A. Robert Boelte, Jr. 

Linda Tracey Brandon, Portrait Artist
Bob Boelte (1937-2015) held administrative roles for a quarter century, but students in his English and history classes remember the passion and excitement for learning he instilled.
They fought to get into classes such as Ancient Medieval History and Word Wealth because “The Coach” made them fun while also challenging, Collie Krausnick ’79 said. “He had a way of relating with students that garnered respect, even when he was yelling, ‘Boy, you’re on call,’ which meant a leash shorter than short. He had a way of knocking you down a step then pulling you up two … a real gift.” 

Arriving at MUS in 1969, the New Orleans-native, Jesuit-educated teacher drove a Fiat convertible and had a 3-by-2 foot “Eye” over his desk to help enforce the Honor Code.

In 1978 he took on the dual role of director of Admissions (through 1993) and director of College Counseling (until his retirement in 2003). He believed his most important role, however, was as teacher and mentor. “The relationship that educators have with young people is a very, very important one,” he said. “The most important thing MUS offers our students is a respect for them.” 

Some of his self-described “Boelte Boys,” led by Stilly McFadden ’75 and Wiley Robinson ’75, established the A. Robert Boelte, Jr. Chair of Excellence in Teaching in 2002 to honor their teacher and the indelible impression he left upon them.
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