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GREEN BAY, Wis. -- New pianos for music students are among the many ways a recent $2.3 million gift from Dean Emeritus Robert "Bob" J. Bauer will benefit students at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
A decades-long professor and leader at the university, Bauer passed away in January of this year.
"We are incredibly grateful for this amazing gift from Professor Bauer," UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander said in a news release. "Bob's dedication to UW-Green Bay and to the many things that make our city great were always inspiring to me. He truly saw the potential for what was possible at our university. This gift will impact our students in music, veterans' services, athletics and throughout the University in ways that will truly honor his legacy."
As a former music faculty member, the Robert and Joanne Bauer Endowed Professorship-Director of Bands has been established to support music education, provide new pianos and sustain The Weidner and The Weidner Philharmonic in their mission.
"Professor Bauer's support of the Weidner Philharmonic will support the orchestra in its mission to build new audiences for the symphony. We do this through a free fall concert, innovative programming, commissions and film with live symphony projects for the entire family," said Kelli Strickland, executive and artistic director for The Weidner. "I had the great pleasure of sitting next to Professor Bauer during one of the Weidner Philharmonic's early concerts and he was so excited to see the return of a symphony to Cofrin Family Hall, telling me that we had done 'a very good thing.'"
Bauer's support will have a transformative impact on the music education program at UW-Green Bay, according to the news release. "This is a program that was near and dear to his heart," said Ryan Martin, dean of the UW-Green Bay College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. "His generosity helps ensure that our students will learn from a dedicated director of bands while also providing access to new pianos, instruments and other resources that are essential to a high-quality music education. This investment creates opportunities for students today and strengthens the future of music education for generations to come."
A veteran and passionate Green Bay women's basketball fan, Bauer leaves a lasting legacy through his support of these two UW-Green Bay programs as well, ensuring greater access to veterans' services and memorable Phoenix basketball experiences for future generations of students and fans.
"We are incredibly thankful for the monetary gift that Bob designated to our UWGB women's basketball program," said Kayla Karius, head coach of the Green Bay Phoenix women's basketball team. "He was clearly an avid fan and has believed in our teams for many years. This donation will continue to support our student-athletes and help keep our program operating at a high level in the future."
In 1969, Bauer was named director of bands for UW-Green Bay, where he also chaired the music program and guided that program to accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music in 1977. He was very involved on campus and was appointed dean of Professional Programs and Continuing Education. He served in that role until he retired in 1994 as dean emeritus.
Bauer regularly served as guest conductor for various musical groups, directed the UW-Green Bay music camps and performed flute with the Green Bay Symphony. In 1974, he began management of state contest of Wisconsin School Music Association that took place at UW-Green Bay; the program continues today, named the Solo and Ensemble Music Festival.
Throughout his career at UW-Green Bay, he continued to teach in the music program and was also appointed chairman of the Building Committee for the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts in the late 1980s.
Bauer also recently endowed the Robert and Joanne Bauer Endowed Professorship in Strings with the UW-Green Bay music program.