Trustee and alumnus Robert E. Bricker died March 19, at the age of 86.  Bob was a 1942 graduate of Western Maryland College and a strong and effective volunteer leader for the College as well as for several civic organizations. He served as president of the Alumni Association from 1972-74 and was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1974, ultimately serving as Board chair from 1982-86, following six years of service as vice chair. In 1991 he was awarded emeritus status on the Board.  Under his leadership, the College made significant progress in physical facilities and in academic excellence as demonstrated by the new Physical Education Learning Center.

In 1978 he was named Alumnus of the Year after serving as national co-chair of the College’s (Decker) Center Fund campaign, which raised over $2.4 million, and in 1984, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws.

As executive vice president of Henkels-McCoy, Inc., one of the largest independent communications construction companies in the world, Mr. Bricker acted as an international manager and labor negotiator, par excellence. Under his guidance, Henkels-McCoy supervised work crews in the U.S. and five foreign countries. In the late ’70s, Mr. Bricker served a year’s term as national president of the Distribution Contractors Association.

Mr. Bricker was a former star quarterback and punter on the Green Terror football team known for his gridiron fight and spirit. The Associated Press named him to its 1941 All-Maryland Football Team. He was inducted into the College’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. He also coached both the baseball and basketball teams during his senior year.

He was captain of his ROTC unit and later served on active duty with the U.S. Army in both World War II and Korea.

His interest in civic affairs ranged from Boy Scouts to the United Fund to the American Legion and his church. He enjoyed both golfing and sailing.

A memorial service was held March 25 at Normandy Farms Estates in Blue Bell. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Cradle of Liberty BSA, 1485 Valley Forge Rd., Wayne, Pa.

We offer our sympathy and support to his wife Louise, class of 1944, and grown children, Robert G. Bricker, class of 1967, and daughter Barbara Bricker Boraski.