In Memoriam: Steiner’s Legacy Continues at Posse Chicago

Robert M. Steiner, an avid and longtime supporter of Posse Chicago, was passionate about increasing opportunity. Bob mentored many Posse Scholars and alumni over the years, generously helping them navigate their careers, connecting them with jobs and opportunities, and offering career advice and personal support.

After Bob passed away last year, Andy Nguyen, a Posse graduate of Denison University and current Posse Chicago Leadership Council member, shared what Bob’s mentorship meant to him.

“He helped each of us to make more of an impact in Chicago.”

In 2006, Andy met Bob Steiner at a Posse networking dinner and they quickly hit it off. They began meeting regularly for lunch at Manny’s Café, a traditional Jewish deli where Bob knew everyone. Andy remembers talking to Bob for hours, appreciating the care Bob took to get to know him personally in addition to the straightforward career tips he offered.

“Conversations could last forever, and he would not be shy about advice,” Andy remembers.

Bob was an expert at facilitating networks, strategically assigning seats at dinners and connecting alumni to jobs and other opportunities.

“He knew to put people together so they could have conversations,” Andy remembers. “He cared so much about how other people felt.”

A child of immigrant parents, Bob grew up on the South Side of Chicago, graduating from Fenger High School, a Chicago public high school. He went on to receive both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His connection to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a longtime Posse partner, is what first introduced him to The Posse Foundation. But it was his experience making his own way to and through college that motivated him to invest in Posse Scholars and alumni.

Bob mentored and empowered many Posse Scholars and alumni, who fondly called themselves “Bob’s Posse.”

“Bob’s biggest love of Posse was that it gave people opportunity,” emphasizes Andy.

Bob Steiner and his wife Penelope were honored at Posse Chicago’s Power of 10 event in 2010 for their philanthropic contributions to community organizations throughout Chicago. His son, Robert Steiner Jr., served on the Posse Chicago Leadership Council for 10 years, from 2009 to 2019.

Bob mentored and empowered many Posse Scholars and alumni, who fondly called themselves “Bob’s Posse.” He will be remembered throughout the Posse community for his genuine kindness and keen advice.

“He helped each of us to make more of an impact in Chicago,” Andy says.