CWU Alumnus Bob Moawad, A Friend to Many and An Inspiration to All.

January 18, 2007

Ellensburg, Wash.- Alumnus and longtime friend of Central Washington University, Robert "Bob" A. Moawad, 66, passed away January 13th, 2007 in his home after a seven-year battle with cancer.

Moawad was often referred to as one of Central's "most avid supporters." Making an impact on the lives of everyone he crossed paths with was just a part of life for Moawad. By living his life mission of helping people and organizations maximize their number one human asset - themselves, Moawad quickly earned a well-deserved reputation as a tireless teacher, inspirational coach, infectious speaker, motivational leader and remarkable visionary.

"Bob touched the lives of so many people, including me," says Paul Baker, CWU Vice President of University Relations. "He was an inspiration and a true gentleman who will be deeply missed."

Central's graduating class of 2003 may recall Moawad's unique way of looking at life. They gave him a standing ovation after his speech at that year's commencement ceremony where he encouraged students to "never work a day in their lives." To Moawad, that meant to enjoy what you do so much that it never seems like work.

Moawad grew up Kalama, Wash., where he was very involved in athletics, education, and music. He moved to Ellensburg and attended CWU where he received a bachelor's degree in health education in 1964 and a master's degree in physical education in 1967. A standout on the Wildcat baseball and basketball teams, Bob earned all-league baseball honors in 1963 and lead the team in stolen bases in 1964. He was team captain for the 1964 basketball team and also served as student body vice president from 1962 to '63.

After graduation, Moawad taught high school psychology and coached basketball. His 1969 Central Kitsap High School team, in Silverdale, won the Washington state high school basketball championship, which was an experience Moawad valued as one of the most rewarding 'opportunities' of his life.

Moawad then became founder and chairman of Edge Learning Institute, a professional development firm that helps organizations maximize their human assets, increase productivity, manage change without stress and achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction. He's also one of the original authors of Chicken Soup For The Soul.

Through the years, Moawad remained connected with Central. He was named a CWU distinguished alumnus in 1994 and was inducted into the CWU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 for both basketball and baseball. His brother, John Moawad, is renowned CWU professor emeritus of jazz studies.

Bob is survived by his wife Andrea, of Lakewood, Wash.; son Trevor Moawad, of Florida; son Robert Moawad, Jr., of Seattle, Wash.; and two grandchildren. Memorial services will be Friday, January 26 at Noon at St. John Bosco in Tacoma, Wash. A "Celebration of Life" will follow the service at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club at 3:00 pm. Memorials may be sent to Edge Learning Institute, 2209 N. Pearl Street, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA, 98406-2529.

Contact: Teri Olin, Public Relations & Marketing, CWU (509) 963-1416.