Aquinas College President Kevin G. Quinn issued the following statement on the passing of Robert “Bob” Woodrick, former Trustee and long-time friend of the College.
“We’ve lost a great leader in our community with the passing of Bob Woodrick. On behalf of our entire Saints community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Bob’s wife, Aleicia, and his beloved family.
Bob was a long-time friend of Aquinas. He served on our Board of Trustees and founded the Woodrick Institute for the Study of Racism and Diversity at Aquinas College. The institute later transitioned to its current home at Grand Rapids Community College and its work remains essential. Bob received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Aquinas College and was also the recipient of our Emeritus Award in 1998.
Bob lived his life by the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, service and community — values that mean so much to Aquinas College. He was a deeply spiritual and gracious man and always managed to find hope within life’s challenges. West Michigan is a better place because of Bob, and our hearts are full of thanks and appreciation for him.”