An exceptionally committed Anteater, D. Robinson “Bob” Cluck is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Social Sciences. According to the lyrics of a song a friend wrote for Bob’s 60th birthday, the “u” in Cluck stands for “UC Irvine.”

Bob’s lifelong connection to UC Irvine began as an undergraduate student. Dedicated to service and leadership, Bob was involved with various organizations, including the Sigma Chi fraternity (where he received the Significant Sig Award), the Interfraternity Council (where he served as president), and the Associated Students of UC Irvine.

Bob credits UC Irvine with setting the stage for his professional life. After graduating with a B.A. in economics, he reaffirmed his dedication to service and leadership, starting a career in investment advising. He worked for several firms, including Kidder, Peabody & Co. and Smith Barney, Harris Upham & Co.

In 1988, he founded Canterbury Consulting, where he serves as chair of the board of directors and a shareholder, managing assets exceeding $52.4 billion for endowments, foundations, healthcare organizations and families. He is also a member of the Canterbury Outsourced CIO Committee and sits on the ESG, Global Equity, and Hedge Funds Manager Research committees.

Bob’s leadership in the financial sector extends to his commitment to UC Irvine, where he plays a pivotal role in supporting the university’s financial stability and growth as a trustee of the UC Irvine Foundation. He chairs the Investment & Finance Committee and serves on the Executive Committee. Drawing on his knowledge of financial stewardship in academia, he co-authored the book Asset Management for Endowments & Foundations: Improving Investment Performance & Reducing Management Costs.

Supporting UC Irvine is a true family affair. Both Bob and his wife, Tammi, are deeply engaged members of the Anteater community. They are founding members of the School of Social Sciences Dean’s Leadership Society, and Tammi is also a member of the Women of the Dean’s Leadership Society.