Recognizing Others
Academic excellence has always been an important component of Bob and Mary Baumann’s work and family life. Now a distinguished professor emeritus of the College of Engineering, E. Robert (Bob) Baumann spent his entire 38-year career at Iowa State. His professorship in the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering led him to outstanding research and service in the field of environmental engineering within the university and around the world. He earned a B.S.E. degree in civil engineering at the University of Michigan and B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in sanitary engineering from the University of Illinois.
Bob and Mary have always been quick to recognize those faculty and family members who have supported them personally and collaborated with them professionally. Recently, they took steps to specifically honor a number of groups and individuals who have made a positive impact on their lives.
With remarkable generosity and thoughtfulness, the Baumanns have established five scholarships and one professorship in the areas of psychology, environmental engineering, music and political science. “We wanted to give back to Iowa State in the same way Iowa State and the city of Ames have given to us,” said Bob. “After taking care of our children, we wanted to make contributions that would impact Iowa State and its students and faculty for many years to come.”
The couple has made bequests which will have significant impact on several very important areas of the university.
A bequest naming Iowa State in a living trust is the easiest and most popular deferred git plans used by alumni and friends. Donors may name the Iowa State University Foundation as a percentage beneficiary, for a specific dollar amount or specific assets, or as a residual or contingent recipient.
Bequests made by the Baumanns include:
The Dr. Robert R. and Alma Schumacher Massey Scholarship Fund for undergraduate students in liberal arts and sciences. Mary’s parents had a lifelong interest in learning, and this scholarship was established to recognize their contributions and interest in helping their children and others complete their educations.
The Dr. Philip R. Baumann Graduate Scholarship Fund in Political Science honors the Baumanns’ son, Philip. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees in political science from Iowa State and went on to complete another M.S. and a Ph.D. degree at Michigan State University. A faculty member and former department chair at Minnesota State University in Moorhead, Philip continues to pursue a lifelong interest in political science.
The Betsy L. Baumann Graduate Scholarship Fund for African-American graduate students pursuing a degree in psychology is named for Bob and Mary’s daughter, Betsy, who has become an exceptional advocate for enhancing the education and research experiences of African-American students. A graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisc., with a B.S. degree in psychology, Betsy is a research studies project manager for the Institute for Social and Behavioral Research in Ames.
The Baumann/Cleasby/Dague (BCD) Professorship in Environmental Engineering is a tribute to three faculty colleagues who were strong leaders in the environmental engineering profession. E. Robert Baumann, John (Jack) Cleasby, and Richard Dague are recognized as pioneers in the emerging environmental engineering field. These faculty members raised the national and international reputation of Iowa State and provided a strong foundation upon which the College of Engineering could build.
The Mary Massey Baumann Psychology and Music Scholarship Funds. Mary is a talented musician and accomplished pianist, and her love and support of music has continued throughout her years in the Ames community. She earned both B.S. and M.S. degrees in psychology from the University of Illinois.
The E. Robert Baumann Scholarship Fund for graduate students in environmental engineering. No professor or group of professors can be successful without capable, eager and well-trained students, and funding for exceptional graduate students is a critical and continuing need. This scholarship recognizes the high standards of award-winning environmental engineering research established at ISU during Bob’s tenure.
