Lifetime Achievement

ROBERT E. QUINN, ARTS '58
Scottsdale, Ariz.

Inspired by his family’s baseball legacy, Robert went on to become a general manager for three Major League Baseball teams: the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants.

“I most enjoyed interacting with a diverse array of personalities, all of whom were focused on creating success,” he says. “Being part of these successes was extremely satisfying to me, my teams and to the communities in which I worked.”

Robert’s father, John, and grandfather, J.A., were general managers of major league teams. And his son, Bob, Bus Ad '90, is an executive vice president for the Milwaukee Brewers.

“Following in the footsteps of previous generations, I wanted to be a Major League Baseball general manager,” Robert says. “My grandfather was associated with the game for 54 years and was the first curator of baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., and my father dedicated 45 years to the game.”

Robert, who ran varsity track from 1954–58 — including a year as team captain — credits his time at Marquette with teaching him how to succeed and how to treat others with respect. He was honored with an All-University Service to Marquette Award in 1999 and still stays in touch with his former teammates.

“My present ‘professional’ life includes as much golf with former Marquette track buddies as open tee times will allow,” he says.

Hometown: Scottsdale, Ariz.
Favorite quote: “Never let yesterday’s disappointments overshadow tomorrow’s dreams.”
Dream dinner guest: “Pope Francis I. The people’s pontiff.”
Marquette faculty member who had an impact: “Track coach Melvin ‘Bus’ Shimek, whom I considered my second father.”
Most influential person: “My father! Because of the life lessons taught, which mirrored those by Marquette. As we left our home daily, he would say, ‘Be the best.’ He also would say, ‘I’m not interested in your grades, but I am interested in your application and deportation numbers.’ ”