Former Mason President Krug Remembered

Robert Charles Krug, a Richmond native and former Mason president, passed away at the age of 88 on October 29 in Irvington, Virginia.

Krug came to Mason in 1965 and served as president from 1977 to 1978. Prior to his tenure as president, he held several key positions, including dean of then George Mason College, dean of the faculty and graduate school, provost, and vice president for academic affairs. Krug’s academic field was chemistry. He pursued research during World War II that led to improving the fuel efficiency of aviation fuel.

“Bob Krug was a true gentleman and scholar,” President Alan Merten remembers. “I met him soon after coming to Mason. Over the years, he was a great source of ideas and encouragement. He was a true builder of George Mason University.”

While president, Krug was an effective lobbyist, acquiring funds from the Virginia General Assembly. He also was responsible for obtaining the university’s first computers. Mason’s Board of Visitors honored Krug in 1980 by naming one of the university’s original buildings after him.

Krug’s wife of 64 years, Kathryn, passed away earlier in 2006. He is survived by his daughter, Robyn Quaid; his son, Charles; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.