Students and colleagues honored government professor Bob Wells in the best way possible. When they heard that he was planning to retire in 1998 after 34 years teaching—34 years that have become legendary for the influence Bob has had on students who now have careers at the highest levels of public service and law—they decided to endow a scholarship in his name.

The Robert N. Wells Jr. Scholarship Fund is awarded to a sophomore government major for use in the junior and senior years. Students must demonstrate high academic standards in order to retain the award throughout their college career.

“Prof. Wells had the ability to engage and challenge students constantly to think beyond their normal parameters. He instilled in me a sense of passion about our government and how it works, and he was ALWAYS accessible and approachable by any student with a question,” recalls Jeff Honeywell’80, an attorney and former president of the Alumni Executive Council, one of the many alumni who have given generously to this fund.

“I'm honored to have had a scholarship established in my name in the government department, made possible by my students, alumni, colleagues and friends. After 34 years of service to St. Lawrence University, I appreciate this acknowledgment of my service to the University and its students. What pleases me most is that this will provide financial support to our best students majoring in government,” says Bob, who remains active on campus as a teacher, and as a public servant himself.  He is mayor of Canton, working with St. Lawrence to strengthen the community he loves.