Indiana State Senator and President Pro Tempore
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Key moments and achievements from Robert Garton's life.
Robert was born
· Columbus, Indiana, USA
Education
Garton spends his formative years in Chariton, Iowa, raised by a physician and a school board member. He letters in four sports at Chariton High School before earning his Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University.
Education
Garton spends his formative years in Chariton, Iowa, raised by a physician and a school board member. He letters in four sports at Chariton High School before earning his Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University.
Military and Education
Garton serves his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he attends Cornell University to earn a Master of Science. There, he studies labor relations under former U.S. Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, shaping his future political philosophy.
Military and Education
Garton serves his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he attends Cornell University to earn a Master of Science. There, he studies labor relations under former U.S. Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, shaping his future political philosophy.
Employment
Relocating to Columbus, Indiana, Garton joins the personnel department at Cummins Engine Co. He later establishes Robert Garton Associates, a management recruitment and consulting firm. During this period, he also hones his public speaking skills, winning a Toastmasters International Speech contest.
Employment
Relocating to Columbus, Indiana, Garton joins the personnel department at Cummins Engine Co. He later establishes Robert Garton Associates, a management recruitment and consulting firm. During this period, he also hones his public speaking skills, winning a Toastmasters International Speech contest.
Election
Garton is elected to represent District 41 in the Indiana State Senate, beginning a 36-year tenure in the chamber. He establishes himself as a principled lawmaker and serves as the chair of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. He notably becomes one of the few Republican advocates to sponsor the Equal Rights Amendment.
Election
Garton is elected to represent District 41 in the Indiana State Senate, beginning a 36-year tenure in the chamber. He establishes himself as a principled lawmaker and serves as the chair of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. He notably becomes one of the few Republican advocates to sponsor the Equal Rights Amendment.
Leadership
After serving as the Republican Caucus Chair, Garton is elected President Pro Tempore of the Indiana Senate. He immediately implements the chamber's first formal ethics code and review procedures to restore integrity. He goes on to serve a record-breaking 26 consecutive years in this top leadership role.
Leadership
After serving as the Republican Caucus Chair, Garton is elected President Pro Tempore of the Indiana Senate. He immediately implements the chamber's first formal ethics code and review procedures to restore integrity. He goes on to serve a record-breaking 26 consecutive years in this top leadership role.
Award
Garton is named Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, reflecting his broad respect across the political spectrum. He also authors landmark legislation to protect Cummins Engine Co. from a hostile takeover by Hanson Industries. His efforts in promoting open government earn him the First Freedom Award from the Hoosier State Press Association.
Award
Garton is named Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, reflecting his broad respect across the political spectrum. He also authors landmark legislation to protect Cummins Engine Co. from a hostile takeover by Hanson Industries. His efforts in promoting open government earn him the First Freedom Award from the Hoosier State Press Association.
Employment
Concluding his unprecedented tenure in the State Senate, Garton transitions to a leadership role in higher education. He serves as Vice President of Professional Development at Ivy Tech Community College. His extensive legislative papers are subsequently archived at the Indiana University Libraries, preserving his legacy of public service.
Employment
Concluding his unprecedented tenure in the State Senate, Garton transitions to a leadership role in higher education. He serves as Vice President of Professional Development at Ivy Tech Community College. His extensive legislative papers are subsequently archived at the Indiana University Libraries, preserving his legacy of public service.
Robert Garton passed away
