marshall newton

Collaborator and friend

I have recently published some reminiscences of my wonderful experiences with Bob Cave, and here I offer a few excerpts from these.
Bob had a huge impact promoting our understanding of molecular chemical behavior in vacuum and condensed phases, primarily chemical kinetics (especially charge transfer) and molecular spectroscopy.
It was always a great pleasure for me and Bob’s other numerous collaborators to work with him, in some cases over several decades, relishing his friendly spirit present at all times.
Bob came up with ground breaking advances in his research, but with an endearing humility and ambiance, and with down to earth common sense and humor; eg, the title of one of his invited talks, ‘Butadiene-the simplest of polyenes? Not by a long shot’.

Elaine Hart ’06

Student

Dean Cave taught my section of Frosh Chem and is the reason I majored in chemistry. I wanted to love something as much as he loved science and teaching. Over the years I would learn that it wasn’t just science and teaching – he seemed to love just about everything and everyone – that’s just how he moved through this world. Whether we were talking about science, or family, or sports, or an epic concert, his enthusiasm was infectious. As a mentor after college, he always reminded me of what was most important – enough about work, are you happy? How is your family? And he always had a way of popping up when I needed a little extra wisdom, perspective, or support. I’m so grateful for the lessons he taught me – they’ll be with me, along with his incredible laugh, forever.

Stephen Edwards ’06

Student

Prof. Cave was my senior thesis advisor. I’ll always remember his deep laugh, enthusiasm for science and his students, long conversations about baseball, and love for New York pizza.

The one thing that had always stuck with me was the advice he gave to me when I was stressing about selecting the “right” grad school. He listened, and then spoke directly to the source of my struggle:

“You have several choices that are the ‘right’ choice. They are different, but none of them are the wrong choice. If you keep working hard and thinking deeply, you will find your success wherever you go.”

I’ve turned to this advice so many times in my life. For the important choices in my career and beyond, It has helped me embrace the unknown and unfamiliar with confidence and enthusiasm. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that.

From time to time, I have had the opportunity to pass this exact same advice to students and interns of my own. Every time I repeat his words, I hope that I’m passing on just a little bit of Prof. Cave to the next generation.

Claire O'Hanlon ’09

Student

Dean Cave was always a warm and caring presence on campus. I’ll never forget his beautiful, melodious voice. May his memory be a blessing to us all.

Jason Santiago ’07

Student and colleague

I met Bob as Dean Cave and knew him as such throughout my four years at Mudd. I’ve always felt incredibly fortunate to first know him in that role, from seeking out his counsel myself to directing younger students his way as a senior. He was endlessly warm, cheerful and wise. He was the best.

Jatin Abacousnac ’19

Student

I recall as a nervous freshman, with concerns about grades, leaving the office of my academic advisor, feeling worse about everything. And then I popped into Prof Cave’s office, who was Dean of Academic Affairs at the time, for some reassurance and kind words. He immediately struck me as someone who cared not only about how well I did, but also how well I was. And I can assure you that as a freshman, nothing works better, to get rid of nervousness, than words of affirmation and a few hearty jokes. I left his office feeling much, much better. I learned soon that he would be leaving on a sabbatical, and despite having conversed with him only for a few minutes, I was quite sad to know he wouldn’t just be a door knock away.

Max Frenkel ’16

Student

I don’t know of someone that I admired more as a person and teacher than Prof Cave. He brought incredible life and joy to all of our interactions and was a relentless supporter of his students. I felt invincible with Prof Cave in my corner. I got myself into trouble at Mudd and the 5Cs, and Prof Cave was unconditionally on my side. He gave me the benefit of the doubt in every instance because he believed in the best in people. I think that belief was derived from the fact the _he_ was the best of us. I don’t know anyone as kind or as masterful a mentor. I miss him frequently and the world is a much darker place without him.

Adam Johnson

Colleague

Bob was my confidant, partner-in-crime for pranking Bill (and other members of the department), and a true colleague. He was there for me personally and professionally many times over. We had multiple joint students and never quite managed to get the computational research up to the point where it could be published, and for that I will always be wishing for one last calculation he could help me with. We team taught frosh chem virtually in Fall 2020 so I spoke with him regularly. I miss you, Bob.

Ken Saita

Staff

As so many have related, Bob Cave’s booming laugh was always something to behold and brighten your day but I think the laugh spoke about his large spirit.

I remember an Alumni Weekend when Bob Cave was substituting as the senior college representative. He came up to the registration table late in the afternoon and exclaimed in that loud voice, “You guys kicked @$$!” He shared several comments from alumni about how well the day went and extended his appreciation for our work that weekend. I will always remember the time he took to thank us and let us know how our alumni guests felt.

Shannon Wetzler ’16

Student

Professor Cave was one of the best men I knew. He always had an open door, a smile on his face, a joke to tell you and tissues at the ready when it was midterms season. The comfort that Professor Cave gave to us defined the chemistry department. He wasn’t afraid to push us out of our comfort zones. I still remember him agreeing to work after hours during GQ and S to go over new PChem concepts and work through the math that we didn’t have time to work through in class. He forced us to think about the world, about the interactions between science and religion, about the political climate, all while treating our opinions as his equals not his inferiors. He has inspired my teaching in everything that I do to try to live up to his high standards. He was a great professor, an awesome mentor and an amazing man who will be sorely missed. God, bless his soul.