It is hard to imagine Temple’s Religion Department without Robert. All of Robert’s students will remember him as a kind and caring mentor. Robert always had something uplifting to say. He made the rigor of graduate school a pleasant experience. I was attracted to Temple’s program largely because of Robert’s research, as well as the department’s focus on world religions. During my time at Temple, Robert encouraged all of his students to study world religions. His advice has literally changed my life, as the course work that I received at Temple under his guidance has prepared me for my professional career.

Reflecting back upon my time with Robert has made me realize how much ahead of his time he has been in his own career. Robert encouraged all Bible students to learn the Qur’an as well as the Scriptures of the major religions of the world. Fortunately, I followed his advice and through Temple’s unique program devoted to world religions I greatly broadened my horizons. To my delight, I found that this training did make me more marketable when I applied for jobs and helped me to earn tenure. Since the tragic events of 9/11, I have been able to use my Temple education to assist the local Islamic community through participating with them in numerous interfaith events and seminars.

I never imagined that I would be so involved in Islamic affairs. Without Robert’s sage advice, I would not have studied Islam or other religions and would not be so active in interreligious dialogue in my community. His advice concerning research topics in biblical studies, moreover, also helped my career. Robert guided my work on the Psalms of Solomon and encouraged me to pursue new avenues of research, including the then newly released Dead Sea Scrolls that he predicted would change the field. While my dissertation, Robert was a sage mentor and helped me to avoid many errors. I could not have completed my doctoral studies, or published my recent book, without his constant encouragement and support.

Since leaving Temple, Robert has continued to serve as a valued mentor by giving me advice and writing additional letters of support when needed. Most importantly, he always has something kind to say. The highlight of the year is seeing him at the annual AAR/SBL meeting. At this event, I continue to be amazed at the number of people who know Robert. He is something of a legend in the AAR/SBL community, since he was largely responsible for the present growth and form of the annual meeting. Fortunately, Robert uses every opportunity he has at this, and other events, to promote Temple and his former students. Without his advocacy, I would have fewer publications on my c.v. He is a model advisor and mentor to his students. I literally owe my entire career to Robert.

My best wishes to you and to Karen as you move to Arizona. Thanks for everything!

Ken

Kenneth Atkinson
Associate Professor of Religion
The University of Northern Iowa
Department of Philosophy and Religion
154 Baker Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0501 U.S.A.

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