Jatin Abacousnac '19
Student
I recall as a nervous freshman, with concerns about grades, leaving the office of my academic advisor, feeling worse about everything. And then I popped into Prof Cave’s office, who was Dean of Academic Affairs at the time, for some reassurance and kind words. He immediately struck me as someone who cared not only about how well I did, but also how well I was. And I can assure you that as a freshman, nothing works better, to get rid of nervousness, than words of affirmation and a few hearty jokes. I left his office feeling much, much better. I learned soon that he would be leaving on a sabbatical, and despite having conversed with him only for a few minutes, I was quite sad to know he wouldn’t just be a door knock away.
Max Frenkel '16
Student
I don’t know of someone that I admired more as a person and teacher than Prof Cave. He brought incredible life and joy to all of our interactions and was a relentless supporter of his students. I felt invincible with Prof Cave in my corner. I got myself into trouble at Mudd and the 5Cs, and Prof Cave was unconditionally on my side. He gave me the benefit of the doubt in every instance because he believed in the best in people. I think that belief was derived from the fact the _he_ was the best of us. I don’t know anyone as kind or as masterful a mentor. I miss him frequently and the world is a much darker place without him.
Adam Johnson
Colleague
Bob was my confidant, partner-in-crime for pranking Bill (and other members of the department), and a true colleague. He was there for me personally and professionally many times over. We had multiple joint students and never quite managed to get the computational research up to the point where it could be published, and for that I will always be wishing for one last calculation he could help me with. We team taught frosh chem virtually in Fall 2020 so I spoke with him regularly. I miss you, Bob.
Ken Saita
Staff
As so many have related, Bob Cave’s booming laugh was always something to behold and brighten your day but I think the laugh spoke about his large spirit.
I remember an Alumni Weekend when Bob Cave was substituting as the senior college representative. He came up to the registration table late in the afternoon and exclaimed in that loud voice, “You guys kicked @$$!” He shared several comments from alumni about how well the day went and extended his appreciation for our work that weekend. I will always remember the time he took to thank us and let us know how our alumni guests felt.
Shannon Wetzler '16
Student
Professor Cave was one of the best men I knew. He always had an open door, a smile on his face, a joke to tell you and tissues at the ready when it was midterms season. The comfort that Professor Cave gave to us defined the chemistry department. He wasn’t afraid to push us out of our comfort zones. I still remember him agreeing to work after hours during GQ and S to go over new PChem concepts and work through the math that we didn’t have time to work through in class. He forced us to think about the world, about the interactions between science and religion, about the political climate, all while treating our opinions as his equals not his inferiors. He has inspired my teaching in everything that I do to try to live up to his high standards. He was a great professor, an awesome mentor and an amazing man who will be sorely missed. God, bless his soul.