Charlotte Roberts ensured that the legacy of her brother, Politics and Government Professor Dr. Fred Roberts, lives on at Illinois State following his death on February 26, 2019. She used funds from his estate to establish the Dr. Frederick and Carlene Roberts Memorial Internship Fund in honor of Fred’s integrity and dedication to his students.
A reserved individual, Fred was the perfect foil for his engaging wife Carlene, who mentored many in her social work career. Fred was equally dedicated to teaching and mentoring. Before joining ISU’s faculty in 1968, he attended Princeton University on a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees there, while completing his doctoral research at the Brookings Institute. He taught at the University of Delaware in Newark.
Roberts was a founding faculty member of ISU’s Politics and Government Department. He developed a course on collective decision-making, which he taught until his retirement in 2000. He was an instructional innovator, creating a legislative simulation as a teaching device. He was director of the internship program, sponsored the Model Illinois Government Program, and served as graduate director.
Appears In“Knowing that about him, I felt that providing funding for internships was the best way to acknowledge and continue my brother’s lifework,” said Charlotte. The fund will enable students to gain internship experiences and embrace civic engagement opportunities.
“I’m pleased to know that internship students will be able to feel his influence,” said Charlotte, who noted that Fred looked for results instead of recognition.
Politics and Government Department Chair Dr. T.Y. Wang worked closely with Fred, who was a colleague and friend. “Dr. Fred Roberts was a committed educator. He had a modest demeanor and was extremely generous to others,” said Wang. “He worked hard to offer students unique and impactful learning opportunities over his many years of service to the Department of Politics and Government. We want to thank Fred’s sister, Charlotte Roberts, for establishing the Dr. Frederick and Carlene Roberts Memorial Internship Fund to honor his legacy.”
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