Spring Break
Gone but Not Forgotten
Beverly Gurly Bids Farewell
By Trilogy News - 'Online Director'Issue date: 9/22/08 Section: News
After 41 years of dedicated service, Beverly Gurly is saying goodbye to UDC. "It's been a long ride but well worth it", she said. Gurly a Student Affairs Specialist, who is now retiring, first came to the University in 1967 when it was known as Federal City College.
"There were only five of us then", Gurly recalls wistfully. She said she "fell in love with the school and its potential" at that very moment. Janette Stevens of Student Life and Services remembers Gurly as quiet but always a pleasure to work with. "The two of us started the same day", she added, saying that they shared many experiences together.
In her early years, Gurly worked in Administration, but was soon asked to work in Student Affairs, which has remained her "home" up until now, she said. Soon after switching departments, Gurly says it was then that she began to take a special interest in the students. "I fell in love with the students one by one", she admitted. "I just remember wanting to make a difference" which ultimately led her obtaining a degree in Counseling after being encouraged by one of the school's professors.
"It has always been my desire to make a difference in a student's life at any cost", Gurly said that many of the students became like her kids, relying on her for guidance and support. She added that there were times when she had to step in and serve as a parental custodian, and adds how it made her happy to do so.
Working with various organizations on campus also made Gurly happy. She has worked diligently with the Ms. UDC Pageant for many years. "She became the personification of the Ms. UDC Pageantry", says Joseph Pinkney of Student Life and Services.
He adds that Gurly took extreme pride and commitment with anything she took on. Also serving as a Delta Sigma Theta for 25 years, Gurly has been actively involved with her sorority on campus and off while finding time to lend a hand with other sorority and fraternity groups as well.
Her contributions extend beyond the University walls as she serves as an advisor with the NAACP local and national chapters. Describing her as "being connected", Pinkney said how she associates herself with "knower's" and "doers", "other officials who are making a difference".
Sandra Carter, Associate VP of Student Affairs said that Gurly "will truly be missed for her charming spirit" It is no question that during her extensive career here at the University, Beverly Gurley touched many and it's no surprised that she will be missed. So although the University may be losing one of it's finest, Gurly will not be forgotten as many will remember the woman who dared to go beyond the call of duty.
"There were only five of us then", Gurly recalls wistfully. She said she "fell in love with the school and its potential" at that very moment. Janette Stevens of Student Life and Services remembers Gurly as quiet but always a pleasure to work with. "The two of us started the same day", she added, saying that they shared many experiences together.
In her early years, Gurly worked in Administration, but was soon asked to work in Student Affairs, which has remained her "home" up until now, she said. Soon after switching departments, Gurly says it was then that she began to take a special interest in the students. "I fell in love with the students one by one", she admitted. "I just remember wanting to make a difference" which ultimately led her obtaining a degree in Counseling after being encouraged by one of the school's professors.
"It has always been my desire to make a difference in a student's life at any cost", Gurly said that many of the students became like her kids, relying on her for guidance and support. She added that there were times when she had to step in and serve as a parental custodian, and adds how it made her happy to do so.
Working with various organizations on campus also made Gurly happy. She has worked diligently with the Ms. UDC Pageant for many years. "She became the personification of the Ms. UDC Pageantry", says Joseph Pinkney of Student Life and Services.
He adds that Gurly took extreme pride and commitment with anything she took on. Also serving as a Delta Sigma Theta for 25 years, Gurly has been actively involved with her sorority on campus and off while finding time to lend a hand with other sorority and fraternity groups as well.
Her contributions extend beyond the University walls as she serves as an advisor with the NAACP local and national chapters. Describing her as "being connected", Pinkney said how she associates herself with "knower's" and "doers", "other officials who are making a difference".
Sandra Carter, Associate VP of Student Affairs said that Gurly "will truly be missed for her charming spirit" It is no question that during her extensive career here at the University, Beverly Gurley touched many and it's no surprised that she will be missed. So although the University may be losing one of it's finest, Gurly will not be forgotten as many will remember the woman who dared to go beyond the call of duty.
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