Robert Joseph Connelly

Dr. Robert J. (Bob) Connelly was born in Greeley, Nebraska in 1939 and raised in Denver, Colorado. He completed his undergraduate work at Regis College (now University) in Denver, and earned his masters and Ph.D. from St. Louis University. Both graduate degrees were in philosophy. Bob taught briefly at St. Louis University and Fontbonne College, but the bulk of his teaching – and giving – has been at University of the Incarnate Word where he began a 44-year tenure in 1972. Bob’s heart has always been in teaching where he could engage students in learning and in understanding the concept of service. He once computed, to his own amazement, that in 40 years of teaching he had “touched and been touched by approximately 8000 students.”

To Bob that brought a sense of responsibility and humility. That sense of responsibility led Bob to push for the Community Service requirement for graduation. It began as part of the curriculum which established the Dimensions of Wellness course as well as the required 45 hours of community service. He also helped develop and launch the Meet the Mission event, the Service-Learning Movement that began almost 20 years ago, and the more recent Ettling Center for Civic Leadership. Bob was as strong an advocate for the faculty as for the students he guided. He focused on the faculty role in shared governance, served as president of the faculty association/senate twice, and chaired most standing committees at least twice. He served as editor of the Faculty Handbook, and acted as director for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation efforts.

Again that sense of responsibility led Bob to accept several important administrative roles even while he continued his student-focused approach. Bob served as dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, dean of the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering, director of assessment, and assistant to the associate provost. In recent years, Bob has been recognized for developing the university’s recycling program, and also for the development of the Headwaters at Incarnate Word. Both touched Bob’s deep love for creation and his strong efforts at sustainability. In response to the number and level of initiatives Bob championed, the university honored him by establishing The Robert J. Connelly Faculty Leadership Award in 2009. The award is granted annually to a professor who provides outstanding leadership within the faculty. Bob was named a Texas Minnie Stevens Piper Professor and a Danforth Associate. At UIW Bob was a Moody Endowed Professor of Philosophy and a CCVI Spirit Award recipient. Most recently he received an honor he deeply appreciated, the William Mulcahy Award for Ecological Stewardship.

Bob will be missed by all, but he leaves a strong legacy and an equally strong circle of friends and family. Bob is survived by his wife, Dr. Kathi Light; their children Kim Connelly; Corin Connelly and spouse Sylvia Garza; Sean Hampp; Stephanie Light and spouse Tony Reynolds; five grandchildren, Rachel, Maegan, George, Kaylee, and Luke, two sisters, Mary McCready and Janet O’Brien and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UIW Ecological Sustainability Fund. This fund is for faculty led projects involving students. Gifts in Dr. Connelly’s name may be mailed to the UIW Development Office, 4301 Broadway, CPO #317, San Antonio TX 78209 or visit: www.uiw.edu/give Under “Other” indicate that the gift is for the Ecological Sustainability Fund “in memory of Dr. Bob Connelly” or call 210-829-6013 for additional information.