Robert “Bob” Will ’50 died on June 25 at the age of 95. Bob taught Economics at Carleton from 1957 until his retirement in 1993 as the Raymond Plank Professor of Incentive Economics, Emeritus. He also served as an Assistant Dean of the College (1967–68), Director of International Studies (1968–70), and held the Wadsworth A. Williams Professor of Economics chair (1974–82). Many have described Bob as the quintessential Carleton alum and professor: a gifted and enthusiastic teacher, a knowledgeable scholar, an engaged college citizen, and a gracious mentor to his colleagues and students.
In Bob’s first few years teaching, Economics was a small field at Carleton. With only one or two other faculty members, he taught almost every course in the curriculum. His favorites were Macroeconomics, Capitalism and its Critics, and the Political Economy of Development. He also taught interdisciplinary courses, such as Urban Studies and the Limits to Growth, as well as graduate courses at the Universities of Minnesota and Massachusetts in Labor Economics and Collective Bargaining. He received faculty fellowships from the Mellon, Ford, and National Science Foundations to study the economic impact of tourism in developing countries and related topics.
Bob was a pioneer in what is now called social entrepreneurship, applying economic theories to real world problems. He led his students to new understandings of the way the world functions, drawing attention to topics such as the structural determinants of poverty; the sometimes-violent history of US labor relations; and the inequalities within and across societies.
Bob ended his classes by saying “Onward and upward with the arts,” reminding students of how important all aspects of the liberal arts are, especially the fine arts. In recognition of Bob’s many commitments, the Economics department has two prizes in his name, one for students who demonstrate academic excellence and steadfastness to the liberal arts, and the other for students who have shown the greatest capacity for transforming their community through service. The Career Center also has an internship fund in his name. Bob was devoted to the growth of his students intellectually and personally, staying in touch with them long after their graduations.
During his 36 years teaching at Carleton, Bob oversaw and had a hand in hiring virtually every member of the economics department. He was an encouraging and supportive colleague, offering sage advice on academics, personal finances, and humane counsel in the face of life challenges. Bob combined scholarship, playful wit, and immense ability to care for his fellow faculty.
Beyond Carleton’s campus, Bob was an enthusiastic supporter of the Northfield community and involved with many non-profits. In 2014 he was honored as the Grand Marshall for the Defeat of Jesse James Days.
A more complete obituary is available on the Bierman Funeral Home website. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Northfield on August 26, 1:00 pm visitation, 2:00 pm service, with a reception following.
Comments
I had Bob for Labor Econ & Collective Bargaining senior year. I have two vivid memories of him. I had just picked up my mail at Willis and was clutching a thick envelope from Harvard Business School. Tore it open to find my letter of acceptance when I saw Mr. Will approaching. Grinning, I handed it to him. Reading it, he said "you're kidding!" Fast forward to our 25th reunion. Was walking across the Bald Spot when I saw Mr. Will approaching. Was about to greet him when he said "Hi, Bob." I was blown away. "How did you recognize me?!" I said. "I can still see your 20 year-old face," he replied. Great guy. My condolences to his family.
Bob Will was a friend and mentor from the moment I came to know him in classes in Willis. I was especially pleased that a few years ago, he invited me and my then 80-something year old mother to his home for a lovely visit. They shared a fondness for books, music and kind memories. Rest well, Friend.
My time as an econ major at Carleton was contentious, but what I learned there has informed my various jobs throughout my life. For my senior thesis, I opted to write a paper instead of taking an exam. For a number of reasons, I decided on the topic of socialist economic theory. I still remember the title of my paper: "Labor-Managed Firms in Communist Yugoslavia." Most of my primary sources were in German, which I did as a form of protest against the Economics Department. Professor Will took this in stride and during the introduction to my oral defense he joked that while my source material might he in German, he expected my responses to be in English. That one joke broke the ice and what until that moment had been my animosity toward the econ department for a variety of reasons. In that one comment, he taught me a lesson that I've carried with me since 1979. Professor Will was an educator in his bones and I appreciate having been one of his students. My condolences to his family and the Carleton community.
What a gentleman Bob was! What a great actor he was: he re-enacted missionary Reverend William Cullen Wilcox in my 2009 documentary film, A Rebel Missionary in South Africa. A masterful job he did. May he rest in peace and May his sweet memories dwell forever in our hearts!
Bob Will was an exemplary professor and an even better human being. His Econ 10 course got me off to a great start in my future major. He ended every class with the memorable phrase "onward and upward with the arts".
Bob Will was inspirational. He helped inspire three of my classmates to become Economics professors. He inspired me to become a high school teacher. I will always remember Mr. Will with gratitude and fondness.
I started Carleton as a chemistry major, but classes with Bob Will and Ada Mae Harrison inspired me to change my major. He was also a favorite teacher of my son, Edward, in the class on '93.
“Cool heads, warm hearts. Onward and upward with the arts.” Such a strong, wonderful influence on so many of us. Very sorry to hear that he passed.
I struggled in my first Econ course which was with Bob. He offered patient assistance and support, and eventually everything clicked. I went on to major in Econ and can still remember Bob’s “onward and upward with the arts”. He later gave me valuable career advice. Rest in peace Bob; you are missed by all you touched.
What a brilliant and caring professor Bob Will was. I owe my career in international development to him. And for many years I emulated him by ending staff meetings with onward and upward with the arts.
I first took Bob Will's Econ 10 course as a lucky stroke in my first year that led me to change my plans and major in economics. He also taught a wonderful course on contemporary issues, theories, and philosophies, that included limits to growth, Galbraith (who would eventually visit campus briefly), and an inspiring commentary on Thorstein Veblen -- his ideas of conspicuous consumption, the theory of the leisure class, his intellectual origins at Carleton, and Veblen's "curious animal magnetism" associated with his checkered academic career path. Bob Will once wrote me that he was "kicking stumps for a week" after I chose to go to business school immediately after I graduated from Carleton in 1979 (I relented and got a PhD in economics subsequently). I use ideas all the time in my academic work that he and Ada Mae Harrison exposed me to, recalling with pleasure specific elements of their classes. I expect that Bob Will has had a similar positive effect on many lives. Bob Will was an inspired economics prof and all about the liberal arts!
Several years back I received a copy of the letter that Bob had written to Harvard Business School as a recommendation for me. It was a great and gracious letter - and it worked!
This led to some brief correspondence between us.
I had many great professors at Carleton and Harvard, but Bob ranks in the top group.
Bob was a lovely and kind person who always sought to build people up. Whenever I saw him, he always asked about my research and teaching, and was unfailingly positive, encouraging, interested, and enthusiastic. At All Saints Episcopal Church, he always sat toward the front row, and greeted everyone with a smile and with well wishes, always inquiring about the goings on of their lives, and responding with positive affirmations. He and his late wife Barbara hosted wonderful Easter egg hunts and other activities for neighborhood children at their home. I also enjoyed seeing Bob over the years at Blue Monday and then at Martha's. He was always enjoying his coffee and breakfast item, as well as the New York Times and other newspapers. Finally, I was fortunate to continue to see Bob regularly at Northfield Retirement Community when I went to visit my mom there. Just as he had done at Carleton, in church, and in town, Bob took an interest in his fellow residents there and created community and great conversation, and offered kindness to everyone. He always drew people out and knew how to get them to share their ideas and experiences. He was a wonderful citizen of the Northfield community, and I will miss him and am so glad I had the privilege of knowing him.
To this day I tell myself & others "Onward and Upward with the Arts." I had forgotten where I learned that, but it must have been ingrained in me from Bob. I was not the best Economics student, but I enjoyed Bob's classes. He encouraged me to continue and I did major in Economics. I am very lucky to have such great Professors, and now when I tell others "Onward and Upward with the Arts" I'll also tell them what great Professor taught me that. Mahalo Bob.
I finally had Bob my senior year when I was beginning to become more comfortable thinking bigger thoughts triggered by Martha’s first Cambridge Seminar the previous summer. I was captivated, inspired, and motivated. He sparked my love of public policy; was endlessly amused when I briefly dated a lovely person with two nobels in her family tree; and through my infrequent letters, he followed my career journeys to New Zealand and Asia, but then as happens too often with life and business, my infrequent writing stopped and touch was lost. I am a poor vessel for all the amazing people like Bob who have had such impact on me, but I do try to carry my many wonderful memories of him and how he made me feel about economics and life. I am very sorry he is gone.
I feel so lucky to have been on a Zoom call with Bob just a couple years ago. I only hope to live as long and as well. As he did with countless others, Bob gave my life a nudge at just the right time and changed the trajectory forever. For that and for getting to know the wisdom of such a wonderful, generous, kind, intelligent soul, I am eternally grateful. Your spirit will live forever.
I wrote Bob a letter after I graduated from Kellogg MBA School, thanking him and the other Econ professors for helping me develop critical thinking, analytical and business writing skills. I was well prepared for MBA school and my future career, in spite of not having the variety of business classes as classmates from other colleges and universities. Bob wrote a personal letter back to me 43 years later thanking me for my note, asking me about my career and updating me on his activities.
Mr. Will had an enduring impact on my life and career. Sensing I might be adrift personally and intellectually, he offered me a job babysitting his kids. My farther had recently died, and I was at a distance from my family in Seattle. He also stimulated my interest in labor economics and, as others have mentioned, wrote a persuasive letter of recommendation for my admittance to University of Minnesota graduate program in Industrial Relations. Throughout my life and career, his joyful reminder at the end of each class that there is beauty and kindness in the world served me well. "Onward and upwards" Mr. Will.
Professor Will had a profound impact on me. Back in the last week of January 1984, I went to him and explained that I wanted to apply to the University of Lancaster's Junior Year Abroad program as well as wanting to major in econ, despite just having taken his econ 10 class. The deadline was at the end of January, would he give me a reference? He was more than happy to as he explained that he'd help start the program back when Lancaster was founded in the early 1960s. I duly went, had a great year and met my future husband there. A few years later, I moved to the UK. My life would have taken a very different turn if he had not been incredibly kind and agreed to give that reference so readily.
I very much enjoyed the classes I took from him in my senior year as well -- the one on 3rd World Econ and the other econ theory have both proved useful...which may sound surprising given that I write historical fiction for a living but that is life.
I will always remember Professor Will's humanity and simple human kindness as well as his many sayings -- how martinis were the drug of choice for his generation, that Thorsten Veblen was a little bit cracked and that suited the department and of course Onwards and upwards with the Arts. He was an important part of my Carleton experience and I know the world is a better place for his having been in it.
In the 1960's Bob Will's course on the economics of underdeveloped countries was a very popular econ course at Carleton. Long before "social entrepreneurship" was used to describe innovating on behalf of the poor; Bob Will's course focused students on projects that would propose ways to enhance economic development in poor countries.. The course taught students how to apply economic theories and principles to real world problems (and hopefully solutions). For me (and many others) this was the most interesting course I took at Carleton during my four years. Bob Will was an entertaining and informative professor; his classes were useful and fun. Sometimes class would meet at his house-- he was the only professor I had that did this. Even 30 years after I was at Carleton, Bob was still involved with College activities; I think he attended more of our son's baseball games than we did. One story that Bob told me several times was how he negotiated to buy his home of many years from the College (President John Nason was the last resident), and how he persuaded Treasurer Frank Wright to include all the curtains in the purchase price; what made his story cool was that the curtains were REALLY ugly. Bob was also very involved with Northfield, and he encouraged me to do a senior independent study to propose an economic development plan for Northfield. I doubt that my plan did much for Northfield, but it led to me getting a Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning at UNC-Chapel Hill; I still have Bob's letter of recommendation (he sent a copy to me when cleaning out his office) that helped me get admitted. during my brief teaching career I copied his class closing phrase "onward and upward with the arts."
Forgot my favorite Bob Will story: at our fifth reunion he was standing outside the lunch tent. I came up to him and said; "hello Professor Will, I'm Eric Carlson." His response: "of course you are."
I am so grateful to have had Professor Will as my academic advisor at Carleton. He was a keen mentor, and sensing Economics wasn't going to be my lifelong passion despite choosing it as a major, encouraged me to continue exploring electives outside the department. He was a great source of support when my mother died junior year.
A post-Carleton joy were visits with Professor Will whenever I was back on campus. His continued interest in my life beyond Carleton exemplified such great kindness, and I always cherished the hour or two we spent together chatting and catching up. During our penultimate visit he honored me with stories of his life as a young man and beyond. I hope he enjoyed the visits as much as I did.
My deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him - his life was truly a blessing as will be his memory.
Bob Will represented the best of Carleton. He cared so deeply about all of his students and somehow managed to make each of us feel like we were the only student in his class. I will forever remember not just his classes, his great intellect, his teaching ability, but truly his determination to make a difference with each and every student. He represented the very best of what makes Carleton so special.
I'll never forget him. I'm so sorry and my very best to his family.
He made us all better. Thank you Bob.
Two people and one institution changed the trajectory of my life. In my sophomore year I took Bob's Labor Economics course. In sixth grade I told my teacher I wanted to get a PhD in Economics, but having struggled through Ada Harrison's Micro Economics course my freshman year, I was no longer so sure. Bob changed that. His passion for the subject, his openness to looking at issues from multiple perspectives and the use of different paradigms to give new insights was amazing. It was almost 60 years ago but I remember every book we read. I took every course Bob and Ada taught and loved them all. Carleton gave me the opportunity to spend a week at Northwestern University Business School, in the summer after my junior year, to interact with faculty and successful business executives. I had never considered a career in business but that program introduced new options. I applied to MBA programs and PhD programs in Economics at the University of Chicago and Harvard. The winter of my senior year I got a letter from Harvard saying they were starting a new program in Business Economics run jointly by the Economics Department and the Business School. I have never learned why I got that letter though I am sure Ada Harrison, who earned her PhD at Harvard, had something to do with it. I applied. But what surprised me even more was that I was accepted. Four years later I graduated with with a PhD in Business Economics.
I stayed in touch with Bob for the rest of his time at Carleton. i would often go to teach a class in one of his courses to show how economics could be used in business. My relationship with Bob and Barbara as well as Ada lasted the rest of their lives. But I still never knew how I got into Harvard. When Bob moved out of his house, he cleaned out his files and sent me a carbon copy of my recommendation to Harvard. I told him later that I had no idea who he was talking about and only wished I had met him. But there is no question in my mind that his glowing recommendation was one of the main reasons I was accepted into the program. His inspiration along with Ada's and a gentle nudge from his recommendation changed my life. Onward and upward with the Arts.
Hi Mike,
Good to see your name again and learn you story. Yes, Bob made a major impact on a great many of us over the years.
I can only second what others have said. Bob was the model of a talented and gracious teacher; probably one of the models I unconsciously followed in my 35 years of teaching.
What an amazing person Bob Will was and he will long be remembered by all that knew him. His legacy at Carleton will be carried forward by his daughters, Jennifer (Carleton grad) and Leslie (Carleton employee). I mostly remember Bob and his wife, Barbara, attending convocation and convo lunches and also some of the Carleton Holiday Parties or Employee Recognition events. Always so personable and gracious, he and his family are true Carleton through and through. Sending hugs and prayers to the family!
When I entered Bob's 'Principles of Economics--I' course in January 1964, there was little reason to imagine that he and I would become lifelong friends. Bob approached the basic concepts of his discipline with enthusiasm and a focus on eliciting student response. He combined a sense of humanity with a sense of humor in ways that motivated me to persevere, despite my earning a well-deserved C+ in that first part of a two-term sequence. From such unpromising beginnings, largely under Bob's tutelage, I decided on economics as one of my majors.
Two verbal 'signatures' come to mind. Standing at the threshold of a boisterous class, Bob was apt to bring us to attention by calling out "Gentlemen, gentlemen!!" It was not the absence of women in economics classes that elicited this plea, but rather the fact that it was the 'gentlemen' who were being loud. He often ended his classes with the enthusiastic injunction: "Onward and upward with the Arts!"
Bob's approach went well beyond the empirical and theoretical aspects of his discipline. Whenever it seemed relevant to the topic under review, Bob tried to convey a sense of the larger social context. The relative socio-economic homogeneity of Carleton in the mid-1960s motivated Bob to remind his students of their privileged position. In courses on labor economics and on the economies of underdeveloped countries, he would draw attention to topics such as the structural determinants of poverty; the sometimes violent history of US labor relations; the inequalities within and across societies; the uneven impact of economic development. Strange as it may seem in retrospect, for many of us, there was an element of novelty--of genuine discovery--in much of what he taught and in the readings that he assigned. Bob was an educator in the etymological sense of the word: he served as a guide--someone who led his students to an understanding of the ways in which the world can (mal)function. His practice as a teacher combined a firm focus on the essentials with a sense of humor and an appreciation of the indeterminacy of human motives.
Bob and I sustained a friendship over nearly six decades through correspondence and through family visits in Northfield, New York, and London. On my visits to Northfield, Bob and Barbara were gracious and welcoming hosts. Bob was especially keen to show me the many ways in which Carleton had changed, from the Weitz Center to the renovated Willis Hall. In the latter case, he was proud that the economics department was no longer housed in 'broom closets' in the basement of Scoville. Bob was more than another loyal Carleton alumnus: he identified with the life of a college whose spirit he embodied. He welcomed retirement as an opportunity to further broaden his community service in Northfield and beyond.
In a characteristically generous and thoughtful gesture--in the summer of 2015-- Bob returned all correspondence with his old students. My file began with a reference letter that Bob wrote in November 1966 and ended with our most recent correspondence. In the cover note, Bob reminded his old students of some of the elements of a life--an examined life--well-lived:
"Occasionally, you may recall one of my mantras: Onward and upward with the Arts! To Live is to Learn, to Laugh, and to Love (in any order). Do well, but don't forget to do good!
Your final exam for this course will be your life and how you have lived it!"
"With these thoughts in mind, I am curious as to how your final exam is going. At any stage in life, one of the reassurances to an aging professor as to whether it was all worthwhile is hearing from you and learning of your progress along life's often rocky path."
Bob Will and his family were (together with the Porters, Laudie and David) the people from that generation that kept me close to Carleton. Living in the Netherlands means that everyday life is very different but the fact that he and Barbara with all three children came to visit us was the beginning of a lifelong connection.
I´m amazed at how personal he knew us and kept knowing us, after so many years and so many changes. They connected with an automatic interested and concerned reaction when our daughter decided to spend a summer at Carleton summer writing program.
Seriously I don´t know or remember how much economic theory or practice he taught me or even encouraged me to want to know, but personally he was really inspiring. And I’m sure that he recognized how his influence played a role in my professional career.
The last letter he wrote, I think last December, we could hardly read, because of the parkinson handwriting. But imagine even wanting to reply to my family year letter, makes me very humbled. We will miss his model and message every year.
Bob Will was my faculty advisor and helped me decide to major in Economics after I decided Math was not for me (after Dyer-Bennett’s Calculus II). I took Econ 10 spring term freshman year from Bob and several courses from him in following years. Ada Mae and he taught me to think on my feet and to critically question ideas and theories. This was very helpful in my Venture Capital career. I stayed in touch with Bob after Carleton and still have a couple letters he wrote me after I wrote to him after his Son’s and wife’s death. The last time I saw him is when he was honored as the Jesse James Days’ honoree in 2014. He remembered me at the dinner and we had a great conversation. I was always remember Bob and his classic finish to every class “Onward and upward with the arts.”
I join countless others in saying good-bye to Bob Will, mentor, friend, highly-esteemed and deeply-beloved Carleton faculty member of the twentieth century. With loving fondness, we all remember "Onward and Upward with the Arts" and "marginal propensity to consume" with the care and clarity that only comes with great teaching. With a warm welcome and consummate memory, Bob welcomed former students into his home. Others have written and I sagree: Bob Will was the embodiment of all that is Carleton: alumnus, parent, teacher, community servant.
Being in the presence of a great teacher is an incredible privilege. Professor Will was the best I ever had at any level. He made it look easy, which of course it wasn't. He brought his A game every day. I remember sitting in his classroom and feeling a love of learning that could only come from a master of the craft. His charm and wit made it fun no matter the topic. He could make me laugh whenever he wanted. I am also grateful to him and Barbara for their son Jon who was my good friend.
Bob was a great and inspiring teacher. After leaving Carleton, I eventually went on to pursue a PhD in econometrics at Penn. I often said that the most important thing in that process was preventing it from destroying all your practical instincts and common sense. I repeatedly asserted my belief that the roots of economics are in commerce and not mathematics. Bob's holistic approach to economics and life was an important source and sustaining factor in that conviction.
Bob was an excellent example of a life well lived. Rest in peace, old friend!
I love reading all of the stories and remembrances already here about the great Bob Will. For me, as with so many others, he was an indispensable mentor. He organized and led the economics abroad program in Cambridge, which I deeply enjoyed and learned so much from. Beyond that, he worked with staff at The Economist to arrange a fall internship for me, which set me up for tons of future success in my graduate school and early career path. I just cannot imagine the success I've had, without him.
But even more than that: Bob and his late bride Barb were wonderful, welcoming friends to me and to my girlfriend at the time. MaryJanice, a "townee", had no education beyond a high school degree and was dealing with a great deal of turmoil in her personal/education/career life. Rather than look down upon her, as some academic giants might, Bob and Barb embraced her as a friend, invited us both to dinners, spent time talking with and listening to her with a full heart, and made her feel part of our community. It helped my girlfriend and I get through some tough times together, at a critical moment of our relationship. It's ironic that the same weekend Bob passed, MaryJanice and I celebrated 30 years of marriage - another piece of his loving legacy.
What a human being. Onward and upward with the arts, indeed.
Bob Will was the main reason I turned to Economics after figuring out that Math and/or Physics would not be my lifetime focus. He was able to combine the rigor of science (along with Ada Mae) with the social and historical context. I remember that in every course past principles, he would assign a novel that connected to the subject (union organizing for labor and a "Third World" story for development) and a question on the final would be to explain how it related to the topics covered in the course. I also remember his greeting of "Gentlemen", but unlike Yani, I didn't get an explanation that was related to rowdiness. Instead, Bob said it was similar to "Humanity" and covered both genders. Maybe, or maybe it was a way of calming down the few women in the class. I kept in touch over the years, and for our 50th reunion, Bob Will and Bardwell Smith were guests at my table. Bob's parting comment was "I will see you in 5 years." He made it that long, but was not able to come on campus. I am glad that I was able to see him on Zoom a little while ago. At the time, he claimed not to remember a lot about those of us on the call, but of course that was just a joke. He knew us all and remembered everything of importance that we had done since leaving Carleton. I great scholar--and a gentleman.
I was an economics major at Carleton, mainly because of Bob Will. It was an outstanding department--and tough. (I never received an A in economics, yet scored in the high 90's on those graduate school tests and started getting A's again in grad school, where I went on a get a PhD.) Bob was tough, but also a humanist and supremely fair. And had a great sense of humor, and a wry smile. "Onward and upward with the arts!" Carleton--and I and so many others--will miss you.
I loved taking Econ 10 from Bob, it was a delight being in his classroom.
I majored in economics and had Ada Harrison, and Bob Will. Great teachers and wonderful people whose friendship meant the world to me.
Thanks to each of you for the wonderful recollections of Prof Will. Like many of you, he had a deep impact on my life, although I was not an Econ major. I'll be writing a column for a number of Mn newspapers, citing a few of the things that many of you mentioned. When the column is published, I will post it here.
Huge thanks to Prof Will, and many thanks to each of you for posting such thoughtful, insightful recollections.
Bob was a wonderful family friend; a father figure, someone with whom we shared many memorable and delightful moments over the past twenty-three years. We feel very fortunate to have known him and we will miss him!
Bob and Barbara were always interested in people – all types of people, different people – and were drawn to “adopting” many of them. They were generous with their time and opened the doors to their house on many occasions. We tried to reciprocate as best we could. One of my fondest memories of just such an occasion was when my Polish friends came to visit and all of us plus Bob went to Millersburg for excellent hamburgers (plus beer) and, on Bob’s urging, to play horseshoes (Bob did very well, as he did in most things).
Just a year ago in the summer, when I got back from my vacation in Poland, I went to visit him at the Retirement Center and brought him some Polish chocolates (he liked chocolate!). We talked about everything but mostly Bob wanted to know everything about the Ukrainian refugee situation in Poland. As always, he was well informed and offered thoughtful opinions. Before I left, he asked me to arrange the garden flowers that I had brought in front of Barbara’s portrait photo on a shelf in his room just so he could see it from his armchair. He loved and missed her and the best things and thoughts were reserved for her.
I was on a committee for a review of the Economics Department in a year that was close to Bob's retirement. I remember that one of my tasks was to interview Bob. As I left that session, I remember thinking that I had just had a terrific example of how to stay an engaged teacher and colleague right up to retirement.
I took an Economic Rhetoric course with Professor Will and absolutely loved it. He would videotape us as we gave presentations. I remember all of us laughing as we figured out that my eyebrows would go crazy while I presented. He brought so much JOY to the study of economics and I will forever be grateful to him for that. I am a 2nd grade teacher and it is teachers like Professor Will who inspire me to care about my students and to pass on a love of learning. Onward and upward indeed, Professor Will! You will live on in our hearts.
Bob Will was an outstanding teacher who inspired me to go on for a Ph.D. in economics. He was a master at taking the technical aspects of economic analysis and connecting it to his deep concern for human welfare. His classes strongly conveyed his passion for economics and he also was great at getting to know his students outside of the classroom. I chose Carleton based on its reputation for excellent teaching and my first class with Bob quickly made me feel I had made the right choice. He was very supportive of my grad school ambitions and, through that support, made a big impact on my life. I can tell from the comments above that he helped inspire and support many other students as well. Along with many others, I will always remember his infectious grin and his trademark "Onward and upward with the arts." He will be missed.
I worked closely with Bob on the American Studies Committee from 1970 until
his retirement. Then, I joined him on the Northfield Heritage Preservation Commission in town.
Bob was one of the most encouraging and supportive faculty members at Carleton. He was
a joy to work with, always positive, helpful, and pleasant. With a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle,
he was committed to helping faculty and students alike. To me, he was a wonderful role model.
It took me several months since receiving notice of Bob's passing to have the perspective necessary to feel comfortable writing a note.
Ah, college for many of us represented the transition from being a protected caterpillar inside a cocoon, to slowly beginning to emerge as a butterfly. For those of us lucky enough to attend Carleton, and for those of us lucky enough to have known Bob Will, our respective transitions and subsequent lives were much better due to him.
This man came disguised as an Economics Professor who had the talent to teach economics using both humor and the weirdest of analogies. But this Professor was also a very gentle and authentic man who had an endless curiousity for getting to know each of his students.
And as we got to know him, he became our "rock" when we emerged from the cocoon after our departure from Carleton and we stayed in touch with him - he was a "grounding force" as we encountered the forces of real life and had to learn to stand for something and to live up to our potential. He gave us courage.
And it was a different time (no internet or email) because as this relationship evolved, the letters kept on being exchanged and Bob kept each one in the respective files. Each file represented a "bet" that Bob had made - Bob gave us love, affection, and his time and now he wanted to keep track of how "his butterflies" were making a difference in the world.
Of course I know of Bob Will's death, but to borrow a phrase, I don't have to believe it if I don't want to. Instead, I choose to think that we were all blessed to have his train stop at our station for a awhile, albeit too briefly. He freely distributed his many gifts, enriching us all, and he has now re-boarded, headed for another destination, his soul very much alive.
No, I don't believe in Bob's death if I don't want to because part of him remains in each of us. We are more curious and empathetic because of Bob. We know intuitively that "we get what we give" because of Bob. We try to be "more present" so that chance encounters can become lifelong relationships because of Bob. And there are so many shades of Bob in how he helped each one of us.
No, I don't believe in Bob's death. This man represented the best of America and as a student from Ecuador, he "bent the arc of my life" so that I could live my own version of the American dream. Thank you, Bob, and godspeed to your next destination. You left a lot of folks behind you who will continue to spread your many gifts. We will miss you.
I wish there was a way to publish a picture of 8 of us after Spring Comps in '78 standing with Bob outside of Leighton Hall. In the middle of it all was the beer keg we'd had deliverd about 2 blue books into the three hour session. Bob was proctoring and after a slight hesitation, he welcomed the arrival of the keg. As we wrote, test takers (and Bob) helped themselves. Bob was my favorite professor. Great wit, so knowledgeable, seemingly always available and approachable. What a great human being!
Bob Will was a bright star in the vast pantheon of Carleton professor mentors. Many moons have passed since he moved into the light last June. It’s hard for me to write this farewell, as it has been sad to say farewell to other beloved Carleton professors.
I am so grateful to have seen him one last time on a gray Sunday afternoon last year after Reunion. We spent a cheery hour reminiscing and I have a lovely photo of us as a memory. He was cheerful, as always, looking for ways to help at the nursing home. He spoke of delivering packages to other residents and he looked forward to helping care for youngsters at the daycare center coming to the retirement home. He even had some book recommendations for me. He was thin and seemed weak yet full of life. To my surprise, Leslie let me know he passed away a week after my visit.
My life was indelibly touched by Bob in so many ways: his sage career advice, persuasive graduate school recommendations, infectious joie de vivre, wisdom and knowledge, puckish wit and deep concern for me and legions of other Carls (as the farewells above so eloquently affirm).
Bob truly represents the best of Carleton and I was blessed to be introduced by him to the field of economics, even though he apparently could not remember my name correctly. As I have two first names, he would avoid error by saying “Scott Craig or Craig Scott, whichever it is, what do you think about this economic question?” To his credit, the fear of getting my name wrong never dissuaded him from testing my learning.
Like the others, I remember fondly the way he ended each class, exhorting us to move “onward and upward with the arts,” a phrase I have used repeatedly over the years to inspire loved ones and colleagues. I, too, remember the frequent admonishment to have “cool heads and warm hearts,” wisdom that has helped me in times of enthusiasm and sadness.
Bob and I corresponded over the years, exchanging letters and updates. He helped me decide which graduate schools to attend to prepare for a career in international development (which turned into international business!). I always enjoyed kibitzing with him during my regular visits to campus. I was amazed to receive in the mail, some years ago, all the letters I wrote to him along with the graduate school recommendations he wrote (he was too generous in his praise of me, but I can’t complain).
Bob is and was an inspiration. He had a warm, loving heart and tried to help others. And he had a keen and wise mind. May we all take some inspiration from him and his well-lived life.
Rest in peace, dear friend and mentor….
Professor Will was a very special man. I am a '95 alum. A few years ago, he sent me a letter I had sent him way back when I was a student that he had kept all these years. I hope, at the right time, I remember to do that with the few letters I have kept that long.