Col. Stan Sagert

Lifetime Legacy Award (2014)

"The teaching of the Bible at every grade level is 'sharper than a two-edged sword.' The program of Christian growth and leadership training is effective. The goal at Hawaii Baptist Academy is to have our education be evangelistic and our evangelism intelligent." - Col. Stan Sagert

1970 was a pivotal year in the history of HBA. God provided a choice leader in the person of Colonel Stan Sagert to secure its future.

Stanley Sagert was born March 27, 1920, in Missoula, Montana, and spent his boyhood in Southern California. While he was attending Oklahoma Baptist University, World War II began. Immediately, Col. Sagert, who was an instructor pilot, entered the Army Air Corps.

Col. Sagert flew 50 combat missions as a B-24 pilot over occupied Europe. After the war, he served additional tours in Europe, Japan, the Philippines and stateside. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, he received his bachelor’s degree cum laude from the University of Minnesota and Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California. His last military assignment was on the staff of Admiral John McCain, Commander-In-Chief Pacific Forces (CINCPAC) at U.S. Marine Corps Camp Smith in Hawaii.

In 1970, Col. Sagert took early retirement to assume the presidency of HBA. During his 17 years of leadership, he helped to turn dreams into reality through a visionary campus development program and by creating a strong financial base of local and mainland supporters.

In 1975, the intermediate-high school moved to the new Pali Campus and an elementary annex was started in Leeward Oahu. In 1987, Sacred Hearts Convent School in Nuuanu was purchased for the elementary division. While working to provide the best facilities and educational program, Col. Sagert always kept his focus on the spiritual mission of the school. He sought the best teachers for the Bible Department and added a full-time Director of Christian Activities. His guiding principles in decision-making were: Is it in keeping with God’s will for the school and its evangelistic mission? Is it best for the students and teachers?

Upon his retirement in 1987, the intermediate-high school was named the Stan Sagert Campus, and he was named President Emeritus.

Col. Sagert and his wife Marjorie were active members of Makakilo Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. He also sang in the choir that Marj directed.

Stan passed away Jan. 25, 2014, at the age of 93 in Denton, Texas. He is survived by four children, three of whom are graduates of HBA: Penny Wagner, Marlee Armstrong ’68, Stan Sagert ’71, and Kris Obermeyer ’78.

Stan Sagert, a passionate servant of Christ, was used for God’s miraculous work at Hawaii Baptist Academy.