University Mourns the Loss of Former President the Rev. Robert F. Weiss, S.J.

The University is saddened to announce the death of former University president Rev. Robert Weiss, S.J., on June 9, 2016. He was 91 years old.

"We will mourn his loss, cherish his memory and forever be inspired by his example,” said University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., in an email to campus. “He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and a loyal son of Ignatius. He will be remembered as a man of deep faith and prayer who was a mentor to many and a friend to all.”

Born in 1924 in St. Louis, Missouri, Fr. Weiss entered the Society of Jesus in 1946 and was ordained in 1959. He was a graduate of Saint Louis University High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Saint Louis University as well as a doctorate from the University of Minnesota.

Before answering the call to the priesthood, Fr. Weiss served in the U.S. Army as part of the 42nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division during World War II in the European theater, earning a Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge and two Battle Stars for his service. He was a two-time president and a longtime chaplain for the Rainbow Division Veterans Association.

From 1953 to 1956, Fr. Weiss was a Latin teacher and forensics coach at Rockhurst High School. Following the completion of his doctoral degree, he returned to Kansas City and from 1964-73 served as assistant professor of education and academic dean at Rockhurst University. He was appointed president of Saint Louis University High School in 1973, serving until he was named president of Rockhurst University.

Fr. Weiss served as the 10th president of Rockhurst University, presiding over a period of significant growth from 1977 to 1988. Under his leadership, a number of new academic programs were established and accredited, including bachelor’s degrees in nursing and physical therapy, the Executive Fellows MBA program — the first of its kind in the region — and the school of management (now the Helzberg School of Management). Fr. Weiss’ tenure was also marked by significant improvement projects to nearly every facility on campus.

During his time as president, Fr. Weiss was known for his warmth in interactions with students, his humility, and his vision and passion for serving the Kansas City community as a member of a number of civic organizations like the Kansas City Housing Development Corporation and Information Center and the city’s Rotary International chapter.

Following his tenure as president, Fr. Weiss returned to St. Louis, where he continued to serve his community, working for the Missouri Province in the areas of higher education and advancement and as an advocate for community organizations such as Our Little Haven, a St. Louis home for abused and neglected children. In 2014, Fr. Weiss became the second recipient of the Magis Award from Rockhurst University, recognizing his impactful legacy on the Rockhurst and St. Louis communities.

The University will share information on memorial services for Fr. Weiss once details are announced.