The Regents of the University of Michigan gratefully salute and commend Robert G. Forman as he concludes a distinguished, 28-year career as executive director of the University of Michigan Alumni Association.

Bob Forman earned his B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1953 and his M.P.A. degree from the University of Michigan in 1959. He first joined the University of Michigan staff in 1955 and then left in 1957 to join the newly-formed Bendix Systems Division in Ann Arbor. In 1964, he returned as associate director of the Alumni Association. Two years later, he became its executive director, embarking on a career in alumni work that is unparalleled, both in terms of its accomplishments and its contributions to the profession.

The University of Michigan has been the grateful beneficiary of the efforts of this talented, dedicated champion of alumni service to higher education. Bob Forman has introduced countless innovations in alumni programming, has written extensively about his experiences in alumni administration, and has served prominently in national and regional associations of his peers, which have honored him on numerous occasions with their most prestigious awards.

The University's alumni association has also prospered tremendously during Bob's tenure. It has built its own campus center from contributions, has developed a far flung alumni camp operation, publishes an award-winning alumni magazine, has established over 200 alumni clubs in every corner of the state and the world, and operates an extensive travel and continuing education program. And each of these programmatic achievements is carefully crafted to be supportive of the philosophy and goals of the University.

Bob Forman has been a true leader in his profession and has been a person who has made a difference at this university. His wit and humor have enlivened countless meetings and ceremonies. He has been a friend to alumni everywhere and a valued colleague of the Regents, officers, and deans of the University.

The Regents now extend their best wishes to this rare, wonderful leader who has served so many so well, and now name Robert G. Forman executive director emeritus of the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan.

Regents’ Proceedings, September 1994, page 7880