Administration

In Memory of Robert Mathieson

Bob Mathieson, professor emeritus of physics and computer information science, died Tuesday, September 11, following a courageous battle with cancer. He served the college as a member of Culver-Stockton's faculty from 1963-2004, touching the lives of hundreds of members of the C-SC community in those four decades.

Please share your memory of Bob Mathieson, which we will post on this site.

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Your Memories

Dr. Mathieson, a kind and softspoken person, was someone I admired for his intelect and his thoughtfullness. I remember the countless times I would find myself in his office to ask for his help with physics homework. He was always so patient with me and would do his best to help me through my frustrations. I also remember having conversations about his trips to the Laborador Island of Canada. He was a great person who will be missed.
Matt Dixon - 2000

I have no specific funny stories to tell about Mr. Mathieson. But I remember a few good instances where he had helped me with a few problems in physical science classes I had taken with him. He always seemed genuinely concerned that students learned something during every lecture. He always emphasized learning and made sciences interesting. However, I cannot help but remember that he constantly mistook me for Rodney Rodenbaugh, Class of 1991 - of course a lot of people did that!!!
Tom Corwin - 1990

I took Survey of Geology with Dr. Mathieson. It was by far the most fabulous and memorable science course I have ever taken. What I remember most is how much fun he had during the earthquake unit showing "S" and "P" waves with Slinky® toys. It is funny, I took the course in the fall of 1991 and I remember that particular class like it happened yesterday!
Dru Ann Hobbs-Nash - 1991-1995

My favorite memories are of the 20 years during which our families drove back and forth from Missouri to Minnesota, at Thanksgiving, alternating each year. We would arrive always very late on Wednesday, because we couldn't leave the Twin Cities area until my last class was over for our 7 1/2 hour drive. Bob and Carol (my sister) managed to do slightly better, since they could leave generally at 1:00 or so. We would laugh and catch up on the events of our lives. On the Friday after, Bob always thought of some fun thing to do to entertain the kids, including Christina and my two sons, Trevor and Ryan. Uncle Bob was very intriguing to them. One of the best memories was when he took them black powder rifle shooting. He was gracious to us and filled the annual family event with genuine hospitality and "old fashioned" fun. Our family has always been so grateful that in Bob, Carol found her life's partner and soul mate. You were a great brother-in-law, Bob. God's speed, Carol.
Cathy Johnson, sister-in-law -

I never had Bob Mathieson for a class, and this is clearly a serious loss for me, but I would pass him often in the hall of the library building during my years at C-SC. During those chance encounters, Bob always seemed so deeply in thought, but he always found a way to say hello or to make some humorous remark on the weather to this clueless student. In this way, he is so much like his wife, my voice teacher and one of my few truly favorite professors, Dr. Carol Fisher Mathieson. Both of them: brilliant and hilarious! My sincere condolences to Dr. Carol, their children, and to the C-SC community for the sad loss of Bob Mathieson.
Billy Clem - 1995

I never had the opportunity of having Bob as one of my professors at C-SC. It wasn’t until I started working in the IT department, did I get the chance to meet and talk with Bob for the first time. Bob would always come in and reminisce with the four of us, check the mail, and go on his way. I didn’t know Bob extremely well, but when he did come in the office, we “always” had something to talk about. Whether it was computers or just general knowledge, he always struck my interest. I can remember when Bob would come in, sit down, and talk about the older computers that they had on campus many years ago; the kind that took up one room, rather than a desk. I’ve always been intrigued by the history of technology, and Bob always made it that more exciting and interesting. Bob was an extremely caring individual. The kind of individual I always loved running in to in the halls. Bob, you will never be forgotten as one of Culver’s best!
Bryan Brown - 2005

I never had the chance to have Bob as a teacher, since he stopped teaching before I got here, but being a theatre person I am always in the PAC. Anytime Bob would come into the PAC, he would say hi to everyone and make us all smile, even if he didn't know us. I think the best memory I have of him though is when during "Non-western World Music" we were trying to watch a video, but none of us could figure out how to make the old equipment work. Doc Carol made one phone call home and Bob was there within 5 minutes. Even though the problem was easy to fix, he didn't complain, but smiled and told her to have an amazing day. Or how he would bring her lunch just because he could. I hope some day that I can find a husband as amazing as him, and that we can share the love that the two Mathiesons have shown us all is possible. He will be sorely missed around campus.
Elise Hollenbeck - 2010

Wisdom and Gentility have an uncommon human connection. Robert Mathieson carefully carried both of these with him all of his adult life. Flying a kite was his poetic delight. His scholarship may be celebrated in many academic circles. However, Bob’s sensitive judgment and personal taste were admired by all who knew him. The courage he displayed was indeed a rare human virtue. By adapting a writing from Confucius, it is not the strength of truth which made Bob Mathieson great, but Bob Mathieson who made strength of truth great.
Al Beck -

Bob Mathieson will always be remembered in my mind as the very intelligent, very keen commentator after Sunday services. Our congregation would often struggle with complex and troubling issues. Bob could always be counted on to offer sound, crisp and often funny introspection on the issue or theological point we tried so hard to understand and act upon. He was a wise and thoughtful person: a balanced thinker who offered his sage observations with humility and clarity. This man's offerings were deeply routed in his love of knowledge and his joy for life.
Carol Nichols, Adjunct Instructor -

When the science facilities were still in the Science Wing of the Johann Memorial Library, the chemistry lecture room/laboratory was located directly above the physics lecture room/laboratory. My chalkboard was mounted on a common wall with Bob's chalkboard and directly above his chalkboard. I never really understood the physics of the following, but whenever I would be facing my chalkboard while lecturing, my "somewhat strong voice" would be transmitted down to Bob's chalkboard and be audible to his class. Bob would then take a meter stick, pound on his ceiling (my floor), and say "Keep it down up there!". There were, of course, times when I would intentionally "talk to Bob" via the chalkboard phenomenon.
John Brodmann - Professor Emeritus -

When I was having trouble last semester and was unable to live on campus, Bob and Carol took me into their home. They really saved me that semester. I spent most of my time (when I was actually at their house) talking with Bob. He truly was a fascinating person. He and I would talk about the most random things that I wouldn't understand. It wasn't until later that I would realize that he was making fun of me and my naivete. I liked talking with Bob, his dry sense of humor always brightened my day, and it would normally keep brightening my day until I could actually figure out what he was talking about.
Kyle Darnell - 2009

I will always associate the Mathiesons with everything Culver. They were both constant faces on campus. I had him for one class, meteorology. My six-year-old asked me the other day how rain falls. I thought about Bob and that meterology class. I hope she has as great a teacher to explain the technical side of rain formation as I did. I will keep you all in my prayers through this difficult time.
Anne (Hall) Harner - 95-99

Dr. Mathieson was my professor for one class, meteorology. And though I never really liked the subject (or the class for that matter, as I am HORRIBLE at science), he definitely left an impression on me. Being one of Doc Carol's voice students for 4 years, I would see Bob around all the time. He was always more than willing to help us with the opera workshop, whether it was video taping it for us or helping us take it "on the road." It was always a joy to see one of the moments where Bob and Carol were together. They always seemed to be happy when around the other, and it always brought a smile to my face to see such love after all of those years. When I return to campus, I'm sure that I will feel the void where his presence once was. He will be missed.
Catie Powell - 2007

A teacher, a community leader, a neighbor, and fellow pistol shooter. Bob was one of my influential teachers at Culver. I pass his test-taking advice on to engineering students today. As an educator he tested my mind and skills in problem solving to prepare me for Rolla. As a community leader I saw Bob volunteer his time for Kiwanis pancake day, Halloween costume contests at the school, and a smile on his face for any task at hand. As a neighbor walking his dog and visiting with him at Primos when we would bump into each other. Or shooting pistols at Chuck's house on first Sundays just taking it easy. Always an encouraging word, outlook and perspective.
John Hoffman - 91-93

Back in the LBJ era, there was something magical about visiting the top floor of Johann. The fraternity of male professors were diverse; their commitment to the cause was uniform. As you climbed the stairs, the first sense was that of the smell of pipe smoke; noting that many were probably there. John Brodmann, John Bursewicz, Tom Wiltshire, Jerry Haldeman, Larry Cornwell, John Sperry and Bob Mathieson. All had a story to tell and told it in their own way. While there may have been an air of student-facutly intimidation at times, no door was ever closed, even to a student fairly deficient in Math/Science skills. While academic success perhaps lay elsewhere, friendship evolved. Watching the courtship of Bob and Carol was a treat as well, yet I believe one of his shining moments was when the faculty voted to send the very first member of the active faculty to represent their interest with the Board of Trustee. That man was Bob. His intellect, character, dry and wry sense of humor was a sign of his dedication to this college. His 30 years with Carol is an simple example of the sum of the parts exceeding the capacity. They completed each other in so many ways. His legacy will sustain us; his presence will be missed. It is one of those fortunate pieces of one's life that takes on a different meaning today. And that group of lucky folks is a large one because of Bob.
John Tripp - 1968---

Although I didn't have him in class, I practically grew up with his daughter Kristina and got to see him very frequently whenever I was visiting C-SC in my younger days. A memory that sticks out most about Bob is that we were going to Six Flags for a Key Club trip and we stopped in Troy and that was when I first learned of the "three car drive-thru rule" Since there were three or more cars in the drive thru, we went inside to eat. Me and my wife's thoughts and prayers are with the entire Mathieson family and the Culver-Stockton College and Canton communities. God Bless.
William Johnson - 2004

I, like many others, never had Bob for a class, but that doesn't mean he did not touch my life. Bob will be one of those long-remembered images of Culver. Whenever something big happened at Culver, the Mathiesons seemed to be there. I worked for the Theatre Dept when I was at Culver and always saw The Mathiesons behind the scenes. Together they helped C-SC function like a well-oiled machine. He will surely be missed by all.
Chris Wolcott - 2007

Bob and Carol came to my 40th birthday party. As they were departing, Bob said, "Well, I'm sorry but we can't hang around with you anymore. We don't hang around with old people." I replied, trying to match his wit, that I was sad for the "end" of the friendship but was grateful for the time we had shared. I still am.
Jayme Long -

This is sad to hear. I was just thinking about Dr. Mathieson and wondering what he had been doing. I can come up with several "remembrances" about him, too. Like physics lessons on how to carry a cup of hot coffee without spilling. How to work on electrical equipment safely. ("Put the end of the power cord in your pocket so some well-meaning moron doesn't say, 'Here's the problem!' and plug it in for you.") And the quandary I threw him into by asking why a motorcycle at speed turns left when you pull on the right handlebar. I can still see him out on his bicycle testing it for himself, and the look of puzzlement on his face. I wonder if he ever worked that one out? I guess I'll never know, now.
David Haggard - 1976

Doc Carol and I would frequently talk of random things in my voice lessons with her and often the subject of her husband of my fiance (Aaron Fults, 2007) would come up. Aaron had Bob Mathieson for his freshman year math class. I always hoped that Aaron and I would be as happy in our marriage as the Mathiesons were in theirs. "God bless" to them and their family in this troubled time.
Jennifer Ransdell - 2008

I remember Doc Carol and Bob Mathieson's walks. I always felt on my nights walking to the PAC or on a leisurely walk that everything was right with the world if I saw Bob and Doc Carol walking. I always felt happy when I saw them together. Something about it always just put me at ease, no matter how bad my day might have been. I guess I always aspired to find someone who made me feel as complete as they always seemed together. Bob was always nice to me and said hi whenever we crossed paths, even though I never had a class of his. It will sadden my heart when I visit Culver again to miss those late night walks of theirs. It's a part of Culver that always made it feel like home to me. He will always be in my memories of Culver and one of the most important times of my life.
Michelle Massey - 2007

Tribute to Bob Mathieson
by Al Beck

Wisdom and Gentility have
an uncommon human connection.
Robert Mathieson carefully
carried both of these with him
all of his adult life.
Flying a kite was his poetic delight.

His scholarship may be celebrated
in many academic circles.
However, Bob's sensitive judgment
and personal taste were admired
by all who knew him.

The courage he displayed was
indeed a rare human virtue.
By adapting a writing from Confucius,
it is not the strength of truth
which made Bob Mathieson great,
but Bob Mathieson who made
strength of truth great.
Al Beck -

I always have loved Bob Mathiesen's sense of wry humor. And his sensitive appreciation of the "wild" in this man who when he strode across campus his mind was working over-time solving some deep philosophical issue that intrigued him. In a recent conversation, Bob looked at me and said, " Well, you know, you're an old fossil now too!" I felt particularly touched and honored by that comment; I shall miss Bob Mathiesen.
Terry Sherer -

I never really met Bob in person, however, Doc Carol is my voice teacher and I have had her in several classes in my three years here at Culver. I heard her talk about her husband all the time in my lessons! After hearing about him so much from someone who loves him as much as Doc Carol does, I really felt like I knew him. They were so much in love and were PERFECT for eachother.
Melissa Watson - 2008

The first time I met Bob Mathieson was a cold January morning in 2005 when people from the Department of Natural Resources were hosting an eagle viewing event at the riverfront park in Canton. Kyle Knight (at the time another freshman music education major) and I were out driving around on that Saturday morning and got out of the truck to take a look at the eagles through the telescopes set up in the pavilion. Conversation turned to the shooting of an eagle down at the Alton Lock and Dam. One of the conservation officers asked, "I wonder what eagle tastes like?" Bob Mathieson's reply, to the surprise of us who only knew Carol, was, "Only slightly better than whooping crane!"
Jonathon Moyers - 2008

When Dr Bob and Miss Fisher married, I was the house and cat sitter for Miss Fisher during January interim session (1977, I believe). She lived in one of the three bungalows that were located then where the Sigma Kappa House is now. Dr Bob lived in the center one, and the Sperry's lived in the one closest to the Sigma Kappa house (then, where the Science bldg is now). At 4:00 am one morning, Dr Bob's car horn froze and blared throughout the campus. I was an Arizona girl, and had NO idea what to do with a frozen car horn. Dr Sperry came out of his house in his pajamas, with an overcoat and snowboots over them, and yanked the battery cables from Dr Bob's car to stop the horn. When Dr and Mrs. Mathieson came home from their honeymoon, it gave Dr Bob a laugh to think of this little gal from the hot climate, not knowing what to do about a frozen car horn. I never had Dr Bob for a class....but Mrs. Mathieson was my voice teacher, and now teaches my daughter. My condolences and hugs to Doc Carol and their children!!! Donna
Donna Brassea Ransdell - 1978