Former Valparaiso University President Robert Schnabel, who died Tuesday in Angola, Ind., was remembered Wednesday as a steady hand at the VU helm.

Schnabel's presidency from 1978 to 1988 was marked by stability after the upheavals on American campuses in the 1960s and '70s. Three major campus buildings were built during his tenure: the Athletics-Recreation Center, the School of Law facility and the communications and computer facility that bears his name.

The year before Schnabel's retirement, VU was ranked No. 1 among Midwestern and Western comprehensive institutions by U.S. News and World Report.

"He was a really nice guy," longtime political science professor Al Trost said.

Schnabel prided himself on thoroughness in everything he did and was equally strong as an academic as a college administrator, Trost said.

After his retirement, Schnabel continued to maintain an office on campus, reflecting his affinity and feeling of comfort with the academic world, Trost said.

Theology professor Fred Niedner recalled attending Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, where Schnabel was on the faculty before arriving at VU.

Schnabel was also the golf coach and was renowned for an unusual feat on the links, Niedner said.

Using an adjustable club, Schnabel once played a complete round using a single club. The club converted from wood to driver to putter, Niedner said.

During the Schnabel years, VU began to build its endowment and computerize the campus, Niedner said.

"It was a fairly calm time," Niedner said. "He was a very gentlemanly, scholarly fellow."

Schnabel also was "never without his pipe," Niedner said.

A native of Scarsdale, N.Y., Schnabel earned an undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College and master's and doctoral degrees from Fordham University.

Prior to coming to VU, he was vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He served as president of Concordia College, Bronxville, New York, from 1971 to 1976. His teaching career included 14 years at Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne.

Schnabel, who was 86, suffered from Alzheimer's disease and kidney failure, according to son Mark Schnabel, of Linton, Ind.

Schnabel also is survived by son Philip Schnabel, of Cheyenne, Wyo., and five grandchildren. His wife, Ellen, died in September 2008.

Weicht Funeral Home in Angola is handling funeral arrangements. A memorial service is planned in a few week at Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont, Ind.