In his youth, Robert “Bob” Kyle McCrea* was an acolyte at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, and a founding member of the Edina High School Alpine Ski Team. As an adult, Bob was a founding partner and CEO of Colour Graphics Corporation, a member of St. Martin’s by-the-Lake Episcopal Church, and an active husband and father. He discovered United through his church Priest, Rev. Edwin John Eilertsen, who was a member of United’s Board of Trustees.
In 1976, Rev. Eilertsen encouraged Bob to take a course at United. One spring course, “Outlines of Christian Faith,” was all it took for Bob to decide to support United. Though he had to drive in a few evenings a week, Bob’s wife Polly remembers that he really enjoyed being a student, loved the environment at the school, and studying at United helped his faith journey.
Bob joined the board in 1978. His first role was on the vice presidential search committee. Between 1982 and 1983, Bob was a member of the finance committee, and from 1983 to 1985, he was board chair. He served on the executive committee from 1985 to 1986 and on board affairs from 1984 to 1986, co-chaired two fundraising campaigns, and helped lead the 50th anniversary committee in 2012.
Starting in 1978, Bob and Polly also began making regular donations to United and offering their fundraising expertise. They maintained that they had a responsibility to share their good fortune with causes in which they believed.
Bob appreciated that United was not only educating future clergy, but supplying a theological edge to those pursuing work in nonprofits, schools, or other organizations. An effective networker, Bob worked closely with then-President Wilson Yates and Dr. Mary Bednarowski. Wilson recalls that Bob was always introducing him to new people, saying, “Wilson, you have to meet this person!”
Gregarious by nature, Bob was a natural leader and staunch supporter. Long time friend Addison (Tad) Piper—whose father, Harry C. Piper,* graduated from United in 1974— attests, “Bob was a person of strong loyalties. He cherished his relationship with the wonderful United board, staff, and faculty and worked hard to keep the institution strong, relevant, and vibrant.”
Bill George, former Medtronic CEO and United board member, asserts: “Bob McCrea was the most dedicated member of the United board. He was constantly talking about the good things happening at United and how important its work is. Long after he retired from the board, we continued working with prospective donors to raise money for United. I can’t imagine anyone serving a board better than Bob.”
At a sold-out luncheon in late 2014, the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals honored Bob and Polly McCrea with the prestigious Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers award. Speaking at the event, Bob said, “It’s a pleasure to share our enthusiasm for a good cause, program, or community resource with friends and acquaintances who might find value in supporting these organizations as well. It is a role of connecting the dots.”
Polly notes that Bob’s hope for United was that it would become self-sustaining, and continue to grow. She adds, “I think one of the things we loved about United was making a lot of very good friends. We always enjoyed programs and the opportunities to hear speakers. United was a very important part of our life.”
United is humbly grateful for the stalwart support that Bob and Polly McCrea gave to the seminary over four decades. Blessed be the memory of Bob McCrea.
* indicates those of blessed memory