Fall 2002

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Terry Van Nortwick loves to travel, but Gainesville is home

Terry Van Nortwick poses for a show by photographer Randy Batista called Chair Women held to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness patients in 2000.

by Dara Cherr

Considering her impressive international travel record, some might find it ironic that Terry Biehl Van Nortwick, PR 1970, MA 1977, still calls Gainesville her home after more than 30 years.

Van Nortwick has traveled to so many countries, cities and states that it is easier for her to say where she hasn’t been instead of where she has.

“Travel is my passion,” Van Nortwick said. “It’s the opportunity to open your mind to different people, cultures, ways of life and religions.”

The people she and her husband, Ken, have met when traveling have all in one way or another changed her life, said Van Nortwick. She said Third World countries, including India, Vietnam and Cambodia, are her favorites because she like to visit inexpensive places where she can “get out there in the dirt and get down with the ‘real’ people.”

Van Nortwick, who calls herself a radical feminist, said traveling has opened her eyes and allowed her to gain respect for women’s rights in the United States. In other countries she has seen cultures in which women were not valued as equals. That helped her realize how far the U.S. has come.

Van Nortwick said her biggest challenge and most memorable career experience was founding her business, PRO iNK, in 1979. It was an exciting experience, she said, but also lonely and “you don’t make money for a long time.”

Nevertheless, Van Nortwick said she has no interest in expanding PRO iNK—she has seen what big business is all about—and she is satisfied with and enjoys her small business.

Active in human rights issues and politics, Van Nortwick has served on boards and committees that include the Alachua County School Board Foundation, Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, United Negro College Fund, Harn Museum and United Way.

Of all her accomplishments and contributions to the community, Van Nortwick speaks proudly of being named a “Woman Who Makes a Difference” in 2001 by the Gateway Girl Scout Council. A former Girl Scout herself, Van Nortwick said that award is most important to her.

She said she follows the advice her father gave to her—be honorable and ethical.

“Your job is important; your career is important. But if you don’t have family, friends and fun—a job means very little.”