July 1, 2009

MEDIA CONTACT: Nick Massella
massella@gwu.edu; 202-994-3087

UNIVERSITY ARCHIVIST DAVID ANDERSON EMBARKS ON NEW CHAPTER OF LIFE

WASHINGTON - University Archivist David Anderson retired June 30, 2009, after 22 years of service at The George Washington University. Mr. Anderson was responsible for the management and supervision of the University Archives, the official repository of GW records, including the medical and law schools, and maintenance of the David S. Brown Memorabilia Room, which displays a number of interesting artifacts from the University's past. Since joining GW in 1987, Mr. Anderson has served as the University historian, a team leader for the Department of Special Collections, editor of the online GW and Foggy Bottom Historical Encyclopedia and co-curator of the GW Memorabilia Room.

"In the 22 years Dave Anderson has been at GW, he has applied his energy and commitment to several roles in the life of our community," said Jack Siggins, GW's University librarian. "As University archivist and later as our historian, he has served as the official record keeper for the historic legacies of the GW, Foggy Bottom and West End communities. He has eagerly provided information about our history to members of these communities. He and his wife, Blanche, are long-time, devoted supporters of GW activities, in particular the women's and men's basketball teams. And finally, he has been a loyal member of the Gelman Library staff.  All of these roles prove that his departure will be missed by the GW community."

Mr. Anderson also was responsible for the solicitation, organization and utilization of faculty and alumni papers. He was actively involved in outreach operations for the growth and maintenance of the University Archives and Department of Special Collections, and educating current and prospective users how to access historical University materials. As editor of the GW and Foggy Bottom Historical Encyclopedia, he chronicled much of GW's history. During his tenure as University historian, he conducted oral history interviews, wrote about University history and spoke during Parent's Weekend and Foggy Bottom Association functions.
 
"David's love for GW and his consummate skill as an historian and archivist combine to make him one of a kind," said Fred Siegel, associate vice president and dean of freshman. "He always demonstrated a sensitivity to the Mount Vernon College legacy, for which I will always remember him."

Before coming to GW, Mr. Anderson served as university archivist, curator of special collections and an assistant professor at Colgate University (Hamilton, N.Y.); an owner and consultant for GDA Associates, an archival management firm located in Denver; and was the head of the Columbus State University Archives and the Chattahoochee Valley Historical Collections.

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