Monday, December 5, 2005

Bertha Gresham, long-time caretaker in Park Hall, will retire from UGA this December after 48 years on the job

Athens, Ga. -- Bertha Gresham, long-time caretaker in Park Hall, began her career at UGA in 1957 and worked in Peabody Hall, Baldwin Hall and the Main Library before moving in the mid 1960s to Park Hall, home of UGA’s English department. After 48 years on the job, Gresham will retire this December.

“As soon as I saw Park Hall, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” Gresham says. “Even when I took time off for four knee surgeries, I felt like Park Hall needed me.

“It’s a good job, with good people,” she says. “I’ve seen a lot of changes, but all the many years I’ve worked here, I’ve enjoyed it.”

Nelson Hilton, English department head, says the department is losing a wealth of institutional memory.

English department faculty and staff wished Gresham a happy retirement during a ceremony on Dec. 1.