Distinguished professor Taylor dies

“If the university were a pie, you could say Robert Taylor had his finger in just about every slice,” noted a university-issued news release when the popular journalism professor and former University of Wisconsin administrator retired in 1986.

Taylor died on Dec. 27, 2002, at the age of 86 of complications from a stroke. A memorial reception will be held on Sunday, Feb. 16, from 2-4 p.m. at the Monona Terrace Convention Center. Remarks and reminiscences will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Taylor received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the university in 1938, and was a reporter and editor for the Daily Cardinal in his student days. He joined the faculty in 1948 as an assistant professor of journalism and director of University News Service. He directed the publicity for the university’s centennial celebration and co-chaired the planning committee for its 125th anniversary observance.

In “The University of Wisconsin: A History, 1945-1971,” authors E. David Cronon and John W. Jenkins wrote of Taylor: “His distinguished service shaping UW public relations would continue throughout the period covered by this volume and well beyond.”

In 1999, the Daily Cardinal Alumni Association named its alumni service award in honor of Taylor and made him the first recipient.

Taylor is survived by his wife, the former Judith Amerell; two daughters, Anne Taylor (Peter) Wadsack of Madison and Kathleen Taylor (Arnold) Isaacs of Pasadena, Md.; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made in Taylor’s name to the University of Wisconsin Foundation, P.O. Box 8860, Madison, WI 53791.