The University of Rochester has lost a giant. Last night Bob Sproull, the seventh president of the University, died peacefully at the age of 96. Bob served as provost from 1968 to 1970 and as president from 1970 to 1984. He will be remembered as a champion of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, for his support for graduate education and the humanities, and his success in the capital campaign that ended in 1980. In Bob’s honor, the Omega EP Laser Facility at our Laser Lab was designated the Robert L. Sproull Center for Ultra High Intensity Laser Research in 2005.
I was privileged to have had many visits with Bob during the last few years. Until close to the end, he remained a keen observer of recent developments at the University and in national politics. He was notably humble and shrewd during our conversations.
A memorial service will be held for Bob, and I look forward to communicating details concerning this service when they are arranged.
Below is the announcement that we are sending to members of the University family and sharing with the broader Rochester community.