Gordon S. Bodek

Bodek, Gordon S.
For over six decades, Gordon served as one of the University of Pennsylvania's most steadfast alumni leaders. We will miss his wise counsel and loyal friendship and offer our sincere condolences to his wife Mickey and his children, Janna, Marnie, and Hanley, C'77.
As a student, Gordon was a member of the Mask and Wig Club and played lacrosse. As an alum, Gordon was a highly visible advocate for Penn on the West Coast. Over the years, he served as president of the University of Pennsylvania Club of Southern California, chair of the California Development Committee, a director of the Southern California Regional Advisory Board, a member of the Board of Advisors of the Wharton Club of Los Angeles, and a member of the Alumni Club of Southern California.
He was first appointed to the Board of Trustees in 1978. As a Trustee, he actively participated on the Development, External Affairs, Facilities and Campus Planning, and Student Life Committees. He also served as an Overseer for both the School of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School of Education. In 1986, Gordon's extraordinary service to the University was officially recognized with the Alumni Award of Merit.
In addition to devoting countless hours to working on behalf of the University, Gordon provided generous financial support. He and Mickey established the Gordon and Muriel Bodek Gift Annuity for student financial aid, as well as the Gordon and Muriel Bodek Scholarship and the Bessie and Harry Bodek Scholarship, both in the School of Arts and Sciences. At the Library, the Bodeks created the Muriel Pfaelzer Bodek Lecture and named the Bessie and Harry Bodek Music Room in honor of Gordon's parents. They endowed the Gordon S. Bodek Lecture of Distinguished Educators in the Graduate School of Education and provided support for Athletics and the School of Nursing, as well as a number of other programs. In addition, their family named Bodek Lounge in Houston Hall, an impressive space for the use of students, faculty, and alumni.
During WWII, Mr. Bodek served as a U.S. Navy pilot. He held various commands and was awarded The Air Medal and a British Citation for Service as Officer in Charge of a U.S. Navy Squadron detachment on the island of Malta.
Gordon devoted his professional life to Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc., an international manufacturer of washroom accessories for commercial construction, from which he retired as president. He joined the firm's sales division in 1948 and helped broaden its reach into the commercial building market. He became president in 1970 and led the company through a significant expansion of its product line. In 1984, the International Sanitary Supply Association, of which Gordon was once president, honored him with the Industry Distinguished Service Award for his many achievements.
In addition to his wonderful commitment to Penn, Gordon was vice president of the Los Angeles Natural History Museum Alliance, vice chairman of the Budget Division of the United Way, and a member of the Executive Board of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Jewish Committee. In 1985, he was presented with the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
--David L, Cohen, Chairman,
Board of Trustees
--Amy Gutmann, President,
University of Pennsylvania