Last Updated on November 9, 2016 2:04 pm
BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State has lost one of its own. Gerald Adams, Mr. Yosef as he is known to the entire Appalachian State Family, passed away on Wednesday at his home in Boone. Adams was 84.
App State Athletics’ thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time and the Adams family would like to thank everyone for their support.
Adams retired in September after an incredible career of 25 years in helping improve the experience of Appalachian State University student-athletes. He worked tirelessly to raise the overall contributions made to the Yosef Club, the athletics department’s fundraising arm.
Adams came to Appalachian in 1950 where he was a member of the football team and the first resident manager of Justice Hall in 1952. Upon graduation in 1954, he moved to Pittsylvania County, Va. where he served as teacher, coach, principal and eventually assistant superintendent of schools.
He served two years in the United States Army from 1956-58. Upon retirement in 1991, he returned to Appalachian as Director of the Yosef Club. Adams, who also earned a Master's degree from Appalachian in 1962, met his wife, Julia, at an App State Alumni event. The couple has six children, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
The year before Adams arrived in 1991, the Yosef Club raised $363,475, but through the years has grown under Gerald’s leadership, and has raised over $3 million per year for the past three years. During his 25-year tenure at Appalachian State, the Yosef Club has raised over $33 million in scholarships for student-athletes.
Chancellor Sheri N. Everts, Appalachian State University on the passing of Mr. Gerald Adams…
“Today is indeed a sad day for Mountaineers, and yet there is so much to celebrate about Gerald Adams' legacy with Appalachian, which began when he was a student here in the 1950s and continued for more than six decades.
His tireless work on behalf of our students, the seemingly endless generosity of time and talent he and Julia offered so freely, and the support they have provided for student scholarships, athletics, the arts, the diversity festival and so much more have made a tremendous and lasting positive impact on our university.
Our hearts and thoughts are with Julia and their family today. Indeed, there are countless Mountaineers who consider Gerald and Julia family. We will all miss “Mr. Yosef.” His legacy will continue for many decades to come.”
Director of Athletics Doug Gillin, on the passing of Mr. Gerald Adams…
“Gerald was incredibly passionate about Appalachian State University and our student-athletes. Appalachian State Athletics would not be the program it is today without Gerald's passion for our students and their experience. I will never forget my first day at work, Gerald came to see me within my first two hours in the office to make sure I joined the Yosef Club. We will all miss him, but we will never forget him and the impact he made on the entire Appalachian State Community. Gerald truly gave his ALL for Appalachian State.
