Northfield, Minn––Robert. L. Gale ’48 P’78, Trustee Emeritus and one-time Carleton College vice president of public relations and development, passed away Wednesday at the age of 83.
“Bob was not only a fiercely proud and loyal alumnus of this college and a treasured trustee, but he was also perhaps the national authority on the proper functioning of Boards of Trustees,” Carleton President Steven G. Poskanzer said. “Over the course of his life, no one gave more selflessly and passionately to this college and to higher education.”
Gale served as Carleton Alumni Trustee from 1970-74 and Full Trustee from 1975-2002. He was awarded the Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award from Carleton in 2003, the Donald J. Cowling Cup (given for distinguished achievement by an individual in any field of endeavor or for extraordinary service to Carleton) in 2002, and the Alumni Exceptional Service Award in 1974.
“There was no greater friend to Carleton College than Bob Gale,” Carleton Board of Trustee chair Jack Eugster ’67 said. “His commitment to Carleton and the liberal arts education in general spanned many decades. For those of us who knew him well, he was a kind and fun friend. I will greatly miss him.”
Gale, who got his professional start in journalism, eventually rose to the editor-in-chief’s position at Maco Magazine Corporation, before Carleton President Larry Gould tabbed him to fill the role of vice president of public relations and development, where he served from 1957-62. He worked for the Peace Corps from 1962-65 as its director of recruiting and public affairs, reportedly becoming the first director of recruiting for the organization, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as director of public affairs. He also formed his own consulting firm, Gale Associates, which worked with nonprofit organizations on strategic planning, program development, fundraising, public relations, and federal relations. He later served as president of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, holding that position until 1992 and then holding the title of president emeritus. That group established the Robert L. Gale Fund for the Study of Trusteeship in 1992. You can read a tribute to Bob at that group’s website at http://www.agb.org/blog/2010-09/memory-bob-gale.
Stephen R. Lewis, Jr., president emeritus of Carleton, remembers of Gale, “No matter how serious the issue, he seemed to find joy in dealing with everything that came his way, and he always found some way to raise everyone’s spirits. His buoyant personality and infectious sense of humor were ever-present. Bob made friends and connections and kept up relationships across continents and across generations. He also was glad to connect one part of his web of friends with others. Those networks ranged from college students to Supreme Court Justices, and he was equally at home with both.”
Gale was married to Barbara Gale on October 19, 1951, until Barbara’s passing this past May. The couple had three children: Morgan Gale, Jennifer Gale Dunkin, and Robert L Gale, Jr.
“All who knew Bob mourn his passing, and we extend our sympathy to the Gale family,” Poskanzer said. “We shall miss him profoundly.”
Memorial service details will be shared as the information becomes available.
