|
“The more we educate these kids, the more they’re
going to contribute. By keeping the best and the brightest, the
Tampa area business
community has grown."
-Dean Anderson
|
|
Retirement
Receptions Honor Dean Anderson |
|
“Dean Anderson is actually celebrating two
retirements; one from the College of Business and one from
retirement parties,” joked Tampa Chamber of Commerce Chair and
University of South Florida alumnus Jose Valiente at one of the
several receptions honoring retiring Dean Robert Anderson.
“I don’t need to go to the grocery; I’ll just go to a Bob Anderson
party,” agreed USF President Judy Genshaft, who also announced that the Board Room
in the new business graduate wing will be named after Anderson. This declaration received a standing
ovation; as such an honor rarely befalls a living person and
requires special permission.
But, judging by the rooms filled with
people touched by one man’s life and work, it’s easy to see that
Anderson is indeed just that-- special. |
 |
|
Presenters during the evening included
Jose Valiente, a School of Accountancy alumnus and President of the
Tampa Chamber of Commerce; USF President Judy Genshaft; and Ralph
Ghioto III, MBA Class of 1989,
and President of Century Automotive. |
|
Individuals from the College, the University, and the Tampa business
community came to honor Anderson, who has been with USF since 1971
and has served as Dean since 1996. Descriptions such as “asset to
the community”, “class act”, and “legacy” were spoken by the various
presenters who included business faculty such as Associate Dean Richard
Meyer and Marketing Chair Miriam C. Stamps, as well as business
alums and prominent Tampa businessmen Ralph Ghioto and Brian
Lamb.
Lamb, a former USF basketball star, was
particularly appreciative of Anderson’s encouragement and influence.
“He kept me focused; he kept me diligent,” said Lamb. And despite
retiring, he will “forever have the job of father in this
community.”
|
 |
|
Dean Anderson greets USF Provost Khator |
Anderson’s family was
also there to show their appreciation. “I know my dad as just ‘my
dad,’” said daughter Stacy. “But I am so proud to see how he has
touched the community.”
“This business community has given back to
me more than I have put in,” said Anderson, who spoke of a
“continuous loop” theory. “The more we educate these kids, the more
they’re going to contribute. By keeping the best and the brightest,
the Tampa area business community has grown.”
|
Anderson was presented with many
commemorative gifts including a rocking chair in which to “retire
properly.” Lamb presented Anderson with his basketball jersey, also
another first. “Hope it fits,” ribbed Lamb.
As for retired life, Anderson’s wife Donna
isn’t so sure he’s up to it. “He took on the job of treasurer at the
condo we just moved in to!” Yet another fortunate community for Bob
Anderson to positively impact. |
 |
|
Brian Lamb, CFO, Home Discovery Real
Estate
Services, and a School of Accountancy alumnus,
presents the Dean with his USF basketball jersey. |
|
The Anderson Family: (l to r) son Mike; Donna and Bob Anderson;
daughter Stacy and her husband Billy Peek, Global Friction Products. |
|
College
of Business Administration Quarterly Newsletter