Rachel Bittker '93
Chemistry Student
I’m so sad to learn of Prof. Cave’s passing. From my time at Mudd, I recall him as a smart, fun, empathetic person who was a joy to be around. I’m grateful to have had the privilege to know him. He will be sorely missed. May he and his family be at peace knowing he positively impacted many lives.
Evelyn Real
Colleague
I didn’t have the privilege to know Bob for very long but the few months that I did, really impacted me. While he was briefly the Academic Dean during my time at Mudd, I always enjoyed speaking with him and his warm demeanor. His boisterous laugh would fill our tiny corner of the office and I could never hold back my own smile when I heard it. He truly lit up a room when he entered it and I always enjoyed his good nature and energy that he brought with him everyday to DSA. Rest in paradise Bob.
Rilke Griffin '18
Student
Bob Cave was the dean of academic affairs as well as my chemistry professor when I was going through a very difficult time at Mudd. He was extraordinarily supportive, both as an administrator, a professor, and a mentor. He encouraged me and supported me to take time away from school to care for my mental health, and he was very open and understanding. I maintain that he saved my life that year. His support, his trust and belief in my abilities was a constant source of motivation for me. He always had a smile and a hearty laugh to share, and I always looked forward to our chats in his office hours. We last caught up in July of 2020, and now I feel so grateful we caught up then.
Nabel
Staff at HMC
Bob had the warmest smile and the kindest heart. He had the best advice, and could always make our team laugh. We miss him!
Phil Szuromi '80
Friend, classmate at Caltech, and one of my authors at Science
I knew Bob from grad students days at Caltech and always enjoyed his cheerful disposition, and came to appreciate about the challenges of calculating excited states in our conversations about research. But my lasting memory of him was one of a Gordon Conference years later. We were among the very few working out at the same time at the college gym. Goodness, could he bench-press a lot of weight! He was as strong as he was smart and kind!