This tribute begins in the fall of 1973, when Bob arrived in Santa Barbara to join MIU staff. MIU had just opened its doors there, in a rented motel complex. He began his career in the dish room in the kitchen — demonstrating that great things — both his and MIU’s trajectory — often have humble beginnings.
Santa Barbara — a young man appears
As cosmic intelligence cheers
Fulfillment of wishes —
He’s Washer of Dishes! —
Launching the best of careers
Dr. Keith Wallace then spots him
And promptly de-pans and de-pots him
As soon as he’s noted him
He’s swiftly promoted him —
And check out the place where he slots him:
Financial Aid Office — director!
That was a weird career vector!
From arms deep in suds
To shirt-and-tie duds —
Mother Nature had fed him some nectar
Fast forward — Bob spots an ad —
An opportunity is there to be had . . .
In chimney supplies —
Bob Daniels applies —
And also signs up as a dad
A Tulsa garage was the start
His capital: brains, drive, and heart
And nature support
By every report —
And what a great course he would chart
Enter the great Sooty Bob —
Chimney sweeps’ hearts are a-throb
Whatever they desire
In the field of fire
Bob’s got the tools for the job
From that moment, it’s humble debut
Copperfield grew — and it grew
Bob Daniels’ creation
Is the biggest in the nation —
There’s nothing Bob Daniels can’t do
Bob Daniels truly can say
He’s been powered by Agni Mile
Higher and higher
In a field built on fire
As Copperfield carries the day
He’s also our trusted Trustee
One half of “the Bobs,” as we see
A genius financial —
A guide most substantial —
No school’s as fortunate as we
What financial acumen he brings
He looks at a spreadsheet — it sings
A finance untangler
Light-shining star-spangler —
And so many other good things
The School has once again scored —
Bob is now back on the board
In the seat of the Chair
And leading from there —
A sign our good fortune has soared
With Susan, Genevra, and Ben
And Chetana — we say amen
A family so fine —
We see how they shine —
Bob is our man among men
To Mr. Bob Daniels we say:
We love your great play and display
You’re the man we admire
You truly inspire —
We wish you a great day today!
March 6, 2011