A Seat for Bob: Honoring the Legacy of Robert “Bob” Blake, C’72
The tribute began with a heartfelt idea from Bob’s friends — Doris Cochran-Fikes, CW’72, and Denis Elton Cochran-Fikes, C’74, WG’79 — who wanted to find a meaningful way to celebrate his life and the impact he had on so many people. Their inspiration was simple but powerful: to invite friends and members of the Penn community to pool their gifts together and collectively fund the naming of a seat in the Zellerbach Theatre in Bob’s memory. What began as a thoughtful gesture has grown into a collective tribute that reflects both Bob’s artistic legacy and the many friendships he built throughout his life.
As Doris shared:
“From Mask & Wig to Tin Penn Alley Players, and Let’s Play Doctor to Benny Franklin’s Summer Camp, Bob was a beloved creative force who inspired many people and helped lead the transformation of performing arts at Penn. It’s a blessing to carry fond memories in our hearts, so we invited mutual friends to join us in remembering Bob. Most of us can’t afford to name a building but naming a seat fits into many more budgets. Thanks to collective generosity, Bob will not be forgotten. He will always have a seat at Penn performing arts activities, and now his seat will be with friends.”
At Penn, Bob majored in English and immersed himself in Penn’s vibrant performing arts community, joining both The Mask and Wig Club and Penn Singers, groups that remain central to student performing arts on campus today. Bob’s creative spirit also led him to write the book, music, and lyrics for Let’s Play Doctor, the first original student musical performed at the Annenberg Center.
After graduating from Penn in 1972, Bob continued to pursue a life centered around music and entertainment. He wrote, directed and produced Benny Franklin’s Summer Camp, an eclectic cabaret featuring music, skits and comedy.
For those who knew him, Bob’s performances were never simply entertainment. They were joyful gatherings, moments where music created connection, laughter and shared memories. Through the generosity of friends and members of the Penn community, Bob’s legacy will continue to be present in a space where creativity thrives, and new generations of students discover their voices.
Naming a seat in one of the Annenberg Center’s theatres is a meaningful way to celebrate your connection to the performing arts or to honor a friend, mentor or loved one. Learn more about this opportunity by contacting me at tajaj@upenn.edu or 215.746.4633.
Taja Jones is the Associate Director of Individual Giving at Penn Live Arts.
