Dear Beach Community:

It is with deep sadness that I share the news that former CSULB President Robert “Bob” Maxson has passed away.

Because of Bob’s upbeat, big-hearted, hands-on leadership style, his loss is a personal one for many our alumni, and community who worked here or attended here when Bob served as CSULB president from 1994 to 2006. I worked with Bob in my role as university counsel, and I was delighted to hear from him again, just a couple of weeks ago, when he reached out — as gracious and enthusiastic as ever — to offer his congratulations and support as I began my new role.

In fact, as you might remember, it was Bob Maxson who came up with “The Beach” and “Go Beach” — terms that forever changed how people on and beyond campus think and talk about our university.

Bob’s achievements were many but perhaps most transformative were his efforts to make student success the central strategic goal of our campus. And his belief in our students was reciprocated: Bob was the first CSU president to receive the California State Student Association's University President of the Year Award, and those wins became so frequent that student leaders eventually retired his name from consideration and renamed their award the Robert C. Maxson President of the Year Award in his honor.

Today’s Beach is in many ways a reflection of what has been called Bob’s “genuine and enthusiastic vision of excellence.” Although he will be greatly missed, he made a lasting and singular impact, and it is no exaggeration to say that his optimism and exuberance have helped to define our campus character.

My thoughts are with Bob’s family and friends and all of those whose lives he touched.


Go Beach!

Andrew Jones ’82

President