Bob Lumsden

Bob Lumsden has long had a connection with Champaign-Urbana and the University of Illinois.  Both of his parents worked for the University, and, indeed, he was born at the old Burnham Hospital in 1931.  Growing up in the Twin Cities, he recalls visiting his parents’ workplaces, and thus has always been familiar with the University.  When it came time for college, the choice was obvious: U of I. 

He majored in marketing and enjoyed his time as a student, recalling Professor Frank Beach’s classes as being the motivation for his major selection.  Attending from 1949 to 1953, he participated in ROTC, joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and attended sporting events.  Following graduation, he served in the Army for two years, and then worked in sales in Nebraska and Chicago until the early 1960s. 

Then, he answered an advertisement for a “Coordinator of Campus Tours” back at the University of Illinois, and after getting the job, returned to Champaign-Urbana.  He thoroughly enjoyed that position, arranging visits to campus for myriad groups: kindergarten students from the community, foreign soldiers from Chanute Air Force Base, and State officials being just a few. 

In 1975, he changed jobs, moving to the University of Illinois Alumni Association, where he really hit his stride.  Over the next fifteen years or so, Bob helped arrange the creation of the Student Alumni Association (later Student Alumni Ambassadors), and guided the group in the revitalization of Homecoming, the creation of Lunch on the Quad, Finals Survival Kits, and other fundraising and promotional efforts. 

Over the course of his long and distinguished career, he most enjoyed the connections he made with students, with Josh Grafton and Kip Kuster being two he was particularly close with.  As of fall 2024, he is in a well-deserved retirement, but still enjoys returning to the University for alumni and sporting events.  He received the Lou Liay Spirit Award in 2020.