Jerry Henson, Bookstore manager from 1948-1976, began as a shelf stocker at the Bookstore and graduated from the U of O in 1933 with a degree in Business Administration.
Jerry was known as an innovator in the college bookstore industry, implementing self-service operation in 1965 ahead of most other college bookstores. With the foresight of Jerry and the Board of Directors, the Bookstore purchased land off-campus and between the years 1961-65, constructed a modern facility that still houses the main Bookstore today. Their decision allowed the Bookstore to be independent of University control and to be self-sufficient. The discipline and personal sacrifice of Jerry Henson to stand up to the criticism of tearing down the beloved, but neglected, College Side Inn is the primary reason the Bookstore is able to be successful today.
Jerry Henson was a man of integrity who set the standard for all to follow. As much as the Bookstore has changed since 1976 when he retired, much has stayed the same, building on the foundation of excellence established by Jerry Hensen and his fellow employees.
