Robert Spinner '64

Fr. Walter Reger, OSB – priest, professor, prefect, dean and friend – was the driving force behind the Saint John's University Alumni Association for years. He had ties to thousands of Johnnies, corresponding with many of them long into their alumni years. So ardent was his dedication that he became known as "Mr. Saint John's."

Since 1971, the Saint John's University Alumni Association has presented the Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award in honor of Fr. Walter's dedication. The award recognizes outstanding service to the Saint John's community by an alumnus. It is the highest honor given by the Alumni Association.

2009 Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus
Robert Spinner '64
President of Allina Hospitals & Clinics

The Alumni Association Board of Directors have selected Bob Spinner ’64 as the recipient of the 2009 Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award in recognition of many years of loyal service to his alma mater.

Throughout his life, Spinner has remained connected to the Saint John’s community. He has served as chair of the Board of Regents and is currently a member of the National Campaign Committee.

In addition, Bob and his wife, Patti, continue to generously support the university. They established The Robert and Patti Spinner Family Endowed Scholarship in December 2003.

Following graduation from Saint John’s, Spinner earned an M.A. in hospital and healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota and launched a career in the healthcare industry. He spent 33 years with Allina Hospitals & Clinics and its predecessor organizations in various capacities, serving as president and CEO of Abbott Northwestern Hospital for 10 years. He retired in 2001 as president of Allina Hospitals and Clinics.

“When it comes to classmates and alumni of Saint John’s who have impacted my life, the list goes on forever. Saint John’s friends are like an extended family that just continues to grow,” Spinner commented.

Attend the Homecoming Banquet where Bob will receive his award.

Recipients

2010 Don Schumacher '65
2009 Bob Spinner '64
2008 Dave Wendt '63
2007 Dick Nigon ’70
2006 Steve Slaggie ‘61
2005 Dan Whalen ‘70
2004 Bob Wicker ‘64
2003 Al Eisele ’58
2002 Dan Coborn ‘52
2001 Joe Mucha ‘66
2000 Thom Woodward ‘70
2000 Bill Sexton ‘55
1999 Don LeMay, OSB ‘48
1998 Len Mrachek ‘58
1997 Frank Ladner ‘48
1996 Mike Dady ‘71
1995 John Agee ‘70
1994 John Rogers ’63
1993 Tom McKeown ‘52
1992 Cleve Cram ‘38
1991 Tom Joyce ‘61
1990 Bob Shafer ‘54
1989 Don Talafous OSB ‘48
1988 Jerry Donovan ‘53
1987 George Hawkins ‘49
1986 Frank Grundman ‘48
1985 Jack O’Connell ‘42
1984 LeRoy Lilly ‘55
1983 Martin Schirber, OSB ‘39
1982 Jerry Terhaar ‘48
1981 Harry Holtz ‘39
1980 Joe Ryan ‘31
1979 Fran Miller ‘48
1978 Paul Huber ‘55
1977 Ed Devitt ‘32
1976 Matthew Kiess, OSB ‘21
1975 Henry Borgerding ‘07
1974 Fr. Dunstan Tucker, OSB ‘25
1973 Herb Adrian ‘29
1972 George Durenberger ‘28
1971 Fred Hughes '31