[Vision2020] University Remembers 50th Anniversary of Gault Fire

[Tom Hansen]

>From Today at Idaho at:

http://www.today.uidaho.edu/details.aspx?id=3651

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UNIVERSITY REMEMBERS 50th ANNIVERSARY OF GAULT FIRE

MOSCOW, Idaho - Survivors of the Oct. 19, 1956, Gault Hall fire that killed
three students will gather at the University of Idaho tomorrow for a
remembrance. The public tribute will begin 7:30 p.m. in the Gault Hall
Living Learning Community's main common area.

Fifty years ago Paul Johnson, a sophomore from Davenport, Wash., William
Shuldberg, a freshman from Terreton, and John Knudsen, a freshman from Idaho
Falls, died in the early morning fire. The Gault Hall fire was one of a
string of arsons on the University of Idaho campus in 1956. The arsonist,
Paul D. Matovich, was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The fire was called
the university's "saddest hour" by D.R. Theophilus, who was president of the
university at the time.

Thursday's remembrance will include a private dinner for eight Gault Hall
alumni. The former Gault Hall residents are traveling from New Jersey,
Boise, Seattle and Spokane to attend. After the dinner there will be a time
of remembrance and tribute at the Gault Hall Living Learning Community.

"These returning alumni were significantly affected by this tragedy and they
have important stories to tell," said UI Dean of Students Bruce Pitman.
"Many are eager to also talk about the heroism of other classmates who saved
other Gault Hall members that night."

The Dean of Students Office, University of Idaho Alumni Association and
University Residences are coordinating the remembrance.

Gault Hall was restored after the fire, and was used as a residence hall
until 2003, when it was demolished. The Gault Living Learning Community was
completed in 2004.

The remembrance will honor those who lost their lives in the fire, recognize
the heroism of Gault residents who risked their lives to save others and
celebrate the spirit of Gault Residents who rebuilt their community after
the fire.

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Something to reflect upon . . . 

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
UI '96

Came a tribe from the north brave and bold . . .

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