Bob Bonn joined the Carthage College family in 1992 when he was hired as the Director of Athletics, beginning a 26-year career that would have an incredible and lasting impact on so many lives.
 

Bonn earned his bachelor of science degree in physical education in 1974 from the University of Connecticut. He would go on to receive his master's in athletic administration from Springfield College the following year, before earning a doctoral degree from Boston University in 1983.



His work in collegiate athletics spanned over 40 years long and began as a graduate assistant coach at Springfield College in 1975. The following year, he became the physical education teacher and boy's basketball coach at Westwood High School in Massachusetts until 1982, when he spent time at Framingham State University before moving west to become the assistant men's basketball coach at Western Mexico University. Bonn then began his collegiate administrative career as both the head men's basketball coach and director of athletics from 1983 to 1991 at Pacific University. It was in April of 1992 that he was hired as the director of athletics for Carthage College.



During his time with Carthage, Bonn served as the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) President during the 2001-02 academic year, an organization that provides fundraising opportunities and networking. It was his time with NAADD that helped him establish an endowment that totals over $3 million today, and aided in numerous facility improvements among other general upgrades to the athletic department at Carthage.



Before his retirement in July of 2018, Bonn had received numerous awards for his success with Carthage, beginning with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Division III West Region Athletic Director of the Year honor in 2007. He was recently given the NAADD Lifetime Achievement Award, and inducted into the NACDA Hall of Fame in 2019. During his 26 years at the helm in Kenosha, Wis. Bonn's guidance led to the addition of nine varsity athletic programs, and $50 million in facility renovations and improvements.



The Bonn family holds deep roots within the Carthage College community, as his wife Michele retired after working on campus as an assistant professor, in the registrar office, and as a director of advising. Their son Steven graduated from the College in 2010, and their other son Ryan is an adjunct faculty member in the Chemistry Department. The family plans to hold private services at this time, and a larger celebration of Mr. Bonn's life when physical distancing guidelines allow.



Donations in Mr. Bonn's honor should be directed to the Michele and Robert Bonn Athletic Endowment, which the couple started in 2008 and honors Mr. Bonn's personal commitment to endowed funds. Gifts can be made online at www.carthage.edu/givenow or mailed to the Office of Institutional Advancement, 2001 Alford Park Drive, Kenosha, WI 53140.