DR. ROBERT KERBER

Just ran across this obituary from 2019. I worked as a summer intern with Professor Kerber the summer of 1977. He was a brilliant and kind man who showed me the ropes and enabled me to succeed my first year in Grad School. One story: Bob also had an Asian student who started working in the lab the same summer I did. Because he felt his Chinese name would be too difficult for us to pronounce he announced that his American name would be "Ed", the same as mine. With a chuckle Bob said "No. This...

Professor Kerber was one in a million. In 2001, He asked if I would be interested in filling out a form providing my feedback as a former student to advise whether he should receive the SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professorship. Below is my response. He was a beautiful soul that inspired many!

October 29, 2001

Dear Professor Ojima,

Recently I received notification that you are preparing a file for the nomination of Professor Kerber for the SUNY Distinguished...

Robert and I were second Kerber cousins. Over the years we shared a lot of family history. My very deepest sympathy to his family.

I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Prof. Kerber. I was a student in his Honors Chemistry class in my freshman year in fall of 2002 and spring of 2003 semesters. Prof. Kerber imparted his love of chemistry to me and to many and it was felt through his down-to-earth character, and caring, understanding, and humble attitude towards all and in everything he approached. It was an honor and a privilege to be in his class, and thank you for stimulating a deep respect for chemistry,...

Included are also some words from emeritus about Kerber's four scores (80 years) accomplishments: Some from faculty & friends, students & alumni.
As an assistant professor with an office just a few doors down from him, I benefited greatly from Bob's wisdom and good cheer. In his later years, he was always a welcome visitor to the Department with his dog Penny. Bob contributed greatly to the Department and the University, and he will be greatly missed.-Chair: Dr. Nancy Goroff I was deeply...