Induction into the
Heritage Circle
of
Robert McDonald Kelly
Robert McDonald Kelly received his B.B.A. in Business
Administration from St. John’s College of Business in 1961.
Following graduation he served as an Electronic Intelligence
Operator for the U.S. Army Security Agency. After leaving the
military, he served as Director of Human Resources for the Thomas
J. Lipton Company, and in 1973 joined the F.X. Matt Brewing
Company, from which he ultimately retired as Director of Trade and
Community Relations. Recognizing the importance of community
service, he served for fifteen years as a member of the legislature
and chair of several key legislative committees in Oneida County,
NY. In 1986 he was named “Man of the Year in the Arts” by the
Central New York Community Arts Council, and in 1991 he received
the New York State Governor’s Award for Excellence in Export Trade.
His involvement in the community includes service as Chairman of
the Oneida County Community Action Committee and the United Way
Head Start Program, as President and Chairman of the Utica Symphony
Orchestra and as Creator and Founder of the Rome, NY Honor America
Days Festival. Since 1965 he has been a generous donor to the
University and is currently a member of The Loughlin Society.
Tonight, in celebration of his remarkable business career, his
commitment to community service and in recognition of the 50th
anniversary of his graduation, St. John’s University is pleased to
induct Robert McDonald Kelly into the Heritage Circle.
May 20, 2011