Board honors late member
Gibson posthumously given award
TROY, N.Y. » Questar III presented the family of the late Robert “Bob” Gibson with its 17th annual G. Lucius Cary Annual Service Leadership Award at its annual meeting on April 11. This was the first time in Questar III’s history that the award was presented posthumously.
The G. Lucius Cary Award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions through volunteer service. The award is named for former Questar III board member, G. Lucius Cary.
Gibson, who passed away in July 2015, dedicated his life to public service and community involvement, a news release said. He served as a Questar III board member for 22 years, including the last 14 as board president. He was also a founding member of the Tech Valley High School Operating Board, serving from its inception in 2006. Prior to this, he served on the Brunswick Central School District board from 1980 to 1989, including eight years as president.
Gibson frequently presented workshops on parliamentary procedures for new school board members and traveled to Washington to advocate with state and national leaders.
He also regularly attended the annual NYSSBA convention, where he served as a delegate to the annual business meeting. In 2014, NYSSBA presented Gibson with its Everett R. Dyer Award for Distinguished School Board Service, the organization’s highest award for school board service.
Questar III Board President John Hill, who presented the award to Gibson’s wife Donna and son Brent, remembered Gibson’s passion for volunteer service.
“Bob had the courage to challenge existing norms when they did not serve the
interests of students. Additionally, he remained tenacious in his efforts to marshal needed reforms through the change process. Bob’s work as an educational leader was defined by his sterling character and his ability to work collaboratively with others in pursuit of expanding educational attainment and excellence for all students,” Hill said.
“He really valued education, and he felt that this organization does so much for so many children that might not have the opportunity to experience so many different things that they can through this or- ganization,” Donna Gibson said.
The Mendelsohn club of Albany, of which Bob Gibson was a longtime member, performed two songs at the meeting.
Questar III District Superintendent Gladys I. Cruz said Gibson was “an extraordinary individual who cared deeply about our students, school districts and BOCES.”
“I can’t say enough about Bob Gibson and his generosity, his kindness and his selfless giving of his time over the 22 years he served on the Questar III board. It was a true honor and privilege to know him, to admire him and to work with him and I want all of you to know how much he is truly missed,” Cruz said.