Gertrude Sellards Pearson


Year Inducted

1988

Career Field

Philanthropy

Highlights

  • Major benefactress of the University of Kansas
  • 1958: Received KU’s Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the University
  • Pioneered the concept of air conditioning in residence halls
  • Responsible for Pearson and GSP residence halls and Pearson, Sellards, and Grace Pearson scholarship halls
  • Contributed more than $700,000 to KU Housing in total
  • Funded one of largest bells in the Campanile