Background
Gerdes, Neil Wayne was born on October 19, 1943 in Moline, Illinois, United States. Son of John Edward and Della Marie (Ferguson) Gerdes.
Gerdes, Neil Wayne was born on October 19, 1943 in Moline, Illinois, United States. Son of John Edward and Della Marie (Ferguson) Gerdes.
Bachelor of Arts Illinois, 1965. Bachelor's Degree, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1968. Master of Arts, Columbia University, New York City, 1971.
Master of Arts in Library. Science, University Chicago, 1975. Doctor of Ministry, University St. Mary of the Lake, 1994.
Copy chief Little, Brown, 1968-1969. Instructor Tuskegee Institute, 1969-1971. Library assistant Augustana College, 1972-1973.
Editorial assistant Library Quarterly, 1973-1974. Library dean, professor Meadville Theological School, Chicago, since 1973. Library program director Chicago Cluster Theological Schools, 1977-1980.
Director Hammond Library., since 1980. Dean & professor Chicago Theol Seminary, since 1980. Affiliated minister 1st Unitarian Church, Chicago, since 2002.
Member executive board Seminary Cooperative Bookstore, Chicago, 1982-2002, Center for Religion and Psychotherapy, Chicago, 1984-1997, Indiana Voters of Illinois, 1986-1989, Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Organization, Chicago, 1988-1989. President Hyde Park-Kenwood Interfaith Council, 1986-1990, Institute for Spiritual Leadership, 2000-2007. Chairman library council Association Chicago Theological School, 1984-1988, 96-98, since 2007.
Chairman advisory board LGBT Religious Archive Network, since 2002. Trustee Civitas Dei Foundation, 1994—2006. Member alumni council Harvard Division School, 1999-2005, secretary, 2001-2005.
Member American Library Association, American Theological Library Association, Chicago Area Theological Library Association, Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (secretary, treasurer national body 1990-1994), Association Liberal Religious Scholars (secretary, treasurer since 1975), Phi Beta Kappa.