EAST LANSING, Mich. — Former Michigan State University Trustee and current Genesee County Chief Probate Judge Robert E. Weiss, instrumental in bringing a law school to MSU, died overnight Jan. 7 after a heart attack.
Weiss, 69, served as an MSU trustee from 1989 to 2002. In the mid-1990s, he played a vital role in creating the Michigan State University-Detroit College of Law, now known as the MSU College of Law. Weiss sat on the college’s board since 2002.
“The law school was Bob Weiss’ passion,” said Colleen McNamara, an MSU trustee since 1995. “He envisioned that concept and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it a reality.”
Weiss, who lived in Grand Blanc, also served as Genesee County prosecutor from 1979 to 1993 and is a past president of the Prosecuting Attorney Association of Michigan. McNamara said Weiss’ legal experience was crucial to the success of the MSU board during his time as trustee.
“He had a very sharp legal mind, and we often turned to him for guidance on a variety of issues,” she said.
Weiss also was known for his love of MSU sports, particularly the Spartan men’s basketball team. A close friend of former coach Jud Heathcote, Weiss is widely credited with playing a key a role in hiring coach Tom Izzo in 1995.
“Trustee emeritus Weiss’ lasting legacy on the banks of the Red Cedar will be his tireless and unrelenting advocacy for the values and traditions that formed the foundation for the pursuit of quality and the land-grant dream of opportunity,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. “Team MSU has lost a visible and valuable friend. But MSU always will be grateful for the lasting impact of his leadership and friendship.
“Bob had many titles as a public servant, but for him, ‘Spartan’ always headed the list.”
Weiss was devoted to promoting an accessible and affordable education at MSU. Board Vice Chairperson Melanie Foster served with Weiss in the early 1990s. She recalled Weiss as a champion of student causes.
“At that time his children were reaching college age, so he was particularly in tune with student issues,” Foster said. “He will be sorely missed by the MSU family; it was a pleasure to work with him.”
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