Gary R. Gerson Hall

Honoree

Gary R. Gerson

Gary R. Gerson earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Florida in 1955, becoming the youngest CPA in the country at the age of 21. He received his master's degree in business administration the following year. In 1955, he received a U.S. Navy Commission, and in 1957, he was appointed Officer in Charge of the Navy Area Audit Office in Orlando. Two years later, he began practicing public accounting in South Florida with Gerson, Preston and Company.

Honored with a UF Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1994, Gerson continues to support his alma mater by serving on the University of Florida Foundation Board of Directors. He sponsors a lecture series in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and provides funding for a visiting professorship. The university honored him as a distinguished alumnus in 1994 for his work as a philanthropist, civic leader and successful businessman. In 2002, he was inducted into UF's Athletic Hall of Fame for his role in establishing the university's athletic counselor training program. Gerson also established scholarships at UF, true to his belief that no student should be without an education due to financial hardship.

Facility History

Ground-breaking for Gerson Hall, home of the Fisher School of Accounting, took place on October 11, 2002 and the 33,000-square-foot facility opened its doors in April 2004. The College of Business dedicated Gerson Hall in 2004 in honor of Gary Gerson.