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Legendary Yosef Club Director to Retire, Adams Raised Over $31 Million for YC

Gerald Adams, legendary Director of the Yosef Club, has raised over $33 million dollars during his 25-year tenure. Courtesy: TBD
Gerald Adams, legendary Director of the Yosef Club, has raised over $33 million dollars during his 25-year tenure. Courtesy: TBD

Gerald Adams, legendary Director of the Yosef Club,  announced he will retire on Sept. 30 after 25 years of helping improve the experience of Appalachian State University student-athletes. Gerald has worked tirelessly to raise the overall contributions made to the Yosef Club, the athletics department’s fundraising arm.

Adams will be publicly recognized at the Georgia State football game on Oct. 1, and despite his announcement to retire, Gerald and his wife, Julia, will not end their 60-plus year tenure with Appalachian State. They will be visible at all home and away games and events throughout the year.

The year before Adams arrived in 1991, the Yosef Club raised $363,475. The Yosef Club has raised over $3 million per year for the past three years. During his 25-year tenure at Appalachian State, the Yosef Club has raised over $33 million in scholarships for student-athletes.

Adams came to Appalachian in 1950 where he was a member of the football team and the first resident manager of Justice Hall in 1952. Upon graduation in 1954, he moved to Pittsylvania County, Va. where he served as teacher, coach, principal and eventually assistant superintendent of schools.

He served two years in the United States Army from 1956-58. Upon retirement in 1991, he returned to Appalachian as Director of the Yosef Club. Adams, who also earned a Master’s degree from Appalachian in 1962, met his wife, Julia, at an App State Alumni event. The couple has six children, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Gerald and his wife, Julia, practice exactly what they preach and have always encouraged others to do the same. They have two endowed scholarships at Appalachian State – one for athletics and one for the cheerleading program.

For those interested in honoring their commitment and legacy at Appalachian, you can make a gift to the Yosef Club or select one of their endowed funds by visiting http://givenow.appstate.edu/adams.  You may also contact Ginny Thompson with the Yosef Club at 828-262-3108 to make your gift.  Please watch Gerald and Julia in the attached video.