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Robert Hemenway Obituary
Robert "Bob" Hemenway, pioneering African American Literature scholar, lifelong educator, and 16th Chancellor of the University of Kansas, passed away on Friday in Lenexa, Kansas. He was 73.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. August 9th, at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics in Lawrence, following a private burial service.
Hemenway, a graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha (BA, '63) and Kent State University (PhD, '66), will be remembered for his seminal work, the first biography of Harlem Renaissance novelist Zora Neale Hurston, which was named a New York Times' Best Book of 1978. Subsequent articles in the Times referred to the book as "groundbreaking" and "revelatory." Hemenway's work and original research is regarded as a principal force in the worldwide resurgence of Hurston's fiction. When Hurston died penniless in 1960, none of her books were in print. Today, Hurston's masterpiece Their Eyes Were Watching God is required reading for most high school literature courses.
He will also be remembered as a dedicated educator and community leader who had a career spanning nearly six decades as a professor, scholar, mentor, and administrator. After serving as Chair of the English Department at the University of Kentucky and Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma, he returned as Chancellor of the University of Kentucky's Lexington campus, before being named Chancellor of the University of Kansas in 1995.
Affectionately known as "Chancellor Bob," Hemenway led the University of Kansas to a top 30 ranking in the US News and World Report evaluation of all national universities. He also oversaw a renaissance of the University of Kansas Medical Center, culminating in a committed drive starting in 2006 to gain National Cancer Institute Designation, signifying the highest possible standards of national cancer research, an achievement which was realized six years later.
Even as he became an administrator, Hemenway never lost his passion for teaching and engaging with students. He led 7:30 am English and American Studies courses throughout his tenure as Chancellor. Hemenway also served as Chair of the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education.
Upon retirement in 2009, his legacy was honored by the Dole Institute Robert Hemenway Award for Outstanding Public Service, and by the Robert E. Hemenway Life Sciences Innovation Center, a 200,000 square foot research facility on the KU Medical Center's campus.
Around the university, Hemenway was known for his straw hats and warm, personable approach, often stopping to chat with students, professors, personnel, and parents during the regular campus walks he took with his wife.
Hemenway will be remembered by his wife of 34 years, Leah, as well as his daughter Gina Ruskamp (and husband Ron), his daughter Robin (and husband Gary), his son Jeremy (and wife Kim), his daughter Karintha (and husband Matthias), his son Langston (and partner Heather), his son Matthew (and wife Laura-Kathrin), his son Zack (and wife Meghan), his son Arna (and wife Marissa), as well as 12 grandchildren. He encouraged his children and students alike to always, in the words of Hurston, "jump at the sun," because "we might not land on the sun, but at least we'll get off the ground."
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Robert E. Hemenway Scholarship at the University of Kansas. Gifts may be sent care of KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hemenway
Judy Smith
January 30, 2019
Bob visited us in Dakar, Senegal in January, 1999, when my husband was ambassador. I don't remember why, but he had lunch at our residence and gave us his book, which he inscribed. I am just reading it now, as I prepare to lead a Wellesley book club discussion on Zora Neale Hurston. I wanted to communicate with Bob and thank him for the book, so was saddened to read that he died in 2015. My husband, Dane Smith, and I send our sympathy to all of the family.
Bob Carlson
August 28, 2015
From the time that your family moved to Lawrence, I have enjoyed our relationship and how much you have meant to the University and to Lawrence. It is with a heavy heart and warm memories of a very good man that I recall Dr. Hemenway. God bless you Leah and all your family and give you strength in the difficult time.
Kwame Domfeh
August 17, 2015
As a one-year (1998-99) non-degree graduate student from West Africa, Bob was a source of hope and inspiration to me. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Omofolabo Ajayi-Soyinka
August 9, 2015
May the memories of your time together here keep you strong, and help through this period. Smiles will light up your faces again. My thoughts are with you all.
Warmly, Omofolabo.
August 7, 2015
Dear Leah and family-My thoughts and prayers are with you all. We first met Bob at a Chancellors Club event in LA when he first become Chancellor. He clearly stated his goals for the University and we were both so impressed with his vision. My husband (not an Alum) was SOLD on KU after listening to Bob speak. This is the best compliment I can give. I will always be grateful for that night for it lead me to have the support from home to get involved in various parts of the University. As a result, I had the opportunity to work and spend time with Bob, personally. A wonderful man. He will be missed. God Bless you all. Steve and Sheri Welter Hauck
MaryElizabeth Debicki
August 6, 2015
Dearest Leah, My prayers have been with you for these difficult years. Thanks to you and Bob for many happy memories,,,,
God bless you and your wonderful family. I'm happy you will have their support at this time. Come to see me when it is appropriate.
August 6, 2015
To the Hemenway family,
Bob was one of the first people I went to see when I came to Lawrence to found Bishop Seabury Academy. From that moment on, Bob became a mentor and a guide, sharing his wisdom on how to create a rich academic environment. Seabury is a better institution because of his influence. When Arna joined the student body, we were blessed further as he and Leah became part of the family. Barbara and I have fond memories of the richness and friendship the Hemenway family bestowed upon the Academy and us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kris and Barbara Pueschel
August 6, 2015
Dear Leah and Family,
We are so sorry for you loss and the loss of a great chancellor for the University of Kansas. Bob was a friend as well as a strong supporter of his faculty and a fine human being. We will all miss him very much.
Our deepest sympathies for your loss,
Mary Lou and Eli Michaelis
Betty Pickerel
August 5, 2015
Leah and family: I wish you many prayers and healing. It was great to have Bob as Chancellor when I was a KU employee, and I enjoyed our visits at Central Jr. High while my daughter(s) were cheerleaders when your son played basketball. May your days be filled with love and joy during these difficult days, weeks, and years to come.
Anita Herzfeld
August 4, 2015
Thinking of you, Leah and the children I know, I am sending you my sincere sympathy for the great loss of a genuinely kind human being. I truly enjoyed our times together abroad, during which I got to know you and Bob, and thought the world of both. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Anita (Herzfeld)
August 4, 2015
Our condolences and prayers of comfort during this sorrowful time.
Gipp Family - Al, Freda, Jennifer (Bonilla-Scotten), Elena and Frederick
Cherisa Dulin
August 4, 2015
Leah and Family,
Chancellor Hemenway was a lovely man as is your family. He will be missed. Sending prayers and sympathies your way. Sincerely, Cherisa Dulin & Zaine Williams
Rev. William & Mrs. And Daniel Dulin
August 4, 2015
To Lea and family,
We give our love and sympathy and may God Bless you in your season of bereavement.
Sincerely,
Rev. And Mrs. Dulin and Daniel
Susan Twombly
August 4, 2015
Leah and family,
I am sorry for your loss and for what is a loss to the entire KU community. Bob as chancellor, along with Dave Shulenburger, gave me many opportunities to become involved in the campus community for which I will ever be grateful. He had a knack for remembering names and for making people feel as ease.
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