![Dobbs family](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2023/11/n21208882/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1699470227328.jpg)
New Bearcat Bench memorializes alumnus Bob Dobbs
Family partners with UC to create a place for Bearcats to gather, take photos and score good luck
More than 100 University of Cincinnati alumni, students, family and friends gathered Nov. 6 to remember and memorialize Bob Dobbs, BBA ’76, MBA ’88, with the dedication of UC’s newest on-campus memorial. The extraordinary volunteer leader, who died in 2017, was honored with the dedication of new Bearcat Bench on UC’s MainStreet.
The memorial features a statue of the iconic Bearcat mascot standing behind a long bench emblazoned with C-Paw logos. This distinctive memorial is located in an open space between the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, the Mantei Center and the Campus Recreation Center. Designed by Virgil Oertle, the Bearcat Bench is a gift from the Dobbs family to the university community.
Bob Dobbs, BBA ’76, MBA ‘88.
One of UC’s most incredible sons, Dobbs was widely known for his unapologetically enthusiastic passion for his university and fellow Bearcats, and for giving back to his alma mater however he could. Throughout the UC community, Dobbs was considered a champion of his alma mater, a visionary leader, a generous philanthropist, and a great friend.
At the dedication, UC Chief Alumni Officer Jennifer Heisey said that Dobbs “checked every Bearcat box.”
“If there was a way he could support his university, he did it,” she said. “If you were a fellow Bearcat, he was your brother — no questions asked. And if you needed someone to make the case, set the example, lead the charge, and move us forward, Bob was your guy. The ripple effects of his life at UC will be felt always. His impact is permanent and ongoing.”
The Dobbs family has also created the Robert E. Dobbs Scholarship Fund.
The ripple effects of his life at UC will be felt always. His impact is permanent and ongoing.
Jennifer Heisey UC Chief Alumni Officer
Kim Dobbs, BSED ’78, met her husband on a blind date at UC’s Homecoming in 1974. She feels the Bearcat Bench is destined to become one of the most popular photo spots on campus and encouraged everyone in attendance to rub the Bearcat statue’s nose for good luck.
“Like Bob did so naturally and genuinely, the Bearcat Bench will beckon you in,” she said during the dedication ceremony. “It will warm your heart. It will make you feel good to be a Bearcat.”
Dobbs, a member of the first men’s varsity soccer team, supported many varied causes and initiatives at UC, with particular emphasis on his college, UC Athletics and the organizations charged with the university’s advancement. He was a UC Foundation trustee, a president of the UC Alumni Association board, and he and Kim served as co-chairs of the UC Bicentennial Commission.
A stone pylon adjacent to the Bearcat Bench honors Dobbs, with a front-facing plaque offering an overview of his character and contributions, while an inscription on the opposite side hails his love for UC’s signature song, reading: “When the Alma Mater was played at UC games, gatherings and celebrations, no one sang more loudly or proudly than Bob Dobbs — forever one of UC’s most loyal children,” followed by the Alma Mater’s lyrics.
Featured image at top: The Dobbs family. Photo/Joe Fuqua for the UC Foundation.
Next, Now
With its focus on innovation and impact, Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati is where ambition meets action. At the University of Cincinnati and UC Health, we’re driven by next; thinking bolder and dreaming bigger to create the tomorrow we envision, today. Learn more at nextnow.uc.edu.
Related Stories
CINCINNATI ENQUIRER: Colleges Pushing 3-year Degrees
December 7, 2011
Getting students to graduate in three years is on the rise in colleges around Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Carl H. Lindner College of Business Marketing Professor Shares Branding Principles with Doctors
December 15, 2011
UC Department of Radiology seminar highlights importance of branding in the health care sector.
BUSINESS COURIER: Goering s Gift Lets University of Cincinnati Expand Family Biz Efforts
December 15, 2011
Thanks to a $1 million endowed professorship, a gift from John and Gloria Goering, the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business will add a unique family and private business certificate to its business school curriculum.
Renewed Accreditation for UC's Carl H. Lindner College of Business
January 2, 2012
The AACSB again deems the college a distinguished institution of excellence in business education.
Two UC Carl H. Lindner College of Business Students Nominated for Truman Scholarship
January 4, 2012
Prestigious national award could bring money for higher education.
UC Marketing Students Collaborate for Cincinnati Recreation Commission
January 8, 2012
Marketing students from UC Carl H. Lindner College of Business answer call to craft advertising plan.
Cincy Magazine and the UC Carl H. Lindner College of Business Team to Present Power 100 Leadership Forum
January 10, 2012
Inaugural forum hosts powerful business, political and community leaders in Tristate.
UC Graduate Students To Tackle Global Poverty in Case Competition
January 17, 2012
Several top 100 MBA programs the Carl H. Lindner College of Business among them vie for first place in international case competition.
UC Carl H. Lindner College of Business Faculty Earn Leavey Award
January 18, 2012
The pair is among three university faculty to receive national recognition.
The University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business and LUCRUM, Inc. Co-host Quarterly Business Intelligence Symposium Series
January 19, 2012
The University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business has teamed with LÛCRUM, Inc., a leading Data Analytics consulting firm and industry thought leader based in Cincinnati to provide a series of quarterly Business Intelligence (BI) Symposia.