CHICAGO (December 19, 2019) - The Loyola University Chicago Athletics Department is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Robert ("Bob") L. Parkinson, Jr., BBA '73, MBA '75, chairman of Loyola University Chicago's Board of Trustees, who passed away peacefully today after a brief illness, surrounded by his family at home.
 
"We are saddened to learn of Bob's passing," Loyola Director of Athletics Steve Watson said.  "Bob was a true Loyolan, who embodied the Jesuit mantra of being a person for others. He was an ardent supporter and friend of Rambler Athletics, who shared in our commitment to improving the student-athlete experience and was a critical piece to our success. Along with the entire Loyola community, we offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Betty, and family."
 
Bob met his wife Betty when they were both students and resident advisors at Loyola. Bob and Betty's commitment to Loyola has had a transformative impact on all aspects of Loyola University Chicago. Their extraordinary philanthropy in a diversity of areas—including student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and student services—reflects Bob and Betty's shared passion for Jesuit, Catholic education and for inspiring the next generation of women and men to be of service in our world.

A renowned and innovative leader in health care, Bob was the chairman and chief executive officer of Baxter International Inc. from 2004 until 2015. He was dean of the Quinlan School of Business from 2002 to 2004. Previously, Bob had a distinguished 25-year career at Abbott Laboratories, serving a variety of domestic and international management and leadership positions before retiring as president in 2001.

Bob's love for Loyola and his impact on the entire Loyola community, especially its students, is truly immeasurable. He was an extraordinarily passionate and compassionate servant leader who inspired all of us with his energy, enthusiasm, wisdom, and wit. Bob was the number one Rambler, always attentive to how to enliven the mission to benefit students and to make Loyola alumni proud.

"Bob meant so much to me from the moment I took the job at Loyola nine years ago," Loyola men's basketball head coach Porter Moser said. "He was the most positive, high-energy individual I know and his passion and love for Loyola was contagious. From the beginning, he believed that we would be a championship program and was so proud of the fact that we were doing it the right way with high-character student-athletes."

The University Community will gather for a Mass of Remembrance and celebration of Bob's life in the Madonna della Strada Chapel at the Lake Shore Campus in the new year.