Meet Robert and Bernice Wagner

Robert M. (F’48) and Bernice Wagner

Robert M. Wagner sees his time at Georgetown as a life-changing period. Since his graduation, he has made sure his impact on Georgetown, and on the university’s futures generations of students, will be at least as great as that which Georgetown had on him.

Wagner attended Georgetown on the GI Bill and credits his Georgetown experience with his life’s success. He remembers Professor Carroll Quigley of the history department with particular fondness. Wagner attributes the discipline he brings to his everyday life to the professor, and says Quigley was one of the strongest influences in his life.

Now, Wagner is dedicated to making a Georgetown education available to young people who otherwise couldn’t afford it. He and his wife, Bernice, have established five named scholarships at Georgetown.

Wagner’s deep love for Georgetown also has manifested itself in many volunteer activities. He was a founder of the Georgetown Club of Southern California, and served as its president. In 1998, he chaired the 50th Reunion fund for the Class of 1948 and led the class to new records in alumni participation and dollars raised. Most recently, he provided the lead gift in support of the renovation of the Georgetown University Alumni House. He and Bernice are members of the Legacy Society and the 1789 Society. In addition, Wagner has provided the “Georgetown Family of Wines” for many of the university’s events.

After a distinguished career as a wine broker, Wagner retired and entered public life, running for and winning a seat the Southern Pasadena City Council. In 1995, he was appointed as delegate the White House Conference on Aging. He is senior senator of the California State Legislature.

He is a 2003 winner of the John Carroll Award, the alumni association’s highest honor.

The Wagners have three children: Richard, Marla, and Roberta.