Robert E. Bartels

Dr. and Mrs. Martin H. Bartels met as schoolteachers in southern Ohio. Verna was a graduate of Wilmington College and taught home economics and English. She was a dedicated homemaker returning to her teaching profession when necessary to support the family as Martin completed his graduate work. Martin earned his bachelor’s degree from Capital University and his master’s and Ph.D. from Ohio State University. In the early years, he taught math, physics, and Spanish, and coached a high school basketball team before moving on to administration as principal and superintendent. He joined the staff of then Northern Illinois State Teacher’s College in 1951 and served as a professor in the School of Education and Placement director until his retirement in 1976. This scholarship is endowed in memory of Martin and Verna and in honor of their life long dedication to education.