University of Northern Colorado Athletics
RESOURCESÂ &Â SERVICESÂ | BOB HEINYÂ | C.A.P.
BOB HEINY
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Heiny was an icon during his 48 years as a faculty member and administrator at the University of Northern Colorado, and he remains a legend across campus. He loved his work and never planned to retire, remaining at the university until his passing.
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A natural in the classroom, Heiny served as a model for other faculty and the graduate students he advised. Students recommended his class to each other, and his wife Linnea claimed the only thing Heiny could do better than play golf was to teach. Over his tenure, Heiny received awards for Professor of the Year, the Distinguished Career Service Award, Excellence in Faculty Advisement, Teaching Excellence in Undergraduate Education, and the College of Natural and Health Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award.
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Heiny’s mind for statistics followed him to every UNC sporting event he attended. Heiny had the ability to track each player’s scores, standings, penalties and accuracy in his head. Because of his love for the Bears. He served with UNC Athletics and the NCAA for 28 years in a number of capacities. This dedication led him to spend years serving as the Faculty Athletic Representative and time as the Interim Athletic Director in 2004. In recognition of his service to athletics, UNC inducted Heiny into the UNC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009 and Honorary Honored Alumnus in 2017.
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Much of Heiny’s philanthropy went to support UNC Athletics and the Linnea Erikson Heiny Scholarship that he started to honor his late wife and support math students with a desire to teach at the secondary and beginning collegiate level. Heiny’s generosity inspired those around hom to give as well, in particular his Women’s Walk team, the Bear Heinys, has always been a top team in the annual event that raised funds for female athletic scholarships.
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