Chapel of the Resurrection - Valparaiso University

Chapel of the Resurrection > News > Dr. Schnabel Commemorated

FORMER PRESIDENT REMEMBERED: Dr. Robert V. Schnabel who served as the 16th president of Valparaiso University from 1978 to 1988 will be remembered during the Chapel's Oct. 4th Sunday morning’s worship service.

President Schnabel died Sept. 1, 2009 in Angola, IN, at age 86. He was born Sept. 28, 1922 in Scarsdale, NY, the son of Frederick Victor and Louise (Frick) Schnabel. He married Ellen Foelber, Fort Wayne, on June 7, 1946. She preceded him in death on Sept. 7, 2008.

Dr. Schnabel was a cum laude graduate of Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME and received his Master’s and Ph. D. in philosophy and education from Fordham University in New York City. Dr. Schnabel was a post-doctoral Fellow at the Center for the Study of Higher Education, University of Michigan. His professional career was of a teacher, Elementary Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Education and Professor of Philosophy, and Academic Dean and President of Concordia College in New York and Vice-President/Dean of Faculty of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. His last appointment was as President of Valparaiso University. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont, IN.

Survivors include his son, Mark F. (Diane) Schnabel of Linton, IN; his son, Philip P. (Laurie) of Cheyenne, WY; and five grandchildren. Preferred memorials are to Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN or Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont, IN. A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont, IN on Saturday, Oct.3, at 1 p.m.