Remembering Robert....

When you think of Bob Sprague, you think of his long-term, loyal and passionate support of our campus and community. He was a true philanthropist in every sense of the word. He gave his time and financial resources so generously and so quietly – and he and his wife, Peggie, have given because of their passion for causes, not for notoriety or recognition.

The Spragues have made transformational gifts to UC Irvine that support cancer and genetic programs, biomedical research, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, social disorders … and the list goes on. The Spragues most recent transformative gift to UCI will support a new Women’s Cancer Research Center that will house faculty research as well as post–doc and resident training.

The Spragues’ mutual passion for finding a cure for cancer stems from a set of tragic circumstances. Both Bob’s and Peggie’s former spouses died from cancer. As widows who faced the results of such a devasting disease, the Spragues persevered and dedicated their lives to ensuring future generations will not suffer the heartbreaking losses they endured. Two years ago, Bob and his friends at UC Irvine celebrated his 90th birthday, and although he had slowed down physically, his mind was as sharp as it was 50 years ago. Bob had a keen sense of humor – he openly joked about his lack of mobility, and he never missed an opportunity to make people laugh.

In recognition of the county’s need for a world-class, state-of-the-art teaching and research hospital, the Spragues helped champion plans for the new Douglas Hospital at UC Irvine Medical Center and, in 2003, they provided a $1 million leadership gift to support construction of the recently opened facility. The Spragues’ support has been instrumental in building one of the finest medical centers in the country.

The Spragues have devoted much of their lives to building an enormous legacy benefiting Orange County and beyond. Their generosity will live on through the countless patients, families, students and faculty who will benefit from the research and education that their support has provided. Because of their deeply held belief in philanthropy, coupled with their compassion and desire to make a difference, the couple was honored with the 2008 National Philanthropy Day Spirit of Philanthropy Lifetime achievement award. In 1999, they were awarded the university’s highest honor, The Medal.

Robert Sprague spent most of his career as an investment banker. He served as director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, cofounded a savings and loan association in Los Angeles and was active in national and statewide banking associations. A native of Los Angeles, he came from a family of physicians. His father, the late Dr. Norman F. Sprague, served as a regent of the University of California in the 1930s and 1940s.

In talking about the dedication he held for the campus, Robert Sprague said, "Because of my family background, I've always been interested in medicine. I'm also impressed with the high professional caliber of the faculty at UCI, and I'm excited by the accomplishments and prospects of this institution."

UC Irvine and our community will greatly miss one of its closest friends – and our friend forever – Robert R. Sprague.

For more stories about Bob visit:

http://www.ucifuture.com/Sprague-News.html