What Bob means to me........

He had a sense of humor like no other person.  He could cheer me up without me realizing it's what I needed.  He inspired me to achieve greatness, to believe in who I am as a person and what I had to offer others.
He's one of the smartest men I know.
He always had the answer.
He was always there to make sure my class selections worked for me.
He was a man who you could get mad at and then forgive and love the minute you saw his face.He would defend me when required and also let me know if I was out of line.
He was not afraid to express his emotions or feelings.
Sometimes he would get quiet and I knew something was going on with him.  We would talk and work through it together.  He trusted me.  What a gift.I enjoyed our little competitiveness, and we laughed for long periods of time - who could out do whom. Oh there were times when we had plans and he did not show up - but that was Bob.
Stepping on my dress when he walked me down the aisle at our wedding.

Re-packing Bob at the last minute for his trip to Prague, taking out his favorite blue shirt.
His travel experiences turned into many stories.I will never forget our many dinners, movies, brunches during the holidays, idea of buying a beach house and his visits to our home.
There was never a day that went by where I didn't want to see Bob.
He believed in me.He never gave up on me and what he felt I could accomplish.  He saw the best in me and reminded me often.  He was always there for me when I needed a hug or reassurance.
He was a mentor, like a second father to me and most of all one of my dearest friends.
I will miss him more than I even know at this moment.
I love him and will always.  I hope he hears me now.....


Kindra Jordan
WU Travel Manager

Nearly every morning, I would see Bob walk out to his car, usually dry cleaning and briefcase in hand. Sometimes, I would call out from across the way, "Aren't you retired yet?!" Bob would laugh and say, "eh, I'm working at it" - or "I'm getting there" - or "who has time for retirement?!"

 

I've known Bob for nearly 10 years, and even his apartment manager couldn't hide from his love of academia and personal quest to ensure the world was highly educated. While those talks were limited to minutes at a time, Bob always made sure that I was following whatever path I wanted to be on, and that it was perfectly fine to fence sit and enjoy my station in life; as long as I followed whatever it was I wanted to "be when I grew up". (However, graduate school was mandatory) Conversely, I would ask Bob what he wanted to be when he grew up, he would tell me he hadn't figured that out yet. I think we both settled on being career students for life. There was rarely a place I saw him not interacting in some form of learning or teaching, whether that be at Willamette, our community, or the local coffee shop.

 

Semi-retired or not, Bob's true passion was his students. Hearing these amazing stories from his colleagues and students reaffirms why Bob never really left Willamette. His students were his inspiration. While you may have sought Bob's insight, advice and encouragement at some point, or like me wanting a continuous IV of random information about the world from a true intellectual; Bob needed us just as much.  Because of Bob, the formal and the countless numbers of informal students gained a better grasp on the world, however his students MADE his world complete.

 

Bob will be missed greatly by our community.

 

Melodie Atkinson

WOU Alumni 2009

Swing dancing

I met Bob Hawkinson in an unusual manner. 

While as a student at Willamette, I took up swing dancing classes in Salem. Through this class, I became acquainted with two men who would become my first dance partners. I also laughed at them when they entertained the idea that they might be professors at WU.

When I ran their names by some fellow WU students, I was, quickly and shockingly, informed that I may have insulted DEAN Bob Hawkinson and PROFESSOR Jerry Gray of Economics. We all had a very good laugh!

I had a very wonderful time dancing with Bob! I admired how brave and determined he was to learn to swing dance. He was always a good sport. Always a good time.

Thank you for the dances, Bob. I'll dance one number for you.

Mayland Chan Heym, Class of 2000

Remembering an educator, a mentor, a friend

Reposted with permission, from the Statesman Journal

This Memorial Day many members of Willamette University's extended family will remember Robert "Bob" Hawkinson, who arrived on campus as a politics professor in 1982 and served as dean of campus life for a decade (1998-2009).

Bob passed away last Sunday, May 22, while reading the newspaper at a Starbucks near his home. I was not surprised to learn that Bob was popular among the coffee shop's employees. One was a student and one of his mentees, while many others loved his good humor and sage advice. Bob died doing what he loved best: enjoying coffee, engaging in politics and nurturing the young people who surrounded him.

Many people knew Bob longer than I — I met him during my job interview in 2003 and worked for him for three years — though I like to think that we had a special connection. From a small starting point, that his mother and I shared Kansas as a home state, Bob learned my passions and goals and provided opportunities that fostered both.

We shared an interest in the history of higher education, which I left Willamette to pursue a doctorate in, and several of the classic books in my library were originally Bob's. He gave me nine of his trademark bow ties as a parting gift. In an intentional (though unknown to Bob) homage to him, I wore one of those ties to my dissertation defense and another to my graduation the week before he died.

What made Bob so special is that the connection I felt with him was shared by hundreds of others. Since his passing, many have written about their relationship with Bob on [this] blog.

He served many roles for many people: a dedicated teacher, a committed colleague, a supportive supervisor, an excellent career counselor and a delightful travel companion. He brought his marvelous sense of humor to each of these roles.

Although Bob had transitioned into a less formal position at Willamette in the last two years, he continued to regularly and meaningfully touch the lives of faculty, staff and, especially, students. He rippled pleasantly across people's lives like the Mill Stream that runs through campus.

I last spoke to Bob in April when I called to ask him to be a reference. He was more than happy to, but he quickly turned the conversation to my graduate school experiences and the goals for my academic career. We also laughed at how his scholarly life had come full circle.

Reminiscent of his graduate student days, he was primarily wearing jeans and working out of a windowless office. He told me to come visit him this summer to pick up some more bow ties; he was wearing them less and less.

Bob's life circle was far closer to closing than either of us knew during that conversation. I'll forever be sad that I couldn't visit him this summer and pick up some more bow ties. I'll forever be grateful that I — and many others — learned from Bob how to make meaningful connections within our communities.

We all should strive to lead a life as connected as his. If we do, it will be a strong indication that we, like Bob, left the world a better place.

Michael Hevel received his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa this month and can be reached at michael.hevel (at) gmail.com.

Hawkinson on Graduation Day 1988

Eric Friedenwald-Fishman
Creative Director/President
Metropolitan Group

Dinner for Hawkinson: Portland 5/29/11

Last night a group of alumni from the 80s gathered for dinner to honor Hawkinson. In addition to student activists from 86, 88 & 89, it included my cousin Erin who will graduate in December next year and two of her classmates (one of whom just graduated).  We shared stories of Hawkinson the academic advisor, the inspiring teacher, the student advocate, the mentor, the friend and, for many, the family member.  Stories ranged from formation of the Bistro to “The Freshmen Paper Lecture,” which scared most of us straight, to the development of World Views and the creation of The Commons. We cooked, drank wine, ate, laughed and cried together and experienced the community that Bob had helped create.  Throughout the dinner we were periodically distracted by the stampede of our children playing together and lobbying for the start of dessert. They have all grown up with stories of Hawkinson and with their parents constant involvement in and discussion of politics. To some degree they, like many children of our WU generation, are his pseudo grandchildren and evidence that his teaching will be passed on.  

Pictured: Wendy Willis ‘88, Eric Friedenwald-Fishman ‘88, Mika Lim ‘11, Chris Duncan Didway ‘89, Jon Radmacher ‘88, Larry Didway ‘88, Mike Tewfick ‘89, Todd Jones ‘86, John Rehm ‘89, John Donovan ‘88, Willi Gilliland ‘88, Erin Bloom ‘11, Slater Smith ‘12, Sian Williams (married to Donovan)

Some of our kids: Violet Radmacher-Willis, Grace Duncan Didway, Grant Duncan Didway, Maximilian Friedenwald-Fishman, Eryn Donovan Williams, Sophie Friedenwald-Fishman, Ruby Radmacher-Willis and Evan Donovan Williams.


Not Pictured: Rebecca Friedenwald-Fishman (taking the photo) and Bill Bush ’88 who had to leave before we got organized.

(5/29/11)

Eric Friedenwald-Fishman ‘88

I had the privilege of knowing Bob as a professor, neighbor and colleague.

My freshman year I had intro to politics/American politics from him and it was an outstanding introduction to collegiate life.  Several episodes I recall with great clarity stand out in my mind.  The class was at 7:50 and one day it snowed – about 2 inches.  The class was about ½ full - - - Bob looked around when he walked in and said, “if any of your colleagues choose to run for office, they’ll never get votes in Chicago if they are staying home on a day like this.  Remind me not to vote for them - - let’s take attendance today.”   At one point we read Why We Lost the ERA.  During one of the discussions, someone in the class asked Bob if he was a feminist…..he said, “of course - - and everyone in this room should be too.”   Finally, I recall when Willamette was looking for a new professor and Richard Ellis interviewed and lectured to our class as part of his visit.   After he left Bob asked the class to provide some feedback – he said, this is your chance to “give this guy a life or send him off somewhere else – we’re actually giving the students some power here.”   I recall this with quite fondness, because, in fact we did feel empowered - - and liked Prof Ellis.

I had the chance to travel with Bob for admission work, we lived next door to him for a spell at one point and always liked watching basketball or other sporting events with him and Jerry Gray.  He was a great gift to Willamette and I’m sorry we’ve lost him.

Chris Simmons, 93

I had the privilege of working on the development of the Kaneko Commons program with Bob the year before Kaneko opened and then to work as one of the original CMs during the Common's opening year. What impresses me the most about Bob is not only his kindness, but his deep commitment towards the students and the University. Whenever I was with Bob, I felt like he truly cared about me and was interested in our ideas and opinions as students. We knew that in Bob we were heard and supported. I spent many hours in meetings with Bob or sitting in his office or at the Commons events and council meetings. I developed a great love and respect for him and all that he has done. He was a very special man and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have known him.

We were so honored when Bob attended our wedding 3 years ago, driving over an hour to get there (after getting lost on the way). The last time I saw Bob was almost 2 years ago after he convinced me to come back to Willamette and for a panel discussion on Kaneko’s history. I was busy and stressed with medical school and studying for the boards at the time, but agreed to come, out of respect and love for Bob more than anything. He treated me and some other students to dinner and we had a chance to catch up. I’m sure glad I came. His legacy will live on in all of us; the people and lives he has touched through his love and service.  


With Much Love, 


Michelle Monnie 
Class of 2007

My interactions with Bob were few, but they were memorable, and they fit in well with the characterization of him I have seen over the last few days as a unique and extraordinary individual who will greatly be missed. While working on Willamette's Collegian newspaper, I met with Bob on a number of occasions. So many times I would come in with a set of questions prepared to ask him, but often he would convince me to chuck my interview plan altogether. This was the power of his ability to delight, surprise, and go far above and beyond what was expected or hoped for. Bob always made me feel invited, welcome, and part of a process that was greater than just an interaction between an interviewer and a subject. If he wasn't the best source for a story, he would always point out three or four other people to go and talk to. One never left his office without at least a couple of new ideas for stories that the staff or I hadn't yet thought of. Bob never needed to be solicited for ideas--they always flowed freely and naturally from our conversations.

Sometimes the Collegian would solicit Bob for interviews, but often he would seek us out, a rare step for a busy administrator to take, but one which clearly was not out of character for him. For example, each year, without fail, he attended the Collegian staff introductory meetings, often held in a sweltering third-floor office in the University Center in the middle of the innumerable activities Campus Life coordinated before Opening Days. Not only did he attend, but he always spoke to the staff about the Collegian's history, answered questions, and never was short of story ideas for us.

Bob was especially excited for the Collegian to become an integral part of the process of disseminating knowledge about Kaneko Commons, where I was privileged to be among the first year of students to reside. I remember being greeted by Bob out front of the not-quite-finished building on moving day in the fall of 2006. On a 90-degree afternoon, he stood outside in the parking lot for hours, meeting with every student who arrived that day. Later that fall, as we struggled to dig ourselves out of a financial trough, Bob offered gracious and unprecedented financial support for a much-needed upgrade of Collegian office hardware and software. As I transitioned to new management duties on the paper that year, I saw less and less of Bob in person, but I know he remained a constant supporter of the paper, because his name kept popping up in the weekly copies!

I saw Bob only twice after graduation, but they were classic encounters. At one point, I was working at Powell's Books in Portland when he came in. I was surprised and delighted at Bob's recollection of me, his warmth, and his spirit, none of which had diminished despite the time that had gone by since our paths last crossed. In November of 2008, while waiting to meet Ken Nolley at the Bistro, who do I see cracking good-natured jokes about how some alumni just keep hanging around? The Hawk, of course. He'd be glad to know that I finally moved on to pursue my dreams, but he'll have to wait for that story for awhile, unfortunately.

I regret not knowing Bob as well as did as many of the other contributors to this blog, and that I will be unable to attend either of the services planned in his honor. So I feel this is the least I can do to remember a compassionate man who frequently challenged and brought out the best in those with whom he interacted. As any of us who have dealt with or know anything about mass media understand, the interaction between a newspaper and its subjects can sometimes be difficult, even one of gamesmanship. Never with Bob. No matter the context, he was genuine, compassionate, and he truly cared about the community he worked in--every part of that community. He will be greatly missed.

Chris Foss,
PhD Candidate, University of Colorado at Boulder
Willamette Class of 2007

Thank you for letting me know about Bob's passing and sending the obit.  I do remember him fondly.  He was my favorite teacher at UCSC, so knowledgeable and inspiring.  I so enjoyed his classes that I took it upon myself to dump my advisor, asking Bob to be my advisor instead!  When I had the bright idea to do a self-designed internship, working for one of the
Supervisors on the City Council in SF, it was Bob that I sought as my advisor for that semester.  It was one of my best college decisions. I was sad to see him leave UCSC, but at the time was exploring that same option.

Marianne McGinn

Darn it Bob. 
There were more fun birthdays, New Year's Eves, strolls and toasts and funny stories.  Maybe another seafood boil with all the food dumped on the table...mussels...beach days ahead.  And how I'll miss the sound of Chicago in your voice.   
xxoo Bonnie

I was extremely saddened to learn earlier today of Bob Hawkinson's passing.

I first met Bob more than thirty-seven (37) years ago -- in Spring 1974 -- when I was a sophomore majoring in Politics (and History) at the University of California, Santa Cruz.  Bob was just beginning his career as an Assistant Professor and I had enrolled in a seminar Bob was teaching on contemporary political issues required of all Politics undergraduates.  I was immediately struck by Bob's affability and student-centeredness and his ability to demand and eventually inculcate intellectual rigor in his students -- traits which, I learned over the years, are rare even in the best of educators and are the hallmark of a great teacher.  I took several additional courses from Bob and he eventually presided over my Oral Comprehensive Exam in Politics -- along with his then-colleague, noted political scientist, Grant McConnell.

Bob encouraged me to do graduate work in Public Policy, but I fixed on either doing graduate work in History or enrolling in law school, eventually going to law school in the Bay Area.  During that time, Bob and I stayed in touch, with Bob subletting out his house near Santa Cruz to me and a couple of other students while he spent the Summer (it must have been Summer of 1979)in another city.

Unfortunately, as is often the case for teachers and students,Bob and I fell out of touch.  However, in 2009 -- some thirty (30) years after I had sublet his house -- I googled Bob's name and discovered that he was closing out what had been a long and successful career at Willamette.  I read with interest the many accolades Bob had received while there and, of course, was not surprised that virtually all of them centered on his direct work -- both as a Dean and Professor-- with students. I emailed Bob, bringing him up to speed regarding what I had been doing since law school (practicing law and teaching part-time as an adjunct at the University of Idaho College of Law), thanking him for serving as a role model to me as I tried to come close in my own teaching to the kind of teacher Bob was when I was one of his students, telling Bob that I was interested in getting into full-time law teaching, and suggesting we get together in Salem when I visited Portland (I have a daughter who lives there).

Bob responded back, telling me of his plans to move from his deanship back in to teaching.  Bob encouraged me to pursue my full-time law teaching aspirations and suggested that I contact the Dean of Willamette's law school and use his (Bob's)name if/when I did so.  (Over thirty (30) years had passed since we had last communicated and there was Bob, without missing a beat, providing encouragement to and trying to further the interests of a former student).  He agreed that we should get together if I was ever in the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, we never did.  However, I take solace in having let Bob know, if only electronically, that I appreciated what he had done for me as a student (and, eventually, as a teacher).  My only regret is that I did not get around to telling Bob that, just this Spring, I obtained that full-time teaching job, having accepted a tenure-track position at the University of Idaho College of Law commencing this Summer.

For me, Bob was among that small group of teachers who lives in my memory -- his laugh, the sparkle in his eyes when he talked about politics or Chicago (I recall him being "tuned in" to Saturday Night Live, with its cast largely coming from the Windy City's Second City comedy troupe, when it first came on air in the late 1970s), his obvious passion for teaching, and his care for students.  I am better -- as a person and as a teacher -- for having known him.

John Rumel

Bob H.

My best memory of Bob will be the last rime I saw him at graduation as the U of Chicago grad unmercifully teased my roommate and Nobel prize winning Northwestern U. Professor. He could not be contained and had everyone laughing. As a trustee who worked with him, his whole life was dedicated to Willamette and mostly its students He will be dearly missed. Stewart Butler, trustee

Q

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Device

2001 Greece Trip

I have a few pictures of Bob touring Greece with the Fulbright tour in summer 2001 that nicely illustrate Sammy Basu's reminiscences. Bob was our tour's military expert. So he was really excited to stand on the very site where the combined Greek forces dealt the final, decisive blow to the army of the Persian invaders under Mardonios in 479 BCE.
Unfortunately, the site was completely overgrown with weeds, and everywhere rocks and debris from the ancient city formed hidden stumbling blocks. Bob fell badly and really hurt himself, but even wounded, he persevered and gave us all a lecture on the battle that saved Greece from Persian rule forever.

Bob with bloody knees in Plataea, being patched up by Carol Long (sitting) and Catherine Collins.

The other two images show Bob in Corinth and some fresh octopi waiting to be devoured by Bob and the rest of us in the harbor of Aegina.

Ortwin Knorr
Associate Professor of Classics
Director of the Center for Ancient Studies and Archaeology

Bob understood humanity.
He was an academic, yes, but he was also wise about the world.
As a historian and current events teacher, he knew why things happen in the world,
not just what happens.
He understood humanity and fought for justice and compassion.
That was Bob to me.
I guess that makes him a humanitarian.

Tim Kelly 

Politics in the Extreme

Anyone who has had the privilege of knowing Bob Hawkinson likely has a story (or several) to share. He has been an influential part of the Willamette community for many years. Bob Hawkinson was certainly influential to me during my time at Willamette.

I took Politics in the Extreme with him in the spring of 2008, my sophomore year at Willamette. I was the only sophomore in the class dominated by soon graduating seniors. To be honest, I was a little intimidated to be surrounded by upperclassmen in a class being taught by the Dean. I survived the semester with long hours droning through large amounts of assigned reading and a few sleepless nights. The class covered the topics of the Iraq War, torture, terrorism, and the genocides of indigenous people throughout history.

The class was to conclude with a one-on-one oral exam with Bob Hawkinson spanning every topic of the semester. Again, I was intimidated as a young sophomore to have to battle for a good grade with such an intellectual man in the field of politics. While preparing for the final, I devised a great ice breaker to sever the tension and hopefully win over a decent grade. I arrived to his office for my final early while he was still out. When he arrived, he was shocked to find me in full camouflage wearing a ski mask threatening to torture him.  I had come prepared with a bag full of all the items needed to water board him. With him handcuffed, we paraded around the UC to different offices. I succeeded in breaking the ice and apparently passed the course, but more importantly I had one of the most enjoyable finals of my Willamette career.

Bob Hawkinson retired from his position of “Dean of the night” but still remained a common presence around campus. He was often found in the Bistro or strolling around Kaneko. We also shared parking spaces near each other and would engage in conversation in passing.  I often joked that I expected to see him roaming around in a robe with a cup of coffee in his retired state. He was a good person to bounce ideas off of and to cure senioritis while writing my politics thesis.

I am sad that I will be unable to share what I’ve accomplished since graduating with him, but I am grateful for the opportunity to have known Bob Hawkinson.

Brandon Petersen
Willamette CLA ‘10
Politics 

A Message from Tokyo International University

We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Mr. Hawkinson. Legacy lives in the lives one touches, and we wish to celebrate Mr. Hawkinson's many contributions to the Willamette community. His dedication has touched countless lives among students of the USA, Japan, and the world. 

On behalf of Tokyo International University, 

Nobuyasu Kurata, Chancellor
Tsugio Tajiri, President

Independent Study

Submitted by Dave Rigsby

Bob Hawkinson, fellow Viking, fellow Intercultural Adventurer

Like everyone else, I was very saddened by the news about Bob.  I have
been part of the Willamette/TIUA community since early 1989 and Bob is one
of the first people I remember meeting as I got to know the campus
community.

At that time, I could sense his energy and enthusiasm about "all things
Willamette."  Later, I had occasion to work with Bob as he fulfilled the
role of Interim Dean of the CLA.  I admired not only his enthusiasm but
also his wisdom and his willingness to always go the extra mile to see
that we all were able to do the right thing.

When President Pelton appointed Bob as Dean of Campus Life, I knew that it
was a perfect fit.  Through his visionary work, Bob confirmed the wisdom
of President Pelton's decision.  It was a pleasure working with Bob on the
development of Kaneko Commons and also on the multiple ways that we have
broadened and deepened our joint (WU & TIUA) co-curricular and residential
programming efforts.

Because of Bob's continuous support and ability to see the big picture, WU
and TIUA have been able to accomplish amazing things together that are the
envy of many other universities.

Bob was an innate "interculturalist."   I was so pleased to have the
chance to visit TIU and Tokyo with him a number of years ago.  After this
experience, Bob reinforced his interest in our collective exchange and I
know there are many former TIUA and TIU transfer students that fondly
remember their wonderful conversations with Professor Hawkinson.

To one of the few people that knew how to pronounce my name in the same
way my Grandmother did, and on behalf of TIUA...

Takk min venn (Thank you my friend),

Gunnar Gundersen

I knew Bob Hawkinson for 27 years, going back to my time teaching English at Willamette and brainstorming with him about, then teaching in, the first World Views seminars.  For several years we also team-taught a seminar on "Community and Authority,"  and after I moved on to the UO Honors College, he brought me back to Willamette to help him with the Kaneko Commons project, which was the culmination of his vision for community on a college campus.  He wanted Kaneko to be a living and learning space that would be fun, democratic, intellectually stimulating, and integral to life at Willamette.  I'm very happy that he could make that vision a reality.  Bob and I shared a great deal--interests in education, politics, culture, travel, music, drama, art, family, friends, ideas, books, controversy--even a  birthday that relegated us both to the status of flaky Aquarians.  We had many many great conversations, and I was looking forward to talking with him about my coming trip to Ann Arbor this summer to team-teach with a political theorist at U Michigan--just as Bob and I had done at Willamette.  Instead I got a call from David Rigsby.  From reading this blog I see just how many people Bob inspired, led, collaborated with, and loved.  It is some comfort to know that he will not be easily forgotten.


Sharon Schuman