Gordon in the News: last updated 01/28/2011
John Mason, professor emeritus of economics at Gordon, went home to be with the Lord Saturday evening, January 15, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is survived by his wife, Sherrie, his daughters Iana and Noni, eleven grandsons and one granddaughter.
John came to Gordon College in 1968 and was the founder of the Department of Economics and Business. He was admired by many students for his interests in poverty and urban communities. Before his retirement from full-time teaching in 2007, he was instrumental in helping to launch Gordon's urban studies program in Boston. For years he served as a board member and as an advisor for Boston's Emmanuel Gospel Center.
Stephen Smith, chair of Gordon's Economics and Business Department, observes that "it would be hard to overestimate John's influence among the past two generations of Christian economists. He impressed on generations of students the importance of harnessing economics principles to fight poverty and of diligently seeking justice and stewardship. His winsome vision for how Christian economists could serve the Church inspired the creation of the Association of Christian Economists. His personal example of selfless service and teaching encouraged many. We will sorely miss his presence and friendship."
A memorial service for John was held Saturday, January 22, at Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Danvers, with reflections and musical offerings by family and friends, and officiated by the Rev. Malcolm Reid, retired philosophy professor at Gordon and longtime friend of the Masons.
