Husson to Celebrate Longtime Supporter and Alum at Ceremony

Published on: April 27, 2026

Husson University is honoring a very special alumnus with a tribute and plaque unveiling on Monday, April 27.

Bob O’Keefe graduated from Husson in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and went on to work in sales for numerous organizations including Angelica Corporation. He retired in 1995.

More recently at Husson, though, he was known for his devotion to the Husson Softball program. Together with his wife, Fran, he helped create the softball field, the Fran O’Keefe Hitting Pavilion, and also made a more than $2.4 million estate gift to the university that will be divided between several initiatives including the Bob and Fran O’Keefe Endowed Scholarship, the President’s Priority Fund, capital improvements for Husson Athletics and an endowment to support the softball program. Estate gifts are ones that are allocated for posthumous distribution.

O’Keefe’s support didn’t stop there though. He frequently turned out to watch games and knew all the Husson players year after year. 

On Monday, April 27 at 1pm, Husson trustees, alumni, softball players, and leaders will gather for a special memorial celebration honoring his life and enduring legacy at Husson. The gathering will take place on the Husson Softball Field and will include remarks about his life and legacy, an opportunity for attendees to place white roses on the pitcher’s mound and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the very spot where O’Keefe often stood offering his support. 

“We are celebrating a man whose generosity, humility and unwavering commitment to Husson shaped our community in lasting and significant ways. Bob O’Keefe had a profound impact on our University and our softball program and he’s greatly missed,” said President Lynne Coy-Ogan.