Hall of Honor
One of the most well-known and respected professors in Caltech history, "Bob" Sharp spent 35 years directly affiliated with Caltech and a further 25 as a professor emeritus in the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences. Renowned for his academic pursuits following graduation, Sharp starred at quarterback during his undergraduate years at Caltech and was recognized for his significant career on and off the gridiron as one of 25 Men of Achievement in the 1958 Christmas Sports Illustrated issue. Team captain and a recipient of the Wheaton Trophy for ability, leadership and scholarship, he led the 1930 and 1931 teams to the only two outright titles in program history. A leading authority in surface study of Earth and Mars, his numerous accolades include Life magazine naming him one of 10 outstanding teachers in the U.S., National Academy of Sciences membership and the Geological Society of America Penrose Medal.
Sharp was a noted supporter of athletics at the Institute. From lines such as football serving to show a scientist he needed "to be determined as hell and that there is a certain poise and aggressiveness that is desirable" to "one of the great opportunities offered by Caltech, if you had the will, was participation in varsity sports," Sharp remarked on several occasions about the invaluable lessons that can be learned and transferred to other walks of life.
After earning his BS and MS at Caltech, he went on to complete a doctorate in geology at Harvard in 1938 and worked in the geology department at the University of Illinois prior to joining and becoming a captain in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1943-45. He spent a brief stint at the University of Minnesota before returning to Caltech, where he served as a professor and division chairman from 1952-68 before retiring in 1979. Caltech honored him with the institution of the Robert P. Sharp Professorship in Geology, a seat which he held in his final year at Caltech before retaining the "Emeritus" title.
