Lawrence University is mourning the loss of Robert “Bob” Schaupp ’51, a trustee emeritus who served the university in various volunteer and philanthropic capacities for multiple decades, including providing key support for Björklunden, the university’s Door County retreat.
Schaupp, of De Pere, passed away April 15 at age 95. His career included serving as president and chair of the Green Bay-based P&S Investment Co., a trucking company where he worked for more than 50 years.
His service to Lawrence spanned four decades, beginning with his election to the Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA) Board of Directors in 1981. He served as president during his eight-year tenure. He also served as Founders Club president.
Schaupp was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1990 and served for the next 24 years before being named trustee emeritus in 2014. His service included work on the Development, Audit, Finance, and Executive committees and providing important leadership to the More Light! campaign from 2006 to 2012.
Along with his wife, Joan, Schaupp was a major supporter of Björklunden. He served as Boynton Society president, served on the Björklunden Advisory Committee, and was a generous supporter of multiple Björklunden investments. After a fire destroyed the original lodge in the early 1990s, Schaupp played a critical role in support of reconstruction efforts. By the early 2000s, however, it became clear that to fully meet the needs of students, the lodge would need to expand significantly. In 2005, Schaupp spearheaded a $5 million fundraising effort as chair of Björklunden’s Extending the Reach campaign. Successful in leading the efforts to garner support, the campaign, as well as the construction of the lodge’s new wing, was completed less than two years later.
"Bob made an impact on his alma mater in a way and degree to which few have," said Cal Husmann, senior principal gifts officer.
With a major in economics, Schaupp graduated from Lawrence in 1951. After serving in the U.S. Army in Alaska, he returned to Wisconsin and joined LCL Transit Company (later renamed P&S Investment Co.), a company founded by his father-in-law. He led the company for decades. His leadership within the transportation industry included service as chair of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association, chair of National Tank Truck Carriers Inc., and director of the executive committee of the American Trucking Association.
He and his wife are members of the Lawrence-Downer Legacy Circle and have provided generous support for the Lawrence Fund and Björklunden, including the establishment of the Joan P. and Robert J. Schaupp Björklunden Endowment Fund. They also established the Schaupp Family Scholarship at Lawrence in 1992, which provides support to students from Wisconsin who are majoring in economics and planning for a career in business. Schaupp also stayed connected to the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, providing mentorship and leadership through the years.
The Schaupps' daughter, Ilse Schaupp Sidles '86, and her husband, Charles Sidles '85, are Lawrence alumni. A grandchild, Christina Schaupp ’15, also is a Lawrence graduate.
Ed Berthiaume
Ed Berthiaume is director of public information at Lawrence University.