Terry Gibson, a long-time Cornell administrator and fundraiser, died on October 2, 2025, at the age of 88, in Denver, Colorado.
Gibson was born on June 28, 1937, in Lyndon, Illinois, and was a proud graduate of Cornell College. While on campus, Gibson loved sports, playing basketball, and running track.
Following graduation, he kicked off his career on the Hilltop. From 1959 to 1968, he was a member of the admission team, and later, he was an assistant to President Arland Christ-Janer. In between stints at Cornell, he also worked for Boston University, Lake Forest College, Northwestern University, University of Denver, and University of Tulsa. He returned to Cornell as vice president of advancement from 1995 until he retired in 2008. Gibson played a key role in raising millions for campus improvements, including residence hall and Law Hall renovations, expanded fine arts facilities—including the construction of Youngker Hall, upgraded athletics spaces, and more.
He and the late Carey Downs Gibson, Honorary Alumna, were avid cyclists and rode RAGBRAI several times and enjoyed cycling vacations in Europe and Vietnam. Gibson’s family and friends remember him as a quick wit, eager to join in a laugh, and a kind soul who cherished his relationships. He is survived by four children, two grandchildren, two stepchildren, three stepgrandchildren, and a brother, Kent Gibson ’56.