Robert J. ‘Rob’ Trulaske, Jr. honored during portrait unveiling

After working tirelessly to commemorate the legacy of his father by having the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business named in his honor, Robert “Rob” J. Trulaske, Jr., also now holds a spot of recognition within the college.

Supporters of the Trulaske College of Business recently gathered to recognize Rob Trulakse, Jr., with a portrait unveiling in Cornell Hall. The distinction pays tribute to Rob’s commitment to honoring his father, Bob, as well Rob’s philanthropic endeavors, his tremendous professional achievements and his life-long support of the University of Missouri.

“Robert J. Trulaske, Jr. was a visionary businessman and dedicated Mizzou alumnus who exemplified our values of Respect, Responsibility, Discovery and Excellence,” said University of Missouri President Mun Choi. “We are pleased to honor his incredible legacy as a leader and champion of our university with this portrait in Cornell Hall.”

Rob dedicated his life to following in his father’s footsteps. For Rob, that meant helping to grow True Manufacturing, which continues to thrive under the leadership of his brother, Steve Trulaske.

“Rob's relationship with Mizzou really was impacted by his dad's relationship with Mizzou,” said Jay Sarver, a close friend of Rob’s. “Rob could never tell you a story about his time at Mizzou without also recounting a story about his dad. He admired everything his dad stood for. And I think he really tried to model himself after his father.”

It also meant paying tribute to his father’s love of Mizzou. Rob maintained his connection to his father, Bob, by leading an effort to have Mizzou’s College of Business named in his father’s honor. 

“Ensuring that the college would bear the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. name was one of Rob’s last major undertakings. He championed that initiative, even as his own health declined,” Balaji Rajagopalan, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. Dean of the Trulaske College of Business, said in remarks at the celebration. “For that, and for all that Rob gave to this college, we will always be grateful.”

Rob cherished the opportunity to maintain a connection to his father through their shared love of Mizzou and the College of Business, said John Bechtold, Rob’s son.

“Before Rob passed away, he wanted to make the big commitment for the family to support the College of Business, and he got it done with support from Dean Emeritus Bruce Walker and the University of Missouri Board of Curators,” Bechtold said. “For Rob to have the College of Business named after his father, it was an immensely important experience for him to get done in his lifetime. It really meant a lot to him.”

Rob’s daughter, Jeanne Trulaske Dalba, said that her father would be both honored and humbled to know that his portrait now hangs in Cornell Hall, and noted the tremendous success that both her father and grandfather had achieved after graduating from Mizzou.

“The portraits of my father and my grandparents, Bob and Geraldine, are indicative of their belief that the Trulaske College of Business can serve as a platform for success,” Dalba said. “These portraits also represent the extent of their extraordinary appreciation of the University and a shared desire to help others achieve by reinvesting in the business school.”

Inspired by his love for his son, Chris, Rob founded Saint Louis Life, a community-focused residential program dedicated to supporting adults with developmental disabilities. He also gave generously to support parks and cultural institutions in his community, and to help preserve historic properties. And to ensure that his family would have a worthwhile endeavor to share and to keep them connected even after he was gone, he established the Robert J. Trulaske, Jr. Family Foundation. 

“This brings us together now,” said Rob’s wife, Sarah, of his family’s continuing work with the Robert J. Trulaske, Jr. Family Foundation. “How can we be of purpose? How can we make this a better world? How can we leave our mark? How can we change things in a positive way?”

Joining Rajagopalan at the tribute were University of Missouri President Mun Choi, Trulaske Emeritus Dean Bruce Walker, and Trulaske family friend Michael Newmark, as well as Rob’s children, John Bechtold and Jeanne Trulaske Dalba, and their families. Friends and family gathered to watch a special video about Rob’s life, followed by a reception.

“It is an honor to know that with this portrait, Rob’s leadership, his presence, and his example, will always be seen and felt in Cornell Hall,” Rajagopalan said.

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.