The University of Rochester Department of Athletics and Recreation has presented the 2024-25 Garnish Citation to Gretchen Herbert, Class of 1984.
 
The citation award is presented periodically to a faculty member, staff member, or an alumnus for their long-time commitment and support of the intercollegiate athletic program. Plaques of all the previous winners hang in the concourse in Edwin Fauver Stadium. The award is named in honor of Lysle "Spike" Garnish, former trainer and assistant coach at Rochester.
 
Herbert was an outstanding two-sport athlete in soccer and basketball, while also being a member of the NROTC on the River Campus. On the basketball court, she appeared in 90 games in her career, and helped the Yellowjackets to two runner-up finishes in the New York State Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women tournaments while twice qualifying for the national Division III Tournament.
 
She was a natural-born leader and consummate teammate, foreshadowing her future success.
This led to a career in the United States Navy where she attained the rank of Rear Admiral.
 
Gretchen has been a loyal and leading alumna supporting soccer, basketball, and the Friends of Rochester Athletics. Her natural leadership abilities, commitment to excellence, and service to others embody the very best of our University's values. She lives in Brevard, North Carolina with husband Roger.   
 
Herbert received her recognition last Friday night at halftime of the Rochester-Washington women's basketball matchup at the Louis Alexander Palestra. Making the presentation were John Blackshear, the Vice President for Student Life at the University and George VanderZwaag, Executive Director of Athletics.