Retirement of Bob Hooper

Members of the Kenyon Community,

It is with mixed emotions that I share Bob Hooper's decision to retire from Kenyon on September 1, 2019. Bob has served Kenyon with unfailing dedication beginning with his service as Rosse Hall Manager in 1985, followed by two stints as a Campus Safety Officer before becoming the Director of Campus Safety in 2007.

Bob Hooper has devoted his career to keeping our community safe. Whatever task is necessary, be it attending to students in need of medical assistance, coordinating event logistics, or even directing traffic, Bob accomplishes it with care and professionalism. Regardless of the event or crisis, be it real or anticipated, Bob’s calm demeanor and direct approach are steadying. Although Bob is unassuming to his core, he is rightly proud of the relationships that he and members of his staff have fostered with students. Under Bob’s leadership, the department projects an educational philosophy that has transformed the ways in which students and Campus Safety staff interact.

Bob plans to spend his retirement doing house projects and spending time with family — the two activities that he loves the most — and will remain connected to Kenyon through his many friends and spouse Anita Hooper, the Purchasing Manager for Library and Information Services.

In the coming weeks we will launch a search for Bob’s successor, with an anticipated start date of July 1. In order to ensure a smooth transition for the department, Bob has agreed to stay on for a short period of time after the new director has begun. A retirement reception will take place later this year. Meanwhile, please join me in thanking Bob for his considerable contributions to Kenyon, and in wishing him well in retirement.

Best wishes,
Meredith Harper Bonham '92
Vice President for Student Affairs