Gatke, Robert M.

Robert Moulton Gatke was born on January 31, 1896, in Ludington Michigan. His educational career at Willamette University began when he entered Willamette Academy as a history student in 1914. After receiving his diploma from Willamette Academy in 1916, he subsequently enrolled at Willamette University with an interest in both history and theology. While an undergraduate, Gatke became involved with the Kimball College of Theology as a member of the Kimball Literary Society, simultaneously continuing his studies in history. During his sophomore year Gatke worked as a Kimball student body reporter and during his junior year served as secretary and treasurer, Kimball Literary Society critic, and vice president of the Kimball Literary Society. As a senior he continued to serve as vice president and graduated from Willamette in 1919 with an A.B. Upon graduation in 1919, Gatke was selected to be permanent president of his class.

Gatke enrolled in the Master of Arts program at Willamette and in the Kimball College of Theology in 1919. He received his Master of Arts (A.M.) diploma in 1920, the same year he was ordained by the Oregon Conference as a minister of the Methodist Church. As a graduate student Gatke began teaching at Willamette after being appointed a history fellow in 1919. He taught several history courses in liberal arts and joined the regular Willamette faculty in 1920 after being appointed instructor in history. While attending the Kimball College of Theology, Gatke taught American and European history during the years 1920-1921. He received his Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) in 1921 and was promoted to assistant professor of history at Willamette, a rank he held until 1925.

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