Sharlene Gage - Alumni Hall of Fame Recipient 2007

The following was read at the Alumni Hall of Fame Induction:

Sharlene Gage is a 1964 and ’66 graduate in mathematics from the College of Letters and Science, which is now within the College of Science. Gage spent more than three decades at the Ford Motor Company. Upon retirement in 1999, she was the manager of employee cost analysis for Corporate Finance.

“Sharlene’s tenure at the Ford Motor Company spanned an era when women did not attain executive leadership positions, and certainly did not get put in charge of ‘gloves off’ activities such as Employee Cost Analysis, a position which involved intense negotiations with representatives from the United Automotive Workers,” explained Bill L. Smith of the Martin Institute at the University of Idaho.

In addition to her career at Ford Motor Company, Gage has devoted herself to a variety of community volunteer activities, including Goodwill Industries, the University of Idaho’s Martin Peace Institute and the YWCA. She has assisted nonprofit boards since the early 1980s. She also has mentored young women and counseled youth who have dealt with the loss of a loved one.

In 2005, Gage was awarded the Heart of Gold Award through United Way Community Services for “immeasurable dedication for the community.” Her community involvement is unmatched by many. Gage is someone “whose impact is not just extensive in terms of time committed to the cause, but that also carries a long-lasting impact,” Smith said.

“For leadership and contributions to community service, the University of Idaho Alumni Association proudly inducts Sharlene F. Gage into the Alumni Hall of Fame.”