Normal College of the American Gymnastic Union - Gymnast Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

Page 10 text:

W1I,1,1AM A. OCKIQR, M. D A1-

Page 9 text:

DBdiCi:lti0I1 As a staunch supporter of physical edu- cation for children and adultsg as a pioneer teacher in physical education in lndizlnapo- lisg as 21 alumnae of the Normal Collegeg as the treasurer of the Alumni Association for twenty-Eve yearsg Mr. Curt 'lloll truly deserves recognition for his efforts in phy- sical education. lt is with a deep feeling of appreciation that we, the members of the Sophomore class and of the Gymnast staH, respectfully dedicate the Gymnast of 1932 to MR. CURT TOLL CURT TOLL

Page 11 text:

In Memory of Dr. W. A. Coker The sudden death of Dr. VVilliam A. Ocker, Director of Physical Education in the Indianapolis Public Schools, and lecturer in the Normal College A. G. U., occurred on Friday afternoon, November 13, in his office at school headquarters, the cause being heart failure. Dr. Ocker was born on February 7, 1870, in Vlashington, Mo. He received his early education in the public schools of St. Louis. He also made an extensive study of music and became an accomplished pianist. Qn completing his high school course, he entered the Normal College of Gymnastics, then located at lVIilwaukee, and graduated in 1892. He then taught physical education at Hughes High School in Cincinnati, until june 1900. ln 1897, he was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, having attended late afternoon and evening classes while teaching at Hughes. After a business experience of ten years in St. Louis, and teaching two years in the Soldan High School of that city, Dr. Ocker accepted the position of Di- rector of Physical Training and Hygiene in the Indianapolis schools in 1912. ln addition to his regular duties, he also had charge of the safety program until September 1931. He wrote two books for publication, and finished a new syllabus of physical education on the night before he died. For a period of nineteen years, Dr. Ocker lectured at the Normal College. He also made contacts with the many students through their practice teaching in the city schools. His genial personality, his thorough knowledge of his sub- ject, and his abounding faith in the value of physical education, made him an in- spiring teacher, and his sudden death brought grief to his many admirers among the faculty and students of the Normal College. The tribute paid him by Paul Stetson, Superintendent of the Indianapolis Schools, emphasized traits of character that were seen in Dr. Qcker by all who knew him: He believed thoroughly and sincerely in our public school system and the department which he directed. This enthusiasm was evident to all. Noth- ing was allowed to prevent him from performing his tasks. Dr. Ocker believed in physical education and made a lasting tribute to it. Williawiz N. Otto. .