Gail was hired in June 1985 during Gordon Rausser's tenure as department chair. Speaking to Gail’s distinct value and contributions to the ARE graduate program and the Environmental Economics and Policy (EEP) undergraduate program, all subsequent chairs passed on the wise advice to the next department chair to “make sure Gail does not retire while you are chair.” 

Gail insisted on supporting both undergraduates and graduate students, even though her job title called for her to only work with graduate students. She viewed her responsibilities as supporting her students’ academic needs and other needs as well. She did not believe that she had a 9 to 5 job.

When it came to faculty, Gail always conveyed that “you may be a big shot and solve world problems, but here [in ARE], students come first.” She could be heard saying to a professor, “you can tell Obama to wait because you have to attend Steve’s oral,” or “it’s nice that you try to prevent the third world war, but you should write the field exam first.” Her advice to faculty on how to communicate with students and handle tough situations was always on the money, and the consensus was that Gail was a ‘mother’ to ARE’s graduate students and EEP undergraduate students.

As numerous alumni messages from around the world pour into the department upon hearing of Gail’s passing, they speak of Gail as a “heart and soul” of the department. Several alumni emails comment on Gail's vital role in the department, providing counsel, support, warmth, humor, and chocolate candy.  Many remembrances reference the new student orientation picnic lunches that featured fun and competitive volleyball games shared with Gail and her husband Buzz. 

Since her retirement 2013, Gail’s presence in the department has been missed. Upon her departure, in a uniquely generous gesture and appreciation of her time in ARE, Gail graciously donated two large display-boxed-frames that feature current department faculty and graduate student photos, proudly displayed on the wall next to her old office space, 203 Giannini Hall.  

Gail left an immeasurable mark on the lives of her colleagues and the many students she worked with.  We will always remember Gail with deep affection and gratitude for her devoted service to ARE and U.C. Berkeley, and a friendship filled with wit and kindness.

Read the numerous remembrances and comments from ARE alumni and colleagues here.