HONORING A LEGACY

Rooke Family Receives William Bucknell Philanthropy Award

by Kate Williard

In recognition of their generosity and loyalty, Robert C. Rooke H’10, G’06, G’07, G’12, and his wife, Natalie G’06, G’07, G’12, have received the prestigious William Bucknell Philantropic Award. This award, which has only been bestowed once before — to Ken ’57, P’83 and Elaine Langone P’83 in 2019 — was announced at Reunion 2024.

“The name Rooke is synonymous with our University,” says President John Bravman. “This award celebrates not only what they have done very concretely with bricks, but it also recognizes Bob, Natalie and the Rooke family legacy. Our University is a stronger, more vibrant institution because of their generosity.”

The Rooke family’s impact is evident across Bucknell’s campus — from the Robert L. Rooke Chapel to the Rooke Science Center. Bob and Natalie have backed more than 30 initiatives, with their contributions nearing $15 million. They have supported infrastructure, giving generously to the Bucknell University General Building Fund and the Holmes Hall building project, and bolstered Bucknell’s music program through gifts to the Sigfried Weis Music Building, the William A. Payn Music Scholarship, the R. C. Rooke Chapel Music Program and the Rooke Chapel Organ Assistants Fund.

Photo: Mark Elliott

President John Bravman presented Bob Rooke H’10, G’06, G’07, G’12 with the William Bucknell Philanthropic Award at a private event in July 2023.

In the College of Engineering, Bob and Natalie have contributed to the Robert L. Rooke Chair in the Historical Context of Engineering endowment, which supports two faculty positions that bear the Rooke name: the Robert L. Rooke Chair in Engineering, held by Professor Ryan Snyder, chemical engineering; and the Robert L. Rooke Professor in Engineering, held by Professor Kat Wakabayashi, chemical engineering.

Bob’s father, Robert L. Rooke, Class of 1913, H’51, laid the foundation for the family’s legacy. To date, the Rookes have committed a combined $31.5 million to the University. Bob’s late brother, William Rooke G’12, sister Dorothy McCulloch, sons Thomas Rooke P’06 and Robert C. Rooke Jr. P’12 and late daughter Marianne Rooke Fairall P’07, grandchildren Thomas Rooke Jr. ’06, Robert R. Rooke ’12 and Gwenn Fairall Knox ’07, nephew Andrew Rooke P’12 and his wife Margie P’12, and grandnephews Andrew “Kreamer” Rooke ’06 and Schuyler Rooke ’12 have all made significant contributions in honor of their patriarch’s dedication to the University.

Both Bob and his father were honored with Bucknell’s highest distinction, the Stephen W. Taylor Medal. Robert L. earned the accolade in 1975, followed by Bob in 1997, who was also named an emeritus member of Bucknell’s Board of Trustees that same year.

Future events, including the William Bucknell Society event in New York City in November, will further recognize Bob, Natalie and the Rooke family for their unwavering commitment to the University.

Back to Full Issue

Table of Contents