J. ROBERT ECKERTJ. ROBERT ECKERT was nominated by his friend and classmate, Robert Pasciullo, just prior to his death.  He is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contributions to making the Alumni Association what it is today. 

Bob is an alumnus of the class of 1948. Bob’s early years were spent growing up in Buffalo where his parents had emigrated to from Germany in the mid 1920’s. The family moved to Rensselaer in 1932, when Bob was 4, so his father could find work in the General Aniline.  Due to his mother’s incapacitating illness Bob had to raise his younger brother and shoulder many of the household duties.  His childhood was not as carefree as most yet he grew up to be elected in his senior poll as “most carefree, wittiest and best dancer”.  Bob’s school years were filled with developing his character by being a champion for those being bullied, and participating in many activities, varsity sports, class plays and musicals. After HS he joined the Army serving in Camp Hood TX and remained in the reserves for 7 yrs during and after the Korean War. Bob enjoyed a 40 yr career as an auto dealer for a Capital area’s leading dealership where he earned the title of “Mr. Pontiac” for his successes. Bob belongs to the Class of 1948, which was inducted, as a whole, into the Hall of Fame in 2013 because of its contribution to the establishment of the Centennial Award and for the resurrection of the dormant Alumni Association.  He played a key role in the 2 yr fund raising campaign by the class which lead to the Centennial Award, and has become the “official” Centennial Award presenter at graduation.  When the association was re-activated in 2011 to replenish the Centennial fund, Bob was a leader on the committee for the fund raising dinner.  He continues to be an active and contributing member the association by attending meetings and all events and volunteering to help and support its efforts.