Dean, teacher, researcher, leader: John Gordon on over 25 years at the School 2001

As dean during the turbulent economic times of the 1980s, John Gordon was responsible for weathering a climate in which university funding was declining while demand for the School's programs was expanding. In response, Gordon leveraged his ties to the business community to obtain support for the School and various student initiatives.

"One of the School's most wonderful resources is its students, particularly the undergraduates, whose youth and relative experience are totally offset by their energy, enthusiasm, and imagination," said Gordon. "Two institutions run by the Commerce Society had their start early in my era, and it was students...who conceived and managed them." Speaking about the success of conferences QBET and ICBC, Gordon explained his role in their invention: "Give ComSoc some seed money and a word of encouragement - and stand back!"