Bob (McC70) and Charlene (WCAS70) Shaw
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As Evanston residents, Bob Shaw and Char Heuboski-Shaw have seen Northwestern's many changes firsthand over the last 40 years. The Class of 1970 alumni are highly enthusiastic and encourage all alumni to come to campus any time, but they also remember a different time on campus.
"Between the storming of the Bursar’s office and the Vietnam War, the atmosphere on campus was tense," say both Bob and Char, but also add that that did not stop their participation in Northwetsern extra-curriculars such as Navy ROTC and a sorority.
Today they enjoy their participation on various boards and in volunteer positions -- over eight total -- that touch almost all of the schools/colleges. They are proud of the many collaborations and positive environment for today’s students.
Bob, the former vice president and co-owner of Milex Products in Chicago, now spends his free time judging the NUvention program, which brings together graduate students from McCormick, Kellogg, the Law School and Feinberg to create exciting new inventions. He also judges and advises InNUvation, a program which focuses on undergraduate ideas and business plans. Bob cites his Northwestern education as a primary factor in gaining the "analytical and management skills needed to critically think and manage a business for over 20 years."
Char, who is on the Board of Visitors for WCAS, cites that her Northwestern degree made her more confident and gave her the skills to work with other people. She is also involved with the Sheil Catholic Center and does volunteer work at the Chicago Botanic Garden with Bob.
One the couple's favorite things about Northwestern is that they met here, specifically in an economics class when Bob (using his engineering skills) threw a paper airplane at Char to get her attention. They were married shortly after graduation, so they will also be celebrating 40 years of marriage this year. The couple has two sons and three grandchildren, and are expecting their fourth this spring.
Posted January 27, 2010.
