David Gerlach, the final president of Lincoln College in Illinois, passed away suddenly at the age of 62 after suffering a heart attack. His unexpected death marks the end of an era for the college, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him both personally and professionally. Though he was a polarizing figure due to the events surrounding the college’s closure, David’s dedication to Lincoln College and its community is undeniable. His passing, while a moment of grief, has also prompted reflection on the challenges he faced and the legacy he leaves behind.
The news of David’s death spread through the Lincoln College alumni network, leaving many deeply saddened. While the announcement was initially withheld out of respect for his family’s wishes, the public acknowledgment of his passing has allowed those who knew him to reflect on his contributions and his leadership during one of the most difficult chapters in the institution’s history. For many, David Gerlach was a figure synonymous with the college’s final years—an individual who navigated the college’s struggles and worked tirelessly to support its mission, even as the institution faced near-impossible odds.
David Gerlach’s tenure as president of Lincoln College was marked by the challenging responsibility of guiding a school that was in financial and structural decline. The college, a private institution with a long history, had been struggling with increasing financial difficulties for years before Gerlach took office. His leadership came during a time of immense pressure and uncertainty. Under his guidance, the college made efforts to recover and navigate the financial troubles that had long plagued the institution. However, despite his best efforts, the situation continued to worsen, and in 2022, the college was forced to close its doors permanently after 157 years of service.
As the final president of Lincoln College, Gerlach’s legacy is tied to the closure of the institution, which understandably causes some to view his leadership with skepticism. The decision to close the college left many feeling a sense of loss, not just for the institution, but for the communities and students who had called Lincoln College home for decades. However, it is important to acknowledge the complexities David faced during his time at the college. The decline of Lincoln College was not caused by the actions of a single individual but by a combination of years of leadership challenges, financial mismanagement, and broader trends affecting small colleges across the United States. David Gerlach inherited a situation that had been deteriorating for years, and although his leadership did not prevent the closure, it cannot be solely blamed for it. For a more detailed understanding of the financial state of Lincoln College during his presidency, one can look at the college’s 990 financial statements and audits, which provide a clearer picture of the challenges the institution faced.
Despite the controversy surrounding his leadership, those who knew David personally often speak of his kindness, dedication, and his genuine desire to help others. One close friend fondly recalls their time with Gerlach, noting that David was a constant source of support throughout their academic journey. This individual remembers how David was the only spectator at their doctoral dissertation defense and how he would regularly text them with ideas and thoughts to help them grow. These memories speak to the type of person David was—someone who not only believed in the power of education and intellectual growth but also in the importance of building personal relationships with those around him.
Their relationship, marked by laughter, tears, and heated debates, was a reflection of the kind of person Gerlach was—someone who loved a good argument and believed in the importance of principled discussions. His passion for defending his position and seeking solutions, no matter how tough the conversations were, was one of his most cherished qualities. David was never afraid to have difficult conversations, but he always did so with respect and with the goal of better understanding differing perspectives. These personal qualities, often seen in his professional life as well, made him a figure who, while polarizing at times, had a deep and lasting influence on those who interacted with him.
David’s passing leaves a void not only in the lives of his family and friends but also in the hearts of many who worked alongside him at Lincoln College. In the days following his death, many colleagues and former students have expressed their grief, reflecting on the impact he had on their lives. One memory that stands out to many is from the 2020 awards convocation, where Gerlach stood proudly alongside other faculty and staff, celebrating the achievements of students like Nik Jackson, who won the Meritorious Scholarship Award that year. This scholarship, one of the many contributions Gerlach made to the college, is a testament to his belief in the potential of students, even in the final years of Lincoln College. Gerlach took pride in celebrating student accomplishments, even as the institution faced difficult times.
As the years went by, more students followed in Nik Jackson’s footsteps, including Zaknafein Luken, who received the same award in 2022. These students, many of whom had the privilege of working with David, represent the lasting impact he had on the college. They were the next generation of leaders and thinkers who benefited from the opportunities David helped provide, even as the college struggled financially. Their achievements stand as a reminder of the work David did to foster a community of learning and growth at Lincoln College, and his legacy will continue through their successes.
David Gerlach’s sudden death leaves a void in the hearts of many, but it also provides an opportunity to remember the complexities of his leadership and the genuine human connections he made along the way. For those who knew him, David was more than just a college president—he was a mentor, a friend, and a source of support. His passing marks the end of an era for Lincoln College, but it also offers a moment for reflection on the work he did and the people he impacted.
David is survived by his wife, Lisa, his children, and his grandchildren, all of whom are mourning the loss of a husband, father, and grandfather. His family has expressed their deep sadness, and our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time. David’s legacy at Lincoln College, though marked by the challenges of the institution’s final years, will also be remembered for his personal connections, his commitment to student success, and his desire to make a difference in the lives of those he served.
A memorial service to honor David’s life and legacy will be held in the coming weeks. Details of the service will be shared as arrangements are made. In the meantime, those who knew David are encouraged to remember him not just for the challenges he faced as president but for the qualities that made him a beloved friend and colleague. His passion for education, his love for his family, and his commitment to helping others will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
David Gerlach’s life and legacy at Lincoln College will be remembered, not just for the struggles faced during the school’s final years, but also for the personal connections, the debates, and the genuine desire to support others. His passing is a profound loss, but his contributions will continue to be felt by those who carry forward the lessons he imparted. Rest in peace, David. You will be missed.
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