Judy Augsburger
Colleague
Bob was so warm and caring and present in every conversation we had, from the serious talks to the just-bumping-into-each-other casual moments. I can think of so many times when he said something wise or affirming at a needed moment. I was always amazed at how generous he was with his attention and time and support. And of course, walking into the dining hall—or anywhere–and hearing his laugh ring out always made me feel good, no matter that I had no idea what he was laughing at. Thank you Bob for being such an amazing person and being in our lives.
Keith Kuwata '91
Student
I distinctly remember meeting Bob when he started at Mudd in the fall of 1988. The joy and enthusiasm he brought to my p-chem lab section were memorable and reassuring. I didn’t think I was doing a great job measuring properties like surface tension, but Bob was consistently encouraging. In the fall of my senior year, I was having doubts about going to graduate school. Bob took the initiative to talk with me about my doubts and, knowing our common Christian faith, shared that he had been praying for me. I had many excellent professors at Mudd and at the other Claremont Colleges, but Bob was able to connect with me in a unique way. In 2017, I was interviewing for a rotator position with the NSF Chemistry Division when Bob was rotating there, and he was still my biggest fan, encouraging me and giving me advice. His death remains a shock and a huge loss for the Mudd community. May he and his family know consolation and peace.
Angie Aguilar
Colleague
Bob had the genuine ability to see people. The last time I saw Bob was by accident. I was picking up lunch and he happened to be having lunch with a friend. Immediately he embraced me hello, introduced me (listing off some of my contributions) and we made a plan to meet up soon. However, what I remember most is the feeling he left me with. I got in my car eager to make those future lunch plans. This was the case with every encounter I had with Bob! I am a better person for having met him and he is missed dearly.
Kerry Karukstis
Fellow faculty member in the Chemistry Department
While Bob and I were both physical chemists at HMC, the special connection that we shared was our fondness for college basketball. More often than not, our alma maters would find themselves as opponents on the court during the NCAA tournament. Bob would be rooting for Michigan State and I for Duke. We always wished each other good luck before a big game and congratulated or consoled each other afterwards. This year’s tournament was no exception for the match-up, and I’m sure Bob was watching from heaven. (Sorry, Bob, better luck next year when Duke no longer is led by Coach K.) I’ll miss Bob for so many reasons, but I know it will feel as though he’s a little bit closer when basketball season rolls around again.
Wendy Menefee-Libey
Friend, colleague, mentee
Bob was my friend for 30 years. We were young parents together. He was a colleague for 20 years and my boss for the best of those years. His uncommon warmth and inclination to always try to do the right thing even when it was the hard thing stands out. We didn’t always see eye to eye, especially about music. He thought the Allman Brothers were the height of musical genius. I didn’t get the endless guitar solos. I just finished listening to “Stormy Monday” on The Allman Brothers Live at Fillmore East. I was wrong. I imagine Bob grooving to a giant, endless concert in the sky. Enjoy, my friend.