Northwood University is awarding the 2023 Robert and Patricia Naegele Distinguished Community Service Award to Bobbie and David Arnold.
“Bobbie and David Arnold also embody the spirit of community that’s reflected in the list of prior recipients of the Robert E. and Patricia L. Naegele Distinguished Community Service Award,” stated President Kent MacDonald. “It is our honor to recognize the Arnolds at this year’s winter commencement ceremony, and we welcome the community to join us in celebrating this beloved Midland couple.”
Northwood University annually presents the Robert E. and Patricia L. Naegele Distinguished Community Service Award. The award was first given in 2005 to Northwood University Trustees Robert E. and Patricia L. Naegele for their service to the university and their generosity of time and resources, including campus facilities and academic scholarship funds.
The Naegeles established a scholarship program through which students from all over the world and from all walks of life have accomplished their academic goals. Though Robert and Patricia are no longer with us in person, the Naegele spirit is strong here at Northwood University and within this year’s Naegele Award honorees, Bobbie and David Arnold.
The couple is involved in their community in many ways. Bobbie, who was president and CEO of the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation for 18 years, has been serving as a trustee and officer since 2001. David is also a trustee.
While serving as president of the foundation, Bobbie oversaw granting more than $50 million in 18 years. She’s an active volunteer at Memorial Presbyterian Church. She has served on boards at The Legacy Center, MyMichigan Health, Midland Kids First, The ROCK, and Wolverine Bank. She helped form the Midland 100 Club with other community members. Over six decades, David’s career took them across the country at various coaching stops. His career highlights include coaching Pop Warner to the NFL, seven NFL Hall of Famers, and a Heisman trophy winner. In 1984, he led Montana State University to the IAA National Championship. He had two national championships at the University of Miami and league and state championships. David finished his career at Northwood University, volunteering for 12 years and working alongside his son, EJ, the associate head coach and special teams coordinator for Northwood Football.
Bobbie and David have three children, and their families live in Midland. The couple can be found at Little League fields, gyms, soccer fields, cross-country courses, and football fields, watching their six grandchildren participate in every sport possible.
Northwood plans to honor Bobbie and David Arnold during its 2023 Winter Commencement ceremony on Dec. 16 in Riepma Arena. The ceremony will be live-streamed and broadcast on MCTV. For more information, visit northwood.edu.
