Manchester mourns Art Gilbert, professor emeritus of accounting
Manchester University President Dave McFadden sent the following email to the Manchester community on Thursday, June 27:
Friends,
It is with great sadness that I share the news that Art Gilbert, 87, professor emeritus of accounting, died Wednesday morning at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester.
A native of Milford, Ind., Art lived with his wife, Ellen, who survives, at Timbercrest Senior Living Community. He graduated from Manchester in 1953 and earned his M.B.A. from Indiana University in 1954. He taught at Manchester from 1958 until his retirement in 1998.
Art was an honored guest last spring when we broke ground for the Chinworth Center, which will house the Arthur L. Gilbert College of Business.
Among Art’s survivors are a daughter Cathy Gilbert ’83, a son Jeff Stern-Gilbert ’88, and grandchildren Kelley Brenneman ’14, Joel Brenneman ’18 and Dinah Gilbert ’22. A son, Bradley Gilbert ’85 died in 2014.
Art led the growth of accounting at Manchester and elevated its stature to one of the most-respected programs in the Midwest. That reputation has long been a point of pride for all of us, regardless of what we taught or studied.
Art’s students knew they were in for the education of their lives. He demanded excellence in accounting skills, and he expected integrity and professionalism. For years, he and Ellen hosted meals in the Gilbert home where accounting students learned proper etiquette and social skills they would need in the
The graduates who made the cut in Manchester’s program were prepared for success in their careers. Many became entrepreneurs or have had leadership positions in business and industry, public accounting firms, higher education and other fields. Art led the way in making small Manchester a big name with prospective employers.
In the classroom, Art used the Socratic method of teaching to encourage critical thinking among his students. Instead of walking into the room and asking them questions, he would walk into class and say, “What questions do you have?”
He was known to lock students out of class if they arrived late. And he was known for two rules: 1. You don’t come to class if you haven’t done your homework, and 2. You never miss class.
His students also remember him for his dry sense of humor, and he became a mentor and friend of many. We are grateful for Art’s excellent teaching and the immeasurable impact he has had on the University and the students who walked through his classroom door.
As we reflect on Art’s life, please keep the Gilbert family in your prayers in the days ahead.
Arrangements will be available on the McKee Mortuary website.
Dave McFadden
President
About Manchester University
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers more than 70 areas of academic study to more than 1,400 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Accountancy, a Master of Athletic Training, a Master of Pharmacogenomics, a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy and a dual degree in pharmacy and pharmacogenomics.. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu.
Our mission
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
Note: Names in bold indicate that the are Manchester graduates, followed by their year of graduation.
June 2019