Bob is remembered as a kind, humble leader who found great enjoyment and satisfaction in helping others. He grew up on Edgehill Road, just two blocks east of the IC campus, and lived most of his life within walking distance of the College. He was an involved student, active in Gamma Nu literary society and Debate and Speech and serving as Senior Class President. 

Bob married his wife of 51 years, Janet Williams Chipman ’75, when they were both students at Illinois College. The couple were frequent visitors to campus, often taking midday walks, hand-in-hand, on the Hilltop. Bob often sported his signature natty bow ties or his vast collection of IC spirit wear. 

Bob fully believed in the mission of Illinois College to change the lives of students. After graduation, he became a volunteer, leader and loyal supporter of Illinois College. He served as a Class Agent planning reunions and an Alumni Trustee from 1995-2000. He served on the Illinois College Board of Trustees for 25 years, retiring with the title Trustee Emeritus in 2023.

His years of service as a Trustee were marked by significant leadership roles, including chairing the Long-Range Planning Committee, serving as Vice Chair of the Board, chairing the Governance Committee and leading the Presidential Search Committee in 2012. He also led the College’s long-term capital improvements investment plan and served as the inaugural chair of the Capital Improvements Working Group. One of his greatest achievements in this role was to oversee the complete renovation of Crispin Hall, beginning in 2019 and completed in 2023. 

Throughout 51 years of consecutive giving, Bob and Janet supported the IC Fund, Debate and Speech, the Fine Arts Series, literary societies, scholarships, the Crispin Hall Renovation, capital projects related to the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, and other initiatives. 

The Chipmans were annual and Lifetime Members of the Illinois College Society, serving as Co-Chairs since the group was established seven years ago. They connected with Society members by attending events, writing personalized thank you cards for gifts to the College, contributing to publications, and sharing their experience and knowledge. 

President Barbara A. Farley recalls Bob being the first person she met from IC in his role as chair of the Presidential Search Committee. He introduced Dr. Farley when she was announced as the College’s 14th president, and became a dear friend and trusted advisor to the president for more than a decade. 

“One of the greatest privileges of my life has been to know and work alongside Trustee Emeritus Bob Chipman over the past 11 years,” Farley said. “I came to know Illinois College through his eyes and was inspired by his vision for the College’s vibrant future.” 

Together, the family created the Chipman Family Endowed Scholarship, and at the time of his retirement from the Board of Trustees, grateful donors established the Robert E. Chipman ’74 H’23 Endowed Capital Improvements Fund to honor his distinguished service. An enthusiastic traveler, Bob has traveled extensively with his family, including on Illinois College alumni trips to Japan and Cuba. The Chipmans opened their home to 30 international students and exchange students from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, who stayed with them while attending IC. The couple maintained lifelong friendships with many of the students they met through the program. 

Recognizing Bob’s lifetime of service to his alma mater, the Robert E. Chipman ’74 H’23 Classroom in Schewe Library was dedicated in 2023. This teaching and learning space serves as a legacy of Bob’s commitment to the ideals of an Illinois College education, as does the classroom in Crispin Hall that is named in honor of his family. 

Beyond Illinois College, Bob was a pillar of the Jacksonville community. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville and remained active as an elder and Sunday school teacher. He served Jacksonville in many roles, including as a Board President of the YMCA, President of the Kiwanis Club, and President of the Prairieland United Way Board. 

In 2001, Bob received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his exceptional commitment to volunteerism and community service. In 2023, he was inducted into the Jacksonville Area Hall of Fame. Bob’s greatest joy in life was always his family. He treasured time spent with them and was proud of everything they accomplished. Bob and Janet’s two sons, Timothy Chipman ’01 and Andrew Chipman ’04, are both proud graduates of Illinois College, as is Bob’s brother, James Chipman ’79. Bob’s late mother Alice Chipman, who was beloved on campus as the longtime IC bookstore manager, was honored with the Friend of the College Award in 1997. His daughter-in-law, Stephanie Elpers Chipman, is vice president of external relations at Illinois College, where she has served on the executive leadership team since 2010. Other members of his family include his daughter-in-law Alicia and grandchildren, Elder, Etta and Edia Chipman of Chicago, and Ruth Chipman of Jacksonville. 

Bob loved his alma mater and exemplified the College’s mission of preparing students for meaningful lives of leadership and service. His own legacy of service will live on in his family and in the example he has set for a new generation of Illinois College graduates and community leaders.