Biography for

Rob Kleps

After graduation Rob left Brecksville for Case Institute of Technology. Realizing that his social opportunities were limited, he transferred to the University of Chicago from which he received his B.S. in Biochemistry. As soon as he graduated, he realized that he was going to be drafted. Because he didn't like flying or getting sea sick or being Gung Ho, he enlisted in the Army's Officer Candidate Program where he was to be an armor officer. Halfway through his training his class was switched to transportation. Then after a brief stay in the U.S. he was shipped to South Vietnam where he lucked out and was sent to an Army unit running the civilian side of the Siagon Port. He witnessed great bravery by U.S. and South Vietnamese forces during the early confusion of the Tet offensive in 1968. He successfully completed his tour of duty and left knowing that no deaths were on his conscience. Like many veterans he was unsure of his goals and the country to which he was returning.

After spending six months unwinding, his wits returned and he gave up smoking. He found a job as a university technician. While there, he was introduced to scientific research and became addicted. He had found his professional love. His boss told him that if he wanted to stay involved in that relationship, he must get a doctorate. He accepted that reality and entered the graduate program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Having his Ph.D. union card, he could now qualify for a position in the academic workplace. Many years passed and he woke up to discover that he was Director of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and micro-Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lab at UIC. His major scientific contribution was to find the first sex-specific metabolite ever discovered in any species.

While he was still a student, the woman who got his old job became his wife. He now had two loves-- one in and one outside of marriage. After getting married he entered the most rewarding part of his life that has continued for over 36 years. He and his wife have three great, well educated, personable and funny sons. They attended their second son's wedding in India in 2010; the oldest son just made him a grandfather in April, 2010; and his youngest has graduated from college and is trying to find his first real job.

He finds that grandparenting is a lot more fun than parenting. Since his granddaughter lives nearby, he gets to practice his doting a couple times a week. He's been gifted with a fine family and good health, and is determined to go the distance and attend the 50th reunion.