By David Dodson
Bess P. Aderhold, widow of O.C. Aderhold, who was president of the university from 1950 to 1967, died Feb. 27.
UGA President Michael F. Adams, who had met Mrs. Aderhold after he arrived in Athens last fall, said, "She was a gracious lady who represented the best of this university and served it well throughout her life."
UGA alumnus
Mrs. Aderhold, 94, was originally from Atlanta and received two degrees in home economics from UGA, a bachelor's degree in 1924 and a master's degree in 1931. Upon completion of her bachelor's degree, Mrs. Aderhold taught home economics in Jefferson, where she met her husband, a local principal at the time. They married in 1926.
Dr. Aderhold joined UGA's education faculty in 1929. After they returned to Athens, Mrs. Aderhold pursued her master's degree. The master's program had just been established, in 1928, and Mrs. Aderhold was one of the first degree recipients.
Her graduate work focused on child nutrition and education. While she was in graduate school, she worked in the university's nursery school, now known as the McPhaul Center.
Dr. Aderhold became dean of the College of Education in 1946. Four years later he was named the 17th president of the university.
In 1949, the former home of Sen. Benjamin H. Hill, located on Prince Avenue in Athens, was remodeled and donated to the university as the President's House. Dr. and Mrs. Aderhold moved into the house in 1950 and lived there throughout Dr. Aderhold's presidential term. Mrs. Aderhold was known as a cordial hostess, opening the house to many receptions and university events.
Dr. Aderhold retired from the university in 1967 and died on July 4, 1969. Their son, O.C. Aderhold Jr., died in 1982 in Fort Lee, Va., while serving on active duty with the U.S. Army Reserve.
Mrs. Aderhold is survived by her daughter, Dr. Elizabeth Aderhold of Athens.
Mrs. Aderhold was a charter and life member of the Friends of the State Botanical Garden. She also had been active with the UGA Retirees Association.
