We're saddened to share the news that Margaret ("Gibby") Gibson died on Tuesday, January 22, 2013. Gibby, who retired from Ithaca College in 1988 after serving for 23 years as director of publications, was a partner in the development of the South Hill campus.
During her tenure, her achievements included designing the College's seal as well as overseeing the design and production of its publications for several decades. She was, according to the Ithaca College Story history book (which she designed), involved in the creation of countless "scrolls, certificates, and other documents presented to those the College has honored" and was well regarded as the "unofficial cartographer of the South Hill campus."
In addition to creating the official seal for the 75th anniversary celebration -- a modified version of which is used today -- she also designed the silver medallions worn by Presidents Ellis Phillips and James J. Whalen at formal academic ceremonies.
Since her retirement in 1988, Gibby remained a dedicated Friend of Ithaca College and ardent supporter of the college, which awarded her the James J. Whalen Meritorious Service Award in 1992. She had established an endowed scholarship in her name that has assisted many students in our area. As she was a member of the W. Grant Egbert Founder's Society, IC students will continue to benefit from her philanthropy for generations to come.
For more than 30 years, Gibby was on the board of the Franziska Racker Centers, for which she was the co-chairman of the recently concluded, successful campaign to expand its central facility and services. She also was a supporter of many other local charities and organizations, including Cortland Memorial Hospital, SUNY Cortland, the Ladies Union Benevolent Society, and the 1890 House in Cortland. In 2003 the Finger Lakes chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals presented her with its Philanthropist of the Year award.
Services for Gibby will be held on Saturday, February 2, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 210 North Cayuga Street (at Buffalo Street) in downtown Ithaca. Calling hours begin at 9 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 10:30 a.m.
Considering Gibby's long history of assisting Ithaca College with the creation of formal resolutions, it seems only fitting that we share the resolution passed upon the occasion of her retirement:
Resolution of Appreciation
Margaret I. Gibson
Whereas, Margaret I. Gibson has served Ithaca College with uncommon dedication and loyalty,
And whereas, she now retires after twenty-three years of distinguished service as the college's director of publications,
And whereas, few individuals have made so distinctive a mark upon this institution as has "Gibby," through her painstaking efforts, creativity, good judgment, and tireless work,
Therefore be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of Ithaca College salutes Margaret I. Gibson on the occasion of her retirement, expresses its great appreciation and admiration, and hereby extends its warmest wishes and lasting friendship.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20130125163107462