We’re revisiting an Alumni Spotlight from April 2021, featuring two remarkable graduates who have left a lasting impact on our community: Bobby Libs (FCHS Class of 1985) and Norman Melhiser (NAHS Class of 1953).
Bobby Libs stands out as a rodeo star turned successful CEO, who continues to give back to Floyd Central with his leadership and the Robert Libs Memorial Scholarship Fund. His dedication to community service and passion for supporting future generations truly embodies the spirit of a Highlander!
Norman Melhiser has been a cornerstone of the New Albany community for decades, leading as a CPA, educator, and philanthropist. His commitment to education, from mentoring students to contributing to the Alumni Memorial Fund, showcases the enduring Bulldog pride that has defined his life.
These two gentlemen remind us of the powerful legacy our alumni leave behind. Let’s celebrate their contributions and the scholarships they’ve helped create, paving the way for the next generation of FCHS and NAHS graduates!
Excerpt from the April 2021 Legacy Ledger (Issue 8):
In this issue, it is a pleasure to introduce two fine alumni: Bobby Libs (FCHS ’85) and Norman Melhiser (NAHS ‘53). Both of these gentlemen share an interest in something that has become more and more important to me, personally, in recent years: scholarships for the New Albany alumni and Floyd Central alumni of tomorrow.
Rex Bickers, FCHS ’70, guest editor for Alumni Spotlight
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Bobby Libs, FCHS Class of 1985
Bobby graduated from Floyd Central in 1985 with the unique distinction of having earned a scholarship from North Dakota State University to join the rodeo team. He was a “three-event” cowboy, competing in steer wrestling, calf roping and team roping.
He subsequently attended IUPUI and earned a degree in civil engineering technology. He joined his family’s business, and he is now the third-generation CEO of AML Construction. The company is consistently ranked among Southern Indiana’s top design/build construction companies. Their work includes the renovation of Floyd Central High School.
Even before he succeeded his late father as the CEO of AML, Bobby had taken a deep dive into community involvement. He served as a member of the Southern Indiana YMCA’s board of directors for eight years, and he has been a member of the 1SI Economic Development Council since 2006. Additionally, he was one of the founding directors of the Southern Indiana Junior Rodeo Association. In 2020, he was a leading local supporter of the Kentuckiana chapter of the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. More recently, he took a leadership role in creating the Robert Libs Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is endowed in perpetuity. Scheduled to make its first awards in 2021, the fund will support Floyd Central students seeking a career in construction management, civil engineering and trade schools.
Bobby has three grown children, Ashleigh, Connor and Tyler and they are all Floyd Central graduates. Bobby resides in Floyds Knobs with his wife Julie. We asked Bobby: “Since you are one of a handful of Hall of Fame inductees who have experienced FC as both a student and as a parent of students, what changes do you notice?”
He answered: “I’m sure that there are many changes in what Floyd Central offers, but one big change is thanks to a multi-million-dollar renovation. There is abundant natural light in the building now. It really makes a difference in the main interior of the building. The focus on excellence has surely not changed.” And a follow-up question: “Likewise, FC students are still earning rodeo scholarships, right?”
He replied quickly: “They sure are. Since Ryan Shaw (also class of 85’) and myself, I believe there have been five others – – two of them just in the last several years!”
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Norman Melhiser, NAHS Class of 1953
Norman recalls several teachers at NAHS, but one that made the biggest difference was Mr. Mike Hoffmann, an assistant to baseball coach Stan Sajko. Hoffmann suggested that he should take his accounting courses. Norman did go on to serve as senior class treasurer. It started a pattern which would repeat for many organizations over decades.
Norm attended IU Southeast (Jeffersonville) until he was drafted in 1958. In that same year, Joyce Tackett graduated from NAHS and in 1959, they married.
Norm served three years in the (Army) Finance Corps and rose to the rank of Corporal. On weekends off, he was sometimes able to work in the firm of (Thomas) McGrain and (Christine) McGrain, CPAs, in New Albany. Mrs. McGrain had become a CPA in the 1950s when it was rare for a woman in Indiana. Norm recalls that she was a valuable mentor to him.
Upon discharge, Norman attended the University of Louisville, graduating in 1962 with a degree in Commerce, majoring in Accounting and English. He continued to work for McGrain and McGrain, eventually becoming office manager after Mrs. McGrain’s death at the tragically early age of 43.
Norman has now been a Certified Public Accountant for 54 years, opening his own firm in 1967. He expanded the firm with partners who helped grow the firm, subsequently called Melhiser, Endres & Tucker, CPAs. For decades, the firm participated in the IUS internship program, providing experience and college credit for accounting students. Norman often taught accounting classes at IUS, outside of tax season.
Norman’s list of community leadership roles is long: officer, director, and president of the NA Lions’ Club, board member of the Floyd Memorial Hospital Foundation, and finance committee chair. He served as a board member, then Board Chair for the Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce (now known as One Southern Indiana). In this position, he led the drive to begin the MBA program at IUS. He was a member of the IUS Board of Advisors and received the Chancellor’s Medallion in 2006. Norm was inducted into the NAHS Alumni Hall of Fame in 2011. He is especially proud of having been treasurer of the Alumni Memorial Fund which helps support students and teachers, pursuing higher educational opportunities.
Norman and Joyce enjoyed over 60 years of marriage before her death in 2019. Their three children, Vicki, Angela, and Michael, are all NAHS grads. They have four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
I asked Norman: “Were there particular teachers from NAHS that you remember, even if they did not impact your career?” He answered with no hesitation at all: “That would have certainly been Mr. Harley Francis, who was called “Doc” Francis by everyone. He taught engineering and architectural drawing. I considered becoming an architect in my first two years at New Albany. He was such a good teacher. Every minute in his class was just a lot of fun. It probably affected my admiration of architects, because I made many good friends over the years in that profession”.
Read the entire April 2021 Legacy Ledger (Issue 8).