ROBERT VAIL (BOB) HANLE MEMORIAL
 

Bob was born in Pittsburgh but grew up in Allentown, PA with his parents and brother Bill. He graduated from Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA where he met, courted and married Rita Simpson.  Bob began his career as a teacher for Hershey Boys School.  His humor was evident, so colleagues asked him to impersonate the stern Headmaster.  Bob told Rita that he could lose his job, but he agreed!  He had everyone convulsing with laughter and he kept the job. 
 

Two years later, Elizabethtown College invited him to return to become Director of Alumni Relations.  He was promoted to Assistant to the president, then to Dean of Faculty.  While working at the college, Bob completed Masters and Doctorate degrees at the University of Pennsylvania!  After learning about Bob’s illness, Professor John Ranck of Elizabethtown College wrote to Bob: “…In all my 43 years of teaching at Elizabethtown, I had a true Dean of Faculty for only two of those years.  No other Dean approached your model of faculty support and interaction.  You were masterful in using the office to benefit the college!” In 2005 Bob received “The Education for Service Award” at Elizabethtown College in recognition of his service to the institution.

 

In 1976, Bob & Rita moved to Minnesota.  They found new friends in their Osceola neighborhood, House of Hope church, Metro State University, St. Paul Schools and St. Paul Rotary.  Many of those friendships flourished. Bob joined Metropolitan State University as a professor and administrator. He was promoted to Vice President of Academic Affairs.  Five years later, Bob joined Paine Webber.  Despite his success there, he returned to the academic world by joining the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology.  He was promoted to Vice President and Director of Development for the entire university.  He led a large staff and enjoyed success  there.          

                                                                                                           

The Smithsonian Institution invited Bob to lead the fund raising efforts for the Smithsonian’s 16 museums, 7 research institutes and the National Zoo.  He was enormously successful.  He raised $60 million to build the Dulles Center of the Air & Space Museum and $80 million to refurbish the Museum of American History.  When America was about to lose the famous portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, Bob raised $30 million to keep it at the National Portrait Gallery! After four years at the Smithsonian, Bob joined a prominent consulting firm. His clients included famous academic, artistic and non-profit institutions. He was in high demand, so he traveled frequently.

                                                                                                                                                              

Bob retired in 2010.  His professional legacy shows constant growth and high achievement.  Bob was versatile; he embraced challenges and risks.  He was successful at every step of his career!  Bob knew how to produce results and build relationships.

 

When Bob & Rita retired, they traveled.  They took road trips to national parks around America, repeated vacations in Hawaii and Alaska.  They toured South America.  They celebrated their 50^th anniversary with a spectacular cruise to Australia & New Zealand. Bob’s admonition for all of us was “Travel while you can!”  Bob was curious and open-minded.  He was always exploring and learning.  Bob loved studying financial markets and investments.  He was fond of civilized debate.  He enjoyed the clarinet since High School and he played with the Bloomington Medalist Band for 20 years! During his final days at the hospital, Bob was delighted to hear a recording of Weber’s Clarinet Concerto; a piece he remembered playing well at his debut high school concert!  Bob loved Rita. He also loved nature, photography, music, opera, travel, good food and lively conversation.

 

In 2006 Bob & Rita bought their townhouse near Tofte on the North Shore of Lake Superior. There they enjoyed many outdoor activities including biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and exploring flora and fauna.
 

Bob was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away at St. Therese of Odilia in Shoreview on May 8, 2019 after a brief illness.
 

Bob was a 50+ year Rotarian, becoming a Rotarian in Pennsylvania in 1968 and a member of the Rotary Club of St. Paul when he moved to St. Paul. Despite all the traveling and spending time on the North Shore, Bob continued his Rotary membership until his death, although he rarely attended meetings. St. Paul Rotary lost a great friend with the passing of Bob Hanle.

                                                

Presented July 16, 2019 by:
 

Clyde Nelson, Chair

Robert (Bob) Jones

Jay Ryan (former St Paul Rotarian, President 1997-98)  

Randy Czeswik (former St Paul Rotarian)