Hall of Fame
Robert C. Kiel knew from childhood that he would attend college at Northwest Nazarene. It was his mother’s life-long dream and the influence of an uncle that made it happen. Bob enrolled in the Fall of 1944 as a student and spent his days on campus pursuing his love of basketball as well as his studies. Bob player for the Crusaders from 1945 to 1948, including a 1947-48 Team that went 16-11 as Bob averaged 7 points per game.
After graduation in 1949 with a BA in History and a minor in Education, Bob taught high school in Marsing, Idaho for 2 years before entering into a military career with the U.S. Air Force. Bob rose in ranks from Recruit to Colonel and served at that grade for 7 years before his retirement in August of 1980. Bob received two Air Force commendation medals; one for Meritorious Achievement; three Meritorious Service medals; one Legion of Merit, and was named the 1979 Air Logistics Command’s Outstanding Consolidated Base Office Senior Personnel Manager.
In 1981 Bob, and his wife Won, moved to Boise and Bob began to find ways to be involved in helping his alma mater. His love of basketball made the Athletic Department a natural fit. Bob served on the CAA Executive Board for 14 years, served 7 year on the NAIA National Men’s Basketball Tournament committee, co-edited the CAA Newsletter for 9 years and was an active and generous promoter and supporter of NNU student-athletes and the athletic programs.
Bob was awarded the Tony Bohner & Leon Bruner CAA Award in 1999, the NNU Distinguished Service Award in 2004 and was the 2007 “The Legends” CAA Golf Tournament Honoree.
