Freemond E. “Pete” Gadberry (1937–2006) was an artist, educator and philanthropist whose experience at UC Davis inspired a lifelong commitment to supporting young artists. After earning his B.A. and teaching credential from Chico State, Gadberry received his M.F.A. from the University of California, Davis, in 1967. He studied during a transformative period for the department, when artists including Robert Arneson, Roy De Forest and Wayne Thiebaud were establishing UC Davis as an important center for contemporary art. Gadberry later recalled the department as a place of “great experimentation and freedom.” Although Gadberry exhibited his own work throughout Northern California, teaching became his primary focus. He taught fine arts at Vintage High School in Napa for 30 years, retiring in 1997. Following his death in 2006, Gadberry left $1 million to the UC Davis Department of Art to recruit and support student artists—the largest gift the division had received at the time. His legacy continues through UC Davis awards and fellowships bearing his name that provide financial support to emerging artists.