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MORGANTOWN -- An exhibit featuring the bow ties of West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee is on display at the WVU Evansdale Library through May 15.
A reception with Gee will be held 6 p.m. Feb. 6
Gee is known nationwide for his bow tie style, with feature articles and interviews in fashion publications Bow Tie Aficionado and Ivy Style, among bow tie mentions in national media such as USA Today and the New York Times, and regional media as well.
He's made several videos about his famous collection that began at age 16, and developed while he was president at WVU the first time, 1981-1985.
One of his thousands of ties has flown to space. He's met past U.S. presidents in them and made a plethora of service visits in them.
People have imitated his style. Ohio State University created an individualized mascot sculpture - "Gordon Gee Brutus"- donning his tie.
Folks gift him with handmade ties and objects — funky and precious objects he holds dear.
This exhibit, developed by WVU Art in the Libraries program, takes a look at his collection and some notable times where he and his notable ties were worn and honored, with a selection of his ties, photographs and personal objects.
This exhibit initiates the start of a new series at Evansdale Library,1212 Evansdale Drive, around community members' personal collections. Do you know someone with a collection to share? Get in touch with WVU Libraries Exhibits Coordinator Sally Deskins, sbdeskins@mail.wvu.edu.
Display stands were provided by bowties.com and beautiesltd.com.
"We all hear about President Gee's bow tie collection and see his quirky style on selfies on social media, but this exhibit selection made by Gee himself offers a real intimate look into his personal collection, that he holds dear and wasn't easy for him to let go. People will enjoy seeing more fancy ties alongside silly ties and distinctive ties, as well as stories about his growing fascination with bow ties starting when he was 16," said Deskins.