Health Services Management and Leadership Alumni Association (HSMLAA)

The Gibbs Oration

The George Washington University Health Services Management and Leadership Alumni Association proudly presents the Sixteenth Annual Gibbs Oration. The Gibbs Oration is presented in honor of Frederick H. Gibbs. Professor Gibbs was first appointed to chair the George Washington University Health Administration program in 1958 and he guided it through its formative years, stepping down in 1967 but remaining in a teaching capacity until 1972.

Professor Gibbs had a distinguished career as a soldier, teacher, researcher, administrator, and consultant. He was a member of numerous health professional organizations and authored a wide variety of professional papers and articles. Professor Gibbs was truly one of the great pioneers in developing graduate education in health services administration in the United States.

Professor Gibbs's influence has extended into succeeding generations through the professional careers and personal development of those he taught. His insistence on excellence pushed students and graduates to the outermost limits of their capabilities. Professor Gibbs's influence will be felt for many years. One measure of his success is reflected in the many distinguished careers of those fortunate enough to have been his students. His strong character left a clear imprint on the Department of Health Services Management and Leadership.