In Memoriam: Robert A. Drevs

Robert A. Drevs, retired associate teaching professor at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Born in Chicago on January 6, 1945, Drevs was a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. His dedication and bravery during his time in service left a deep devotion to resilience and duty — qualities that he exemplified throughout his life. After his military service, Drevs pursued a dedicated career in academia at St. Mary’s College and Notre Dame. He joined the Mendoza College of Business as an adjunct associate professor of marketing in 1993 and served as an associate professional specialist from 2000 until his retirement in 2009. He also served as Mendoza’s web coordinator, leading the College’s first website initiatives and creating its first online directory, among many other accomplishments. “In the frontier days of having web pages, Bob was a visionary,” said Bill McDonald, professor emeritus of finance. “He had a constant enthusiasm that infected all who worked with him.” Known for his genuine interest in his students’ success, Drevs won several Notre Dame teaching awards, including the prestigious Kaneb Teaching Award for teaching excellence that has been demonstrated over time. “Bob Drevs was a great role model of a dedicated teacher, an expert in his field and a caring and compassionate mentor to hundreds of students,” said Rev. Oliver Williams, C.S.C. Drevs was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Rosemary Drevs and brother Walter Gregory. He is survived by his devoted wife, Margaret; his sister Carol, his children, Kathryn and John; his daughter-in-law, Leigh Ann; and his cherished grandchildren, Josephine and Jack. A memorial Mass was held at 9:30 a.m. ET on November 4 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the Notre Dame campus. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Northern Indiana Food Bank. View the obituary for Robert A. Drevs.