C. J. Gerber Scholarship Fund

To say that C. J. Gerber led an “active life” would only give a small sense of the energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment with which he lived his 96 years.

Born in the Canadian northwest, C. J. homesteaded at the age of 17, spending the summers “riding the range” and attending school in Edmonton during the colder months of the year. When he graduated from high school C. J. enrolled at Goshen College, graduating in 1917. He then coached athletics at schools in Nebraska and New Mexico.

C. J. decided to further his education and went on to gain an M.A. from Columbia University Teachers College and an M.S. degree from the New Mexico A & M.

When he settled in Wakarusa, Indiana in 1922, his life in this small community continued to be as involved as before he served as an administrator in the Wakarusa Public School system for 26 years, sold and serviced State Farm insurance for 47 years and was a member of the Lions service club — with a 35 year perfect attendance pin!

Other interests included rodeo competition, which C. J. took part in until he was 65 years old, barrel racing, roller skating and Ice– skating. As a member of the Methodist church, C. J. taught Sunday School for many years and was also on the church board.

In 1974 C. J. Gerber set up a charitable gift annuity with Goshen College designated as a contribution to the endowment of the Ernest E. Miller Professorship in International Education. Ernest Miller was a colleague of C. J.’s and a former president of GC.

On his death in December 1986, the remainder of the generous gift was used to set up the C. J. Gerber Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is awarded annually, with first priority going to Elkhart area students with financial need.

The C. J. Gerber Scholarship fund will be a resource for deserving students for years to come and is a fitting memorial for a man who took such a deep interest in education and so thoroughly enjoyed life.