Prof. Stein (’61) to Receive 2017 University President’s Award for Outstanding Service

Robert A. Stein (’61), the Everett Fraser Professor of Law at the Law School, is among the recipients of the 2017 University of Minnesota President’s Award for Outstanding Service. The award was established in 1997 to recognize faculty and staff who have provided exceptional service to the University, its schools, colleges, departments, and service units; such service must have gone well beyond the regular duties of a faculty or staff member, and demonstrate unusual commitment to the University community. Each year, approximately 12 individuals are chosen to receive the award.

Stein’s record of service and dedication to the University is indeed outstanding. In addition to serving as a faculty member for more than 40 years (1964 to 1994, 2006 to the present), as well as associate dean (1976-77) and dean (1979-94) of the Law School, he has served the University as vice president for administration and planning (1977-80) and as a member or chair of a remarkable number of University committees, task forces, and advisory groups. This service has impacted University operations, strategic planning, labor policy, fundraising, ethics, diversity, faculty accountability, athletics, and academic freedom, among many other areas.

Most recently, Stein has demonstrated his commitment to the Law School and the University community by creating and endowing the annual Stein Conversations, which are intended to bring to the campus leaders of the bench and senior government officials to share their insights on topics of national and international interest. Stein has moderated the conversation in each year since the founding of the series, beginning with Vice President Walter F. Mondale (’56) in the inaugural year and following in successive years with U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late Antonin Scalia, and Sonia Sotomayor. Each of these distinguished guests spoke to capacity crowds and interacted with students, faculty, and alumni in smaller settings.

“I am delighted to present Professor Stein with this well-deserved recognition for his remarkable work,” said University President Eric W. Kaler. “His excellence is a model for his colleagues and co-workers to emulate. True to the mission of this great land-grant institution, he has done more than his share to make the University of Minnesota one of the pre-eminent institutions in the nation.”

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Bob Stein,” said Dean Garry W. Jenkins. “He has held leadership positions in every area of the Law School. He recruited many of the outstanding faculty members that underlie our reputation in the legal academy. Many of our ongoing relationships with law schools in other countries can be traced to Bob’s direction and efforts. Our school relies on his experience, insight, and advice in a great many areas, and his deep commitment to the University and its students, faculty, and alumni are nothing short of exemplary.”

Stein and his fellow honorees will be recognized at a University Board of Regents meeting on May 12, and again on June 15 at a reception to be held at Eastcliff, President Kaler’s official residence.

Robert Stein ’61
Everett Fraser Professor of Law
Distinguished Global Professor