Hall of Fame Inductees
Robert Gardner was known to some as "Prof" to others as the "Godfather," or to many as simply "Bob," Gardner left his mark on Lincoln University. He was the school's coach in wrestling (1947-69), football (1952-60), boxing (1947-52), soccer (1947), and cricket (1947). He holds the distinction of coaching Lincoln's lone NCAA individual national wrestling champion. In addition, he served as the chairman of the school's Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics department from 1977 to 1986. Gardner was a tenured member of The Lincoln University faculty who taught for 39 years (1947-1986). He was a stellar collegiate athlete, versatile coach, inspiring educator/administrator, and WWII veteran. He was the impetus and major supporter of the nationally ranked The Lincoln University Track & Field team that won numerous indoor and outdoor championships, during the successful tenure of Coach Cyrus Jones. To honor his legacy at Lincoln, the University named the campus fitness trail, The Robert N. Gardner Jogging–Fitness Trial. Gardner earned his B.A. degree in biology from Macalester in 1940, and B.S. and masters of education degrees from the University of Minnesota. He was inducted into the Macalester College Hall of Fame in 1987. During WWII he was a Tuskegee Airman in the U.S. Air Force. Gardner received the 1990 Distinguished Citizen award from his alma mater, Macalester College for career achievement and service. Professor Gardner served as a director of several Peace Corps training programs in Africa and in the Caribbean. He was also involved in volunteer work for the Red Cross.
