Bob Cook.

Wor-Wic recently lost a dear friend, great supporter and the last living founder of the college. The entire college community was deeply saddened by the news of Robert W. “Bob” Cook’s passing.

Cook had a long history with Wor-Wic. As director of the Greater Salisbury Committee in the early 1970s, he made presentations to many civic and community groups to gain support for the creation of the college. Over the years, he led or participated in all of Wor-Wic’s major fundraising campaigns, served as a member of the board of trustees, worked as special assistant to the president for development, was the keynote speaker for Founder’s Day and addressed the graduating class of 2015 on the occasion of the college’s 40th anniversary. His portrait hangs in the founder’s gallery in Brunkhorst Hall on campus.

During his commencement address, Cook told the graduates how he and others recognized the need for a community college here and how they developed and implemented the plan to bring one to the region. Cook told the crowd that it may seem “like a no-brainer” to them, but there was “stiff resistance on many fronts.” He explained that some thought the costs were too great and that the educational programs and services area residents needed were already being provided. The underlying problem, Cook said, was a complete lack of understanding of the role and value of a community college. “So the first thing we did was have a labor market/industry needs study to show the need for this institution and the type of education a community college would bring,” he said. “The second thing we did was take the show on the road.” Cook told the crowd how he and Frank Morris, another Wor-Wic founder, made presentations to county and city officials, business leaders, chambers of commerce and service clubs.

In 2016, Cook received the Salisbury Award during a reception held at the college campus to honor him and his good works. The Salisbury Award was established in 1926 to recognize an outstanding local citizen who makes a difference in the community.

“A true visionary, we would not be where we are today without Bob,” said Dr. Ray Hoy, president of Wor-Wic. “He understood the need for a community college and how to demonstrate that need to the stakeholders. Five years of unfaltering determination and commitment — that is what he spent making Wor-Wic a reality. Everyone who knew Bob, knows that about him. He had passion! Bob never met a good cause that he wasn’t willing to reach into anyone’s pocket to fund, including his own pockets. And he didn’t take no for an answer. No was merely a pause and an opportunity for reconsideration and probably a more significant gift after several more calls and visits. His fundraising work has supported so many worthwhile community institutions that would have floundered without his commitment. This community is stronger due to Bob’s time, attention, support, dedication and love.”

Several college employees and friends have made tribute gifts in Bob’s memory. Anyone interested in making a tribute gift can send a check made payable to the Wor-Wic Foundation, 32000 Campus Dr., Salisbury, MD, with Bob Cook’s name in the memo portion, call 410-334-2948 to give by credit card, or go online to www.worwic.edu and click the “Donate” link on the top of the page.