UC treasurer decides to retire after 28-year career
Herbert Gordon witnessed growth of university finances
By Michael Howerton
Daily Bruin Staff
After 28 years of handling dollars, Herbert Gordon has decided
it’s time for some change.
Since joining the university treasurer’s office in 1970 and
acting as treasurer for the past eight years, Gordon has presided
over the University of California’s finances during a period when
they have grown from a value of $600 million to $32 billion.
His retirement, set to coincide with his 60th birthday on Aug.
6, comes "at the right time for me, in terms of professional
achievement and future personal goals," he said in a statement
announcing his decision.
"Herbert has been excellent on all accounts," said Regent Glenn
Campbell, one of only two regents who have been on the board for
the entire duration of Gordon’s tenure. "(He has been) hard-working
and has watched the market carefully."
The treasurer’s office, which manages the university’s finances
under the discretion of the Board of Regents, wields a great deal
of influence on the welfare of the university, Campbell said.
The numerous endowments, the management of generous pension
funds, and the faculty early retirement plan are only possible
because the treasurer has done such a good job, he added.
"(The) UC has benefited tremendously from Herb Gordon’s wise and
prudent investment strategy over the years he has managed the
university’s assets," UC President Richard Atkinson said in a
statement. "The entire university and the people of California are
in his debt."
A graduate of UC Berkeley, Gordon said in his statement that he
will miss working with the regents and other university personnel,
but felt it was time to retire. "I greatly appreciate the
opportunity I have had to serve our university," he said.
"Herbert has been a great servant for the University of
California," Campbell said. "He’s done a tremendous job and I hope
he has a good retirement. He certainly has earned it."Comments to
webmaster@db.asucla.ucla.edu