Rudolph Marcus
Research advisor at Caltech
Bob Cave was an outstanding researcher in my group at Caltech. His natural enthusiasm and research talent were contagious and brought much joy to all of us. It is clear that he was also a born and dedicated teacher who loved interacting with students. I was delighted when he later joined Harvey Mudd, known for its excellent students and education. He will indeed be sorely missed.
Wendy Menefee-Libey
We were young parents together. And then colleagues. And then he was my boss. I was so lucky!
Bob was my friend for 30 years. His genuine warmth and his inclination always to do the right, if hard thing are what stick in my mind. Well, also our disagreement about the listenable-ness of the Allman brothers. He thought they were the height of great music. I didn’t get the endless guitar solos. I just finished listening to “Stormy Monday” on the Live at Fillmore East Album. He was right. I miss him so.
Whitney Duim '05
Student and colleague
Bob was a teacher and a mentor to me when I was a student and when I returned as a visiting faculty member in chemistry. I will remember his positive attitude, his thoughtful responses to questions about chemistry and life, and his empathy. He touched so many lives, and I hope he knew how appreciated and loved he was. We miss you, Bob.
Maddi Hartley '16
Thesis Student, TA and Research Assistant
Prof. Cave was, without a doubt, the kindest person I have ever met. His enthusiasm was so contagious you couldn’t help but be excited to be in a lecture – even if said lecture was thermodynamics on a Monday morning…I have so many wonderful memories of Prof. Cave but the one that stands out the most was from my time as his TA during Frosh Chem Lab – whenever a student would discover something new or finally reach an understanding of a concept we had been working on, he would light up with joy and excitement for them. His happiness at our understanding and enjoyment of chemistry made everything so much more fun and engaging. The room just felt so much brighter and lighter when he was around and I know that his presence is sorely missed throughout campus and beyond. I can still hear his laugh down the corridors of Jacobs and I hope I’ll remember that sound for years to come. We love you Prof. Cave and we miss you immensely.
James Rudd '92
Frosh/undergraduate advisee, student in his classes, and his lab TA for frosh chem when I was a senior
I will always remember Professor Cave and his kindness, infectious enthusiasm, and love of RC Cola. He had to explain the importance of the RC brand to me, since I was a new frosh advisee and unfamiliar with his first name, and I left his office thinking he was awesome. Being a first-generation college student, I was lost a lot of the time and couldn’t afford to go home for Thanksgiving (dorms were open, and room & board were paid for) … and Professor Cave invited me and a few other frosh to have Thanksgiving at his home! We ate plenty, played some games, and had a great time, and again, I left his house thinking he was awesome. Fast forward to senior year, and I was fortunate to be his TA for frosh chem lab and try to model his patience and kindness as an instructor. Thirty years later, I am a chemistry professor trying to pass along kindness and enthusiasm to my students in the same spirit as Professor Cave. I’m sure I learned a lot of chemistry from him – Group Theory was riveting (really!) – but what I really remember the most is simply him, his smile, and his care for his students. Professor Cave was awesome.