Your Stories: Howard “Hob” Kroesen ’71

As we celebrate Elizabethtown College’s 125th anniversary, we’re sharing the favorite stories of our alumni, students, staff, and faculty during their time at Etown. Whether it’s a funny anecdote from your dorm days, a moment of mentorship from a class or professor, or a standout experience from a campus event, these stories submitted by members of the Blue Jay community not only commemorate the rich history of our institution but also serve as a reminder of the lasting impact that Elizabethtown College has had on the lives of so many individuals.

Howard “Hob” Kroesen ’71 (Business Administration Major with a Concentration in Computer Science)

The Elizabethtown College lineage runs deep for ardent supporter and successful alumnus Howard “Hob” Kroesen ’71. His grandfather Allen Hertzler, was one of the earliest graduates from the College in 1905 and his diploma remains in his family possession. Kroesen’s great uncle Samuel H. Hertzler was one of the four founders of the College and played an instrumental role in the establishment of the institution, hosting in his home a series of meetings between church and community leaders where the location of the College was chosen, the constitution was drafted, and the by-laws were established.

Athletics played a leading role in Kroesen’s Etown experience, specifically the wrestling team, where he was an accomplished grappler and the first recipient of the department’s Dr. Clair R. McCollough Award in 1971, which honors the College’s most-improved senior student-athlete.

“Wrestling had a huge impact on my experience at Etown, along with the friendships I developed with many of my professors,” Kroesen said.

Following graduation, Kroesen made his own, indelible impact on Etown, serving as the Director of Computer Services at the College from 1973-86 before continuing his career for the Lancaster Lebanon IU13 until retirement. He has maintained his commitment to supporting student-athletes, leading efforts for major improvements and events that have garnered national recognition for Elizabethtown College’s Blue Jay Athletics program. 

Highlights of Hob’s service to the College include his role in forming the committee and assisting with fundraising efforts that established the appointment of a permanent, full-time head coach of the Wrestling program, helping to create the Blue Jay Athletic Association in 2009, developing the annual STAR Award celebration, and co-chairing a process that ultimately brought the 2015 NCAA Division III National Championships to Central Pennsylvania with Etown serving as its host and Krosen as the Tournament Director.

Kroesen has served on Etown’s Alumni Council and President’s Leadership Council and was honored with Etown’s Educate for Service – Service to the College Award, the highest honor bested upon alumni, in 2019.

Be a part of the celebration of 125 years of excellence at Etown by sharing your Etown story.