Robert Stauffer (MC Class of 1923) served as a Manchester College trustee (1954-1971) and was one of the "winningest" basketball coaches in the university's history.

Stauffer's long association with Manchester College was honored in May of 1972 when he was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

As a boy, Bob worked in his father's foundry in North Manchester, earning 25 cents a day. When attending College he was named head basketball coach (1921) while still a student.  He coached until the end of the 1942-1943 season, his teams winning 223 games (and losing 144) during those 22 campaigns.   Bob took over his family's business following his father's death.  At that time Bob was 25 years old. He continued to coach and teach physical education at the College.

Robert was known as "Smilin' Bob" when he coached basketball.  His teams of 1924-1925 and 1925-1926 won 17 games in a row.  Two of his teams went to the NAIA tourney finals in Kansas City. 

In 1923 Bob Stauffer and Robert Winger teamed to win the state doubles championship in tennis.

He was a member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren.