Walter B. Nalbach

Walter B. Nalbach was born in 1910 and was a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Walter graduated from WKU in 1933 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Science. As a student, Walter was a member of the WKU “W Club.” He then went on to earn a Master of Arts degree from UK.

Walter returned to WKU after graduation, teaching in the Industrial Education Department for nearly 40 years. He eventually became head of that department, and served until his retirement in 1974. He was active in his community as a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, past president of Bowling Green Rotary Club, and Kentucky Education Association, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Walter was married to Anna Lee Nalbach for 67 years until his death on January 18, 2001. Together he and Anna had a daughter, Linda Nalbach Bushong, and two grandchildren.

Walter was respected and admired as an outstanding teacher who shared his talents and knowledge to inspire and encourage his students. He is also remembered for the many ways in which he contributed to the growth, development, and refinement of WKU while providing leadership as head of the Department of Industrial Education and Technology. He and Anna Lee will always be an important part of WKU, as they were among the stalwarts who gave meaning to the motto “The Spirit makes the Master.”

Upon his early retirement as Head of the Department of Industrial Education and Technology, faculty, friends, and alumni established the Walter B. Nalbach Industrial Education and Technology Scholarship Fund in April, 1973. The fund assists WKU students majoring in a field within the Department of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences. Through this fund, Professor Nalbach’s legacy on the Hill and beyond continues in perpetuity.