Robert Lewis Cord

I was fortunate to have Professor Cord in 1970 in a Political Science class..he was one of my favorite professors in the 5 years I spent at Northeastern. We were so lucky to have him as a teacher. Great lecturer and listener.

I was a young New Yorker and Political Science and History major when I arrived in Boston in 1984 as a transfer to Northeastern after some troubled road at a rather prestigious and more liberal university in the early 80s. Dr. Cord and a few others recognized my potential and I quickly made sure I took everything he was teaching. He helped turn me into a scholar with a sense of both civic duty and pride. I don't know why I googled him today as we had not spoken or conversed in perhaps a decade or more and I was sorry to learn of his passing. He touched the lives of his students with powerful lecture and asked us to dig deep for full comprehension of the implications of our lives and actions. His constitutional law classes were perhaps the most difficult I have ever undertaken but so worthy and rewarding. Later when working with James St Clair at his offices in Boston, I related to him the conceptual differences and deficiencies of expressed, implied, inferred and inherent constitutional powers as only a student of Cord could. St Clair recommended me to the firm even though I wasn't a attorney. I went on to purse my MPA, MCP and during graduate school still called upon Dr Robert for guidance and direction. He was Plato on earth and as much a philosopher to his students as he was a friend. RIP Dr Cord.

For some reason this morning I googled professor Cord. I wasn't surprised to discover that he had passed but even though I haven't seen him in over 30 years my memories of being in his class came flooding back to me. Professor Cord was one of my favorites while I was at Northeastern. His courses were difficult but engaging. I had an ongoing contest with another student to see which of us could get the best grades and my opponent avoided professor Cord's classes because of their difficulty. I relished every one of his lectures. RIP professor Cord.

My favorite professor; I took every course he offered. Paul Carey, B.A. in Political Science. NU Class of '72.

Bob told us a story in class one day. William F. Buckley was coming to NU to sit on a panel, or give a talk on conservatism, or something like that. Protocol would have a work study student drive a NU car to Logan, park it in front of the terminal, and hold a "Buckley" placard at the gate as passengers got off the plane. Bob was aware of Buckley´s visit and inserted himself into the work study role. On the drive from the airport to the hotel he had a conversation with Mr. Buckley. By the time they got to the hotel - they had become friendly enough that Bob said: "If you play your cards right, then I´ll let you come and speak to my class someday."

Unfortunately, that was not my class. But it was a privilege to be in any class he taught. Professor Cord was generous with his intellect, his warmth, and the good fashion in which he represented Northeastern University. He is chief among the many reasons I will forever be glad to be a Northeastern alumnus.

I graduated from NU in 1977 with the fondest memories of my college years. I took as many classes as possible with Prof. Cord, including Poly Sci and Constitutional Law. He was a prof who challenged his students to think deeply. We hung onto every word of every lecture. I too saved my Constitutional Law books and notebooks. I remember going to Chinatown with him and other students for lively discussions. I will be forever grateful to those years in Boston and for this magnificent educator.

I graduated from Northeastern in 1991 and I retain only one notebook from the university. My constitution law notes which I refer to from time to time.

Bob was an outstanding professor who brought out the best in all of us.

Deepest sympathies to his family.

I took every Political Science course available to me taught by Professor Cord as an undergrad. I loved his presence, concise teaching method(s) and great oratory skills. We became friends outside of class and he gave me great personal and professional advice that changed (for the better) my academic and professional career. I am deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He helped me to meet and get well-acquainted with the leading Democratic Congressional party officials of the mid-1980s, including House Speaker, Thomas "Tip" O'Neill and Edward "Ted" Kennedy, among many others - an unforgettable experience. Everyone who took the opportunity to learn from Professor Cord was made better by it. Rest In Peace, my friend and mentor, you served humanity, me and your students well.

Hands down the best teacher I ever had - and the one who influenced my life as a learner and a teacher the most.

Words can´t describe how sorry I am at this loss.

A wonderful man who was a pleasure to know