Dr. Robert W. Wagner

Dr. Robert W. Wagner was a professor, historian and producer/director of cinema and photography who taught and mentored hundreds of photographers and filmmakers over his 70-year career. He developed the department of photography and cinema at The Ohio State University into a highly respected teaching institution and was initiated as an honorary member of TBDBITL, with much of his work in the annals of recorded OSU history, including the 1950 "Snow Bowl." He served as head of the film school at the University of Southern California and on the board of the American Film Institute. Bob and his wife of 62 years, "BJ" Wagner, were gracious hosts to filmmakers and students from all over the world. He called many Hollywood stars friends - bringing Charlton Heston and legendary film directors Frank Capra and George Stevens to speak with his students. He received numerous awards for his work, including the Ohioana library award, Eastman Kodak lifetime achievement gold medal, American Film Institute service award, and Academy of Television Arts and Sciences distinguished service award. He was a lover of everything UA, serving on the Cultural Arts Commission and writing and producing the documentary "Portrait of Our Town Upper Arlington." He contributed photographs and research to the first edition "History of Upper Arlington," was a member of the 1976 UA bicentennial committee, and established the UA photographic society.