For Frederick Strobel ’74, interviewing prospective students is energizing
Photo by Nick Donnoli
There are countless reasons Frederick Strobel ’74 is affectionately known as “Princeton’s mayor in Nashville.” At the heart of them lie his deep affection for the University, his uncanny ability to connect Princetonians across generations and also, perhaps, his propensity to share vast quantities of Music City’s legendary Hattie B’s hot chicken.
Known for decades as the cornerstone of the Princeton Alumni Association of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, Strobel was instrumental in giving the club structure in 1979, helping to create a board and by-laws. Over the years, though, it’s been Strobel’s behind-the-scenes work that has elevated the group into a highly engaged alumni community. Strobel warmly welcomes new Tigers to the region, inviting them to events and gently nudging them toward leadership roles and other service opportunities. He makes sure every member of the club feels included, and his cheerful presence at events is the glue that binds the group. Strobel relied on his many personal connections both to help create Nashville’s network for the Princeton Internships in Civic Service program and to support the Princeton Prize in Race Relations committee; those relationships have been key to both groups’ success in his region. His passion for social justice and equity manifests in his diligent annual review of the PPRR applications.
When Princetonians come to Nashville — singing groups, Triangle Club, professors and University presidents — Strobel weaves together events and programs that showcase the region’s charms. Last year, when the women’s basketball team played in Murfreesboro, 30 miles from the city, Strobel organized a Tiger-packed reception the night before the game at a soda shop near the team’s hotel. In the spirit of celebration, Coach Carla Berube okayed the quaffing of multiple milkshakes.
Strobel served as chair of the Annual Giving Committee from 2004 to 2007, and he has been an AG volunteer for more than 25 years. The Nashville region is renowned for its high Annual Giving participation numbers, in large part because Strobel brings hot delicious chicken to gatherings of volunteers making calls. He’s also built a friendly competition with alumni in Alabama, with the two clubs trying to top each other in participation. He’ll say that “with a bunch of Princetonians, you’re always going to have good times,” but Strobel’s efforts make these experiences memorable.
Strobel quietly goes the extra mile for Princeton. As a longtime Annual Giving class agent, he took a new co-agent under his wing, sharing insights, and his inspirational ideas like “Brilliant Moments” — Zoom-created videos of classmates talking about why they give back — rev the spirits of fellow ’74ers. A constant champion for the Class of 1974, in 2019, he helped arrange a memorable class trip to Music City.
“Among all my volunteer activities, none means more to me than interviewing applicants, which I’ve done since I was a sophomore,” said Strobel, when he accepted the 2024 Service to Princeton Award. “There’s something energizing about sitting across from them and seeing their anticipation and excitement. So, as my class welcomes our University grandchildren, the Great Class of 2024, to the next stage of their Princeton experience, I think again about those applicants.”
Known for his humility, Strobel deflects credit for the work he’s done bringing Princetonians together. “My mama blessed me with a memory like hers, so it’s been good keeping up with who’s who and what their connections are,” he said, adding, “I also have an inability to say no.”
