy has driven students on emergency runs to Rhode Island Hospital, walked through rain and snow to pick up last-minute entertainment licenses or films that had been lost at the Providence Post Office, and has driven countless carloads of skiers to the mountains and opened his house in New Hampshire to lodge them. Over the years Gordy has repaired many a student’s broken stereo or TV, and has amicably settled numerous disputes between students and landlords. He was the one who arranged the space and helped negotiate with the college so that the Tap Room and Carr House could be opened. Gordy will be remembered by everyone, especially those of us who walked into the office tucked in the back of Memorial Hall with a dilemma of some sort, and emerged with a bit of his helpful advice. Gordy has been much more than an administrator. He is, and will remain, a friend.