Cuesta College names gymnasium after longtime president and former CCCAA Board of Director, Dr. Gil Stork

In photo, from left to right, Humphrey Quirie, wrestling, Taylor Rasmusson, volleyball, Bob Mariucci, Director of Athletics, Dr. Jill Stearns, Cuesta College Superintendent/President, Dr. Gil Stork, Superintendent/President Emeritus, Dr. Barbara George, Vice President Board of Trustees, Madi Collins, basketball, Josh Wilson-Murry, basketball. (Courtesy Cuesta College)

February 6, 2019

SAN LUIS OBISPO - A special dedication ceremony for the Dr. Gilbert H. Stork Gymnasium was held on Saturday, February 2nd at Cuesta College’s San Luis Obispo Campus. In July of 2018, the Cuesta College Board of Trustees approved the naming of the Gymnasium (Building 1400) as the Dr. Gilbert H. Stork Gymnasium to honor the fifty-plus year legacy of Gilbert H. Stork, Ed.D. upon his retirement as Superintendent / President of Cuesta College. The naming recognizes the depth and breadth of Dr. Stork's work and his unique contributions to support student success, which began in the athletic department.

“Dr. Stork is the longest serving employee in Cuesta College’s history and is commended for his untiring and selfless commitment to higher education, to Cuesta College, and to the San Luis Obispo County community,” said Board of Trustees Vice President Dr. Barbara George.

“Dr. Stork’s imprint is evident in every facet of this great institution, but most importantly it’s evident upon the hearts of the employees and students,” said Cuesta College Superintendent / President Dr. Jill Stearns.

“This is really a humbling experience to be able to have the Board bestow this honor on my behalf,” Dr. Stork said. “[Athletics] taught me about leadership – it really taught me how to be a president of a college, which is about getting the best performance out of a group of people that have different talents, all working for the same goal … Any time you want to shoot some hoops, let me know and you can come over to the Stork Gym.”

Dr. Stork’s career at Cuesta College began two years after the college opened its doors in 1967; he was hired as a physical education instructor and assistant football coach. From 1970-1977, Dr. Stork served as a mathematics instructor, during which time he also served as the division chair of the physical sciences and mathematics division. In 1977, Dr. Stork was promoted to associate dean of instruction and then to dean of instruction in 1979. In 1990, Dr. Stork was hired as the assistant superintendent/vice president of student services and retired from that position in 2004. Immediately thereafter, Dr. Stork assumed the role of interim vice president / assistant superintendent of student services, then interim dean of humanities, followed by interim dean of workforce and economic development. In 2010, Dr. Stork was hired as Cuesta College’s interim superintendent / president and became permanent in 2012. Upon his retirement on June 30, 2018, Dr. Stork was the college’s longest serving employee having been employed at Cuesta College for more than 50 years.

Video of the ceremony can be found below:

(By Ritchie Bermudez, Cuesta College)