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Goshen College

The Roman L. and Shirley Erb Gingerich Athletic Scholarship Fund

February 11, 2022

“Helping others” is an appropriate description of Roman Gingerich’s years at Goshen College.  There are many former Goshen College students who can say that Roman was a very important part of their lives.  Roman served on the faculty at Goshen College as a professor of Physical Education from 1941 until his retirement in 1985.  Roman, along with Ruth Gunden, initiated the intercollegiate athletic program at Goshen College as well as many other physical education programs that are still in existence.

Over the years Roman recruited scores of students, encouraging them to attend Goshen College and participate in the various athletic endeavors.  As a bonus he often provided employment to a number of these students, enabling them to not only earn income to help cover the cost of their college education but also to gain valuable professional related skills.  Roman and Shirley also provided room and board for a number of Goshen College students.

Roman married Shirley Erb in August of 1941.  Both are alumni of Goshen College (Class of 1941) as are their five children.  Roman, with Shirley’s help, was involved in many activities that contributed to his work at Goshen College.  Among these activities were:

  1. Fulbright lecturer at the Chulalongkorn University at Bangkok, Thailand in 1964.
  2. Member of the Board of Directors at Camp Amigo, Michigan and Little Eden Camp, Michigan.
  3. Youth leader for the Torchbearers Club of the College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana.
  4. Member of the Elkhart County (Ind.) Recreation Advisory Board and the Goshen, Indiana Park Board.
  5. Volunteer with Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Brethren in Christ missionaries to help earthquake victims in Managua, Nicaragua in 1973.
  6. Served as leaders in Central America for Goshen College Study Service Trimester.

In keeping with Roman and Shirley’s interest in athletics and physical education and their dedication in recruiting and helping students attend Goshen College, the Roman L. and Shirley Erb Gingerich fund will be used to provide endowed scholarships to students participating in the athletic programs at Goshen College.