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A memorial open house honoring the
life and legacy of President David Gerlach will be held on Saturday,
May 3rd, 2025 at the Lincoln Center (Athletic Entrance), Lincoln
College campus. We invite those who knew and loved the President to
join us in remembering the profound impact he had on our community.
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Open to faculty, staff and public
This will be a casual and informal gathering; an opportunity to
reflect, remember, and share the many ways in which President
Gerlach touched our lives. Attendees are welcome to share stories in
remembrance of a remarkable leader who left an indelible mark on us
all.
We also welcome you to contribute to the
online tribute wall by sharing your favorite photo, a heartfelt
memory, or a humorous story:
Alternatively, you may email submissions to:
LCBusinessOffice@lincolncollege.edu.
Cards can be mailed to:
Lincoln College
PO Box 247
Lincoln, IL 62656
Memorial contributions can be made
to the following organizations that were meaningful to President
Gerlach and his family:
American Heart Association
P.O. Box 417005, Boston MA 02241
Samaritan's Purse
P.O. Box 3000, Boone NC 28607
Tel: 1-828-262-1980
Gerlach Family
Nursing Endowment Scholarship c/o Canton College Foundation
34 Cornell Drive, Canton NY 13617
For more information or questions, please contact Tiffany Worth at
LCBusinessOffice@lincolncollege.edu.
Obituary:
David Matthew Gerlach was Born in Pittsburgh, PA to Janet and Robert
Gerlach in 1962. The youngest of 3 boys, Dave grew up in Bethel
Park, PA with his two older brothers Jeff and Steve before moving to
Fairport, NY at the age of 10. Dave graduated from Fairport High
School and went on to further his education at SUNY Canton where he
received his associate in applied science in Business
Administration. At Canton, Dave met his Wife of 39 years Lisa
McIntosh from Harrisville, NY.
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Dave was an avid
learner, constantly in search of knowledge, going on to Roberts
Wesleyan to receive his bachelor’s degree of Science in Business
Administration with an additional concentration in
Religion/Philosophy. Dave received his master’s degree in
education from St. Lawrence University and finalized his
education at Syracuse University earning his Doctor of
Philosophy in Higher Education.
Lisa and Dave both worked to support their two children Kayla
and Josh, Dave served the students and faculty at SUNY Canton
for 30 years. He started at Chaney Dining Center, became a
Resident Assistant, and then was hired as a Residence Hall
Director later becoming Director of Residence Life. He became
Dean of Enrollment Management from 1998 to 2003 before being
named the Vice President for Advancement and CEO of the Canton
College Foundation. Dave and Lisa decided to leave Canton in
2015, Dave fulfilled his dream of becoming a college President
at Lincoln College in Illinois. As President Dave brought record
breaking enrollment with a 12% increase from 2019 and 29% since
2015. He added thirteen baccalaureate degrees and two masters
degrees. He moved athletics from the NJCAA to the NAIA. Despite
his effort and achievements, in 2022 Lincoln College was forced
to close its doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dave then
retired after spending 40 years in Higher Education.
Dave and Lisa moved on to Houston to live 3 miles from their
Grandchildren Harrison and Ruby (10 and 4 years old). "Papa" as
the kids called him went to every football game, baseball game,
concert, soccer game and school play. He took on multiple
hobbies working out of his garage. In retirement, he started
“The Courtroom” with Eric, Rhett and Jarrod, creating a
tight-knit community of neighbors and friends.
Despite all his accomplishments in his
career, his most favorite lot in life was as a Husband, Father,
Grandfather and Friend. Whenever someone had a question, he had the
answers. His favorite Christmas movie was It’s a Wonderful Life,
which he truly had – “No man is a failure who has friends”.
[Text received from Tiffany Worth] |
