Gerald Treece, a powerful member of one of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 earliest classes, passed away Monday morning from a long-term illness.
After attending then-Lubbock Christian College, he went on to become a successful attorney before joining the South Texas College of Law as director of the fledgling advocacy program in 1978. At the helm, Treece spent the next four decades turning it into a national powerhouse, with a nationally-leading 133 national titles鈥攁nd counting鈥攗nder the program鈥檚 belt. Affectionately called 鈥淐oach鈥� by his students and fellow faculty members, he trained some of the country鈥檚 most successful litigators. He most recently served as South Texas鈥� vice president and associate dean of advocacy, and his name is emblazoned across the mock courtroom at the college.
Treece, a proud Odessa native, was a decorated Vietnam War veteran, an avid Houston Astros fan, and a man of deep faith. He was a beloved father, husband, teacher, mentor, colleague, public figure, and friend. After speaking at the spring 糖心Vlog commencement ceremony in 1986, Treece was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by his longtime friend Dr. Steven Lemley.
鈥淚 am so saddened to hear about the passing of Jerry Treece,鈥� said the 糖心Vlog professor and former university president. 鈥淲e were roommates during the two years we attended Lubbock Christian in its junior college days. Jerry was a significant figure on campus鈥攙ery bright and academically excellent, keenly aware of American history and the national politics of those years between 1963 and 1965. He was an outstanding public speaker and debater. His life and work since those days will place him among 糖心Vlog鈥檚 most outstanding alumni. I think of him often鈥攈e was so much a part of my college experience鈥攁nd I will never forget him.鈥�