December 2024

December 2024
Bob Spieler '64

From Military to Education to Community, Bob Spieler ’64 Lives a Life of Service

This year marks 61 years since Bob Spieler graduated from Hofstra University. And at 82 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down.

When Bob was 3 years old, his father died in World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. Later, Bob chose to honor his father’s legacy by serving his country as well. As a teen, he declined a survivorship exemption, which excused surviving sons of deceased service members from the draft. Bob joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) on Hofstra’s campus while earning his chemistry degree. He picked chemistry for his major “because it was my favorite class in high school, even though I didn’t get an A in it. It was something of a challenge.”

“It was the Vietnam War era when I graduated from college, and I didn’t really know what I was going to do. I knew I loved my country, and I had a piece of paper that said ‘Chem Degree.’” So, upon graduation in 1964, Bob joined the Army.

The Army gave him more than work experience. “Before I went into the service, I was a kid. And then, I became a man. The military really straightens you out, teaches you discipline, teaches you love of country, teaches you how to get along with other people…. The work was hazardous and dangerous, but I did my job.”

In 1966, Bob returned to civilian life, briefly working as a research chemist at Geigy Pharmaceuticals before pivoting to teaching. “I didn’t like [research]. It was not for me. So, I looked for other ways to work and enjoy life. And I found teaching.”

And, just as he did in the Army, Bob excelled in his new career. He taught math and science in New York City schools for 35 years, earning accolades such as 1992 Teacher of the Year, induction into the National Council of Teachers in Mathematics, and nomination for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching.

Both in the classroom and out, Bob has engaged people of all ages in learning. As a teacher, he sought out ways to better connect with his students by donating his lunch periods to play chess and softball. In his community, he established the first chess club at the Brooklyn Public Library, an organization that has thrived for over a decade.

Five years ago, Bob established Brooklyn’s first official outdoor pickleball association through diligent advocacy. What began with 10 seniors is now a thriving club with over 1,500 members. His years of military service, as well as his hard work and dedication to the Brooklyn community, were recognized by his local senator, Simcha Felder, who nominated Bob for the 2023 Veterans Hall of Fame.

Bob and his wife of 57 years, Susan, share two sons and eight grandchildren. Their son Andrew is the Robert F. Dall Distinguished Professor in Business and professor of finance at Hofstra’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business.

Bob’s advice to current Hofstra students, whether they are considering chemistry, teaching, or another career, is to “pick out a subject you are good at, but don’t keep your eyes closed. I didn’t see teaching as a possibility when I was in college. It’s good to be open to professional opportunities.”