Our esteemed friend and colleague Robert (Bob) Balkin, member of the Office of Global Affairs team, passed away at his home in Clifton Park on September 18, 2022 after a valiant and prolonged battle with cancer, surrounded by his loved ones. In addition to his many extraordinary talents, we will sorely miss Bob’s eloquence, his political savvy, his joyful presence, and his unfailing playful wit. Many knew Bob in his role as Director of Latin American and Caribbean Engagement for many years. He began his SUNY career with the Center for International Development, where he directed a USAID-funded project in Mexico, and then represented SUNY in Mexico and throughout Latin America. He was getting to know many more SUNY colleagues in person in recent times, having moved to New York at the start of the pandemic. In addition to Mexico, Bob played a critical role in SUNY’s efforts in Brazil, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Recently Bob had been providing support and expertise in the area of international student recruitment. What many did not know about Bob is that prior to SUNY he had a pioneering career in political journalism, as detailed in this NBC News piece; https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/remembering-pioneer-political-journalism-rcna48343