Hall of Fame
Phil Gaarder was inducted into the prestigious Florida Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 1996 for giving more volunteer time to the Florida Athletic program than anyone else in school history. Gaarder was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand, whether that be assuming responsibility for much of the event concession sales or playing major roles in Sporting Affair for the past six years and in annual scholarship and fundraising for a golf tournament. Gaarder was a founding member of the Panther Athletic Association and its president from 1990-1993. He was a founder and chairman of Florida Tech's Spring Festival from 1982-92. He was also a member of the Athletic Advisory Council since 1981. Gaarder retired after 30 years as a Naval Aviator.
