
This afternoon in my e-mail, I received the Alumni Association’s “E-Ziggy-Zoomba” newsletter. Normally, I give it a quick glance, realize that most of the headlines are either sports or donaton related and move along. Today’s was different. Included was a story about the passing of former university president William T. Jerome III on March 10. He was 88.
Certainly a sad day for the Falcon community and one that I hope gets a good bit of attention from the university and local media. The obituary posted by the alumni association (which I can’t find an outside link to anywhere and therefore should be step one of “good bit of attention”) is quite impressive.
The BG News has a story posted, I hope someone takes the opportunity to write a deeper piece. I don’t know if it’s the kind of thing college papers go for, but the resources are right there, many in the building which bears his name.
The Sentinel-Tribune also has an obituary posted.
The Blade wrote a nice piece about Dr. Jerome on Thursday.
A few of the highlights of his pre-BG career:
-Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Colgate
-Attended Yale Law School
-Served military intelligence during WWII
-Attended Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration for his Master’s Degree
-Received Doctorate from Harvard
In 1963, he was named the sixth president at Bowling Green State University, at the age of 43 (maybe 44). The size of the student body and faculty both doubled during his tenure, and nine Masters programs were created. In an indirect connection to BGSU, in 1970, Jerome became a consultant and vice president at Florida International University, which was formed by BG alumnus Charles E. Perry, and saw legendary coach Doyt Perry serve as athletic director and golf coach in the 1970’s. Of course, Jerome also had the library named in his honor in 1982. (See top right corner of this site.)
Pretty cool, huh? Yeah, his life gets much more interesting.
Jerome’s father was a second cousin of Winston Churchill. Yes, that Winston Churchill. He was a nationally-known attorney, serving as District Attorney in New York City for a time. (Insert Law & Order sound effect here.)
There’s also a likely link between Jerome’s mother, Hope Colgate Jerome, and the man for whom Colgate University and the toothpaste are named.
Don’t think I’ll be letting the research stop here.
Roll along, you BG warrior…
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