Robert J. Kabel, 1969
B.A., Denison University
J.D., Vanderbilt University
LL.M., Georgetown University
Citation awarded June, 1999
Bob Kabel combines a distinguished career in public service and law with exemplary volunteer commitment to Denison. After earning the J.D. at Vanderbilt University, Bob began his Washington career as Legislative Assistant to Senator Paul Fannin of Arizona. Later he served as Legislative Director on the staff of Senator Richard Lugar ’54 of Indiana, working at the same time to complete the LL.M. degree at Georgetown University. In 1982 he became Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs to President Reagan. He joined the firm of Manatt, Phelps, & Phillips in 1984, where his practice involves representing a wide variety of clients before the Congress and Executive Branch.
Bob has been an exceptional volunteer for Denison, involving himself over the years in fund-raising, admissions work, career advising, alumni club leadership, and alumni governance. He served for two years in the early 1990s as Alumni Council Member-at-Large, and in 1994 began a two-year term as president of The Society of the Alumni and the Alumni Council. It was during his term of office that Denison community began its controversial discussion about the future of residential fraternities on the Denison campus, in response to which Bob worked tirelessly to foster effective communication on the issue between the Alumni Council and the Board of Trustees.
Always generous with his time on Denison’s behalf, Bob has served for years not only in formal roles in the College’s leadership structure, but also informally as a friend and advisor to Denison staff and alumni. Since 1996 he has been a member of the President’s Leadership Council, and this year he is Co-Chair of his Class Reunion Fun Committee. In addition, he serves on the Alumni Council of Vanderbilt Law School. Next fall, Bob will join the Denison Board for a six-year term as alumni- Nominated Trustee.
Bob’s brother, Gregory W. Kable, is a member of Denison’s Class of 1980.
