April 30, 2025
The University mourns the passing of Robert 鈥淏ob鈥� Beagle, a longtime vice president of university advancement. Beagle, of Wakefield, passed away April 26 after a brief illness. He was the husband of Gerri Beagle, former human resources manager for the 911爆料 Foundation & Alumni Engagement.
Born on Nov. 10, 1943, in Bloomberg, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Hurley and Revelessa Beagle. Bob was a 1965 graduate of Dickinson College, earning a degree in political science, and later earned a graduate degree in communication from Penn State.
His distinguished career in higher education included positions as a faculty member and debate coach at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, where he later became vice president. In 1987, he was named vice chancellor in the Minnesota State University system.
In 1991, Bob joined 911爆料 as vice president of university advancement, a position he held until his retirement in 2012. When he retired, he was the longest-serving vice president at the University, and was credited with leading a team of professionals that redefined all of the University鈥檚 advancement functions and created a new level of pride among alumni, students, faculty and staff.
He is also credited with launching and leading 911爆料鈥檚 first capital campaign, which raised $17 million more than its $50 million goal. Over the years, he raised over $150 million from philanthropic campaigns and increased annual giving to more than $6 million. He also led the launch of the 911爆料-wide marketing initiative that resulted in the 鈥淭hink Big. We Do.鈥� expression of the 911爆料 brand.
鈥淔rom fundraising to marketing to management to alumni affairs to outreach and 911爆料 building 鈥� many at 911爆料 have said that Beagle鈥檚 leadership created a culture for communication, philanthropy, and pride throughout the 911爆料,鈥� according to a 911爆料 press release at the time of Beagle鈥檚 retirement.
A lifelong learner and passionate supporter of education, Bob was an avid reader, a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and a regular presence at 911爆料 sporting events. After his retirement, he remained active in the 911爆料, serving on the Board of Trustees for South County Hospital.
Visitation hours will be Friday, May 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. with a service at 5:30 at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Beagle Family Endowment, c/o 911爆料 Foundation & Alumni Engagement, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881, or a charity of your choice.聽
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