Robert Keller, ’69, will receive a University of Wisconsin Oshkosh honorary doctorate at the 144th spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 12.
Keller will receive the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at the 2 p.m. commencement ceremony.
Keller is an award-winning alumnus of UW Oshkosh, the chair of the Board of J. J. Keller & Associates Inc., and an engaged and giving citizen and philanthropist dedicated to improving lives in the Fox Valley region.
The UW Oshkosh honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of exceptional accomplishment and distinction who have made significant contributions to the University, region, state or nation.
“Mr. Keller built a career upon forward-thinking business acumen, passionate philanthropy and significant engagement with the students and faculty members of UW Oshkosh,” UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt said. “He has long been dedicated to bold initiatives that confront some of the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin’s greatest challenges, including, but not limited to, poverty, hunger and the need for effective, accessible mental health services.
“Mr. Keller has been just as steadfast a supporter of UW Oshkosh, sharing experience and insight in the classroom while providing students and graduates paths to internships and rewarding careers. He has helped inspire and promote meaningful change and greater prosperity for more people,” Leavitt said.
Keller began his career at J. J. Keller & Associates, his family’s company, in 1956, sweeping floors and running errands. While attending UW Oshkosh and pursuing his degree in economics, he wrote his first advertising copy for the company and, soon thereafter, earned his role as advertising and marketing manager.
During the next 20 years, he would ascend to the company’s CEO role while also serving as the president of the J. J. Keller Family Foundation Inc. Today, J. J. Keller & Associates has grown to support 600,000 clients and approximately 90 percent of Fortune 1000 companies. The company helps organizations in the transportation industry stay informed about and compliant with safety regulations. It currently employs more than 1,400 associates.
In an announcement to J. J. Keller associates, the company released the following: “This degree recognizes the wisdom with which Bob has led J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. through the years and as chairman of our board today. Our associates, the local community and our customers across the nation have all been influenced for the better by his contributions. It is a well-deserved honor!”
Keller received the UWO Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004. He has had deep and significant engagement with the students and faculty members of his alma mater, serving as an Executive in Residence within the College of Business.
In addition to supporting the growth and modernization of the campus’s academic and athletic facilities, he and his family foundation have also helped launch and support the UW Oshkosh-founded Wisconsin Family Business Forum and the Alta Resources Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, entities sustaining family-owned businesses in the state and cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship among the student body. Keller also has served on numerous volunteer and advisory boards dedicated to advancing UW Oshkosh’s mission.
Bob and his wife, Lynne, have four children: Marne and Rustin (both J. J. Keller associates), Rachael and Adam. Bob and Lynne also are proud grandparents of nine.
Read more: