Portrait unveiled for president emeritus

Former IU President Adam Herbert will now have his portrait hanging among past IU presidents such as Herman B Wells in the Indiana Memorial Union. The 17th IU president’s portrait was unveiled in a ceremony held Thursday in the Indiana Memorial Union’s East Lobby. \nThe celebration of the unveiling included an array of faculty, staff members and a few students who came together to celebrate Herbert’s four-year presidency at IU from 2003 to 2007. The event began with current IU President Michael McRobbie explaining the history of the portraits of past IU presidents that are located in the IMU. \n“These portraits are the history of Indiana University,” McRobbie said. \nCurtis Simic, president and CEO of the IU Foundation, then presented Herbert’s portrait and highlighted his years as president. Simic said Herbert is best remembered for his ability to give everyone personal attention. \nStephen Ferguson, IU trustee president, then accepted the portrait, which was a gift to the University from the IU Foundation. \nBefore Simic and Herbert’s wife, Karen Herbert, unveiled the portrait, Ferguson said one of Herbert’s strengths as a president was that he was able to communicate with a variety of people. \nAfter the crowd’s applause for the portrait died down, Herbert made a few remarks about the portrait. \n“Is that really me?” he joked. \nOn a more serious note, Herbert said he has not and will never forget the relationships he created while working at IU. He went on to say that he believes IU will continue to help educate the leaders of tomorrow and that he would like the University to continue growing. \n“I am proud – I am very proud to be a Hoosier,” Herbert said. \nAfter the official unveiling ceremony, attendees ate chocolate-dipped strawberries and tea sandwiches while they talked amongst themselves about the portrait. \nTrudy Jacobs, a custodian for Building Services, said she got to know Herbert during his term as president of IU. \nAlthough she had already seen the portrait before the ceremony, Jacobs said she came to show support for Herbert because he is a special person. \nJunior and IUSA Vice President-elect Dan Sloat said he too thinks Herbert is a special person. \n“I would say most of (what sets him apart from other presidents) is his warmth to the regional campuses,” Sloat said.\nIU alumna Macia Richardson-Bey agreed that Herbert was one of the most caring presidents IU has ever seen. \n“No matter where you are, (he) makes time,” she said. \nStill, Herbert said after the ceremony he was just trying to work for the students while he was president.\n“I tried to give students great deal of attention,” Herbert said. “(I) tried to improve the quality of life at Indiana University.”