Gary Sheffer, former professor of public relations at Boston University’s College of Communication, was inducted into the hall of fame for Page, considered the premier global association for senior strategic communication, during its annual conference Sept. 23. 

Prior to teaching at COM, Sheffer served as the chief communications officer of General Electric for 13 years. Sheffer led a team of PR professionals through times of crisis during his tenure at GE and made a commitment to tell GE’s story locally.

For Sheffer, being inducted into the Page Hall of Fame is a recognition of the quality of the team built at GE.

“We had, I thought, the best team in the world from a corporate communications perspective,” Sheffer said. “So that’s what it means to me, is a recognition that in communications, when you get to more senior jobs, it’s not just about the skills, but it’s about leadership.”

Induction to the Page Hall of Fame honors PR professionals who have demonstrated significant contributions and positive impacts to the field. Those inducted also show a commitment to the Arthur Page Principles of Public Relations.

Don Wright, former chair of the department of mass communication, advertising and public relations and long-time member of the Page Society, was “terribly excited” when he learned that Sheffer was this year’s inductee. 

“It sends a strong message that, when COM hires professors of the practice, they’re hiring the best and the brightest,” said Wright.

According to Sheffer, the relationships he built with both his students and his colleagues were what he loved most while teaching at BU. Opening doors for students and seeing them succeed made him thrilled.

“I am so proud of the people that I see that were in my courses, now doing well in an agency or a company,” Sheffer said. “I get real gratification from that.”

The transition from being a guest lecturer to full-time professor was challenging, Sheffer said. The support from his colleagues at COM really helped with overcoming those challenges.

“I thank my colleagues, because … it’s completely different to be a full time professor,” said Sheffer. “I needed a lot of help, and the collegiality and the willingness of the faculty to help a rookie has stuck with me for all these years, and I really appreciate it.”