Robin Rees

Whenever University of Miami employees or students got sick or injured while abroad, Robin Rees was often the first on the phone to check on their well-being and render assistance, sometimes going without sleep and working on holidays to make sure they received help.

Like the time Rees worked over the July Fourth weekend arranging for safe and expeditious transportation back to the States for three students who were involved in a bus accident in China. Or the time when he arranged medical treatment for a faculty member who became ill while in the Galapagos Islands—acting so swiftly that the employee quickly recovered and was able to remain on the island to continue critical research.

Rees, a senior risk manager in UM’s Risk Management division, passed away unexpectedly on May 25, leaving a lasting memory of a committed worker who often went above and beyond his duties to ensure fellow employees and students in crisis got the help they needed.

He was 37 and leaves behind a wife and two small children.

“Dedicated and loyal” is how Andrea Orange, executive director of risk management, described Rees.

“Robin was the consummate professional, always caring deeply for UM and our students,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Pat Whitely.

Robin Kenneth Rees was born on August 6, 1974, in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Saint Ignatius High School in 1993, a star football player who helped his team win two state championships. He went on to play collegiately and earn his college degree at Villanova University.

Rees had worked in UM’s Risk Management division since 2006.

“He was a kind and caring individual who had a positive and sunny disposition,” said Glenda Hayley, director of international education and exchange programs, who worked closely with Rees on risk management matters involving students. “Whenever I saw him, he always had a big smile on his face, and he radiated happiness. For the matters with which we dealt, Robin always went the extra mile to ensure that UM was providing the students and their families with the very best of services. He worked tirelessly at all times—any time during the day and night and on holidays. Robin never complained about working 24/7.”

To his family, Rees was known as a dedicated husband and father who enjoyed watching his 7-year-old son, Sean Patrick, and 4-year-old daughter, Mia Elizabeth, participate in sports.

In addition to his children, Rees is survived by his wife, Kristin; mother, Diane; father, Ronald (Donna); two brothers, Ronald and Nikita; sister, Rochelle (Eric) Dunn; mother-in-law, Sharon Harper; and several nieces and nephews.

An education fund has been established for Rees’ children. To make a gift contribution directly to the Florida College Investment Plan for Rees’s children, mail a check or money order payable to: Florida College Investment Plan, P.O. Box 31483, Tampa FL 33631-3483; and reference the child and account number to which you are contributing: Sean Rees, Account Number 5311624; Mia Rees, Account Number 5311632. A minimum $25 contribution is required.