Robert L. Lamborn

Dr. Robert L. "Bob" Lamborn, a graduate of the Class of 1935 and Headmaster of McDonogh from 1952 to 1972, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 102.

Bob's connection with and love for McDonogh began when his father, Louis E. "Doc" Lamborn, became Headmaster in 1926. From a young age, Bob dedicated himself to achieving and maintaining a standard of excellence. This was evident in every role he held at McDonogh over the years—student, athlete, teacher, coach, and administrator.

During his tenure as McDonogh's eighth Headmaster, Bob proved to be both a careful steward of the School's mission and a visionary leader for its future. Among his many contributions, he strengthened the academic program, established the three-division structure that continues today, oversaw racial integration, ended the military program, and paved the way for coeducation. Additionally, under his leadership, faculty homes, several new buildings, and athletic fields were added to campus to support the School's growth.

Looking back on his career at McDonogh, Bob once said, "I am most proud of the fact that my father and I took McDonogh from what it was in 1926 to what it was in 1972. We had, between us, the second half-century of the School's existence. We made a mutual pledge that we would do as much as we could for McDonogh as long as we were permitted to have a chance." Bob certainly fulfilled that pledge, and his legacy will be everlasting.


The family invites you to read about Bob's remarkable life and watch a tribute video. Please go to https://www.mcdonogh.org/about/news-photos/news/stories/2021/in-memory-of-dr-robert-l-lamborn-headmaster-1952-1972 .

A private entombment and a celebration of life will be held at a later date at Mcdonogh School in Baltimore, Marylanhd.