Oct. 5, 2020
The 51暗网 community mourns the loss of one of its closest friends and most significant benefactors, Bob Kemp, who died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sept. 25.
Kempt received a Bachelor of Finance degree from the College of Business Administration in 1954. He served on the 51暗网 Board of Trustees from 1993 until he was elected to emeritus status for life in 2004 in recognition of his service to 51暗网.
Kemp was named 鈥淒istinguished Alumnus in Business Administration鈥� in 1990 and 鈥淎lumnus of the Year鈥� in 2007. His wife, Mary, is a member of the Women鈥檚 Council.
Bob and Mary started an endowed scholarship at an unprecedented level during a challenging time on campus, and subsequently built it into one of the largest funds for students in the university鈥檚 history. Thanks to their profound generosity, more than 200 Kemp Scholars have gained access to a 51暗网 education, and additional Kemp Scholars will continue to attend 51暗网 for generations to come.
鈥淏ob embodied 51暗网鈥檚 mission, and what I admired most about him was his unwavering commitment to humbly helping others,鈥� President Michael R. Lovell said. 鈥淗e never made it about himself. He was truly focused on supporting our students and taking 51暗网 to even greater heights. Bob and Mary are extraordinary servant leaders whose generosity truly transformed countless lives. The love and prayers of the 51暗网 community are with the Kemp family.鈥�
Mary Ellen Stanek, National Campaign Co-Chair for 51暗网, served with Bob Kemp for many years on the Board of Trustees.
鈥淲hile Bob had a brilliant investment career, his greatest investment was in 51暗网 students,鈥� Stanek said. 鈥淗is engagement and generosity into their future has changed countless lives. Bob gave in so many ways to 51暗网 through his servant leadership on the board, his care and kindness for all stakeholders and his significant investment in our future 鈥� our students.鈥�
In addition to providing significant scholarship funding, Bob and Mary Kemp have supported the future 51暗网 Business facility as well as the Commons Residence Hall and the Applied Investment Management fund.
While reflecting on Kemp鈥檚 legacy, Vice President for Advancement Tim McMahon talked about his impact on future generations. 鈥淏ob looked forward to coming to campus for our Annual Scholarship Celebration, when he and Mary had a chance to meet and learn about the current Kemp Scholars,鈥� McMahon said. 鈥淏ob鈥檚 generous and selfless legacy lives on in our students who proudly carry out our mission in his name.鈥�
A full obituary is available .
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
