Gering, William M. (William Marvin), 1923-

William Gering was an associate professor of speech and theater at Indiana University South Bend from 1964 until his retirement in 1988. Beginning with his academic career as a graduate student at Indiana University in the early 1960s, Gering displayed an interest in researching the life and career of David Starr Jordan, Indiana University's President from 1885 to 1891.

From the description of William M. Gering's David Starr Jordan research, 1855-1987, bulk 1869-1982. (Indiana University). WorldCat record id: 663551882

William Gering displayed an interest in researching the life and writings of David Starr Jordan beginning with his career as a doctoral student at Indiana University from 1961-1963. Gering, who received his bachelor’s degree from Bethel College in 1951 and his master’s degree from Indiana in 1961, was strongly interested in speech and theater and was drawn to Jordan’s oration and prose, as well as the affect that he had on the entire speech-making profession. During his subsequent career as an associate professor in speech and theatre at Indiana University South Bend, Gering continued his efforts to research and write on Jordan, resulting in his doctoral thesis and numerous articles. Gering also delivered several speeches related to Jordan and his Indiana University career, including a 1970 speech delivered at IU South Bend, and a 1980 Honors Day address delivered at several of Indiana’s campuses.

David Starr Jordan was born in Gainesville, New York on January 19, 1851 to Hiram J. and Huldah Lake (Hawley) Jordan. He received his BA and MS degrees from Cornell University in 1872. In 1879 Jordan was hired as professor of Natural History at Indiana University, and in 1885 he was elected as the seventh president of IU. Jordan held that position until 1891, when he left IU to become Stanford University’s first president. Jordan died in 1931.

From the guide to the William M. Gering's David Starr Jordan research, 1855-1987, bulk 1869-1892, (Indiana University Office of University Archives and Records Management http://www.libraries.iub.edu/archives)