It is with deep sadness that Molloy University shares the news of the passing of Bob Houlihan.
Bob was part of the fabric of Molloy, dedicating more than three decades of service to the University. His passion for our students' success and his dedication to the University helped shape the community we know today.
His relationship with Molloy College began in 1980 as the Softball coach and six years later he assumed additional coaching duties as the women's basketball coach. In 19 seasons at the softball helm, he recorded over 300 victories, including a New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (NYCAC) Championship in 1995 and ECAC Championships in 1994 and 1995. He reached the postseason 18 times and coached six All-Americans. He amassed 134 basketball victories over 11 seasons, reaching the postseason tournament 10 times. He was a member of the NCAA Basketball Tournament Selection Committee for three years and the ECAC Men's and Women's Basketball Committees for three and two years, respectively.
In 1988, Bob became the third Director of Athletics. During his tenure, he was instrumental in adding seven intercollegiate teams, including five men's programs. Baseball, Men's Basketball and Men's Cross Country made their debuts during the 1992-93 academic year, marking the first men's athletic programs in the history of Molloy College. Soon after, Men's and Women's Soccer, Women's Cross Country and Men's Lacrosse began. Under Bob's guidance, the student-athlete body grew from 40 to 200.
Molloy participated as a member of the NYCAC before the conference changed its name to the East Coast Conference. Bob was the President of the NYCAC for two terms and recording secretary for three years. He served as sport chair for volleyball for three years, baseball and women's soccer for two years, and women's basketball and softball for one year.
In June of 2001, Bob was elevated to the position of Vice President for Student Affairs. He was the chief student affairs officer, providing leadership and vision for student support services, including athletics, health, public safety and student government-sponsored clubs and activities. He was responsible for organizing first-year and transfer student orientations, handling all graduation festivities, and developing and implementing student life programs.
Bob received his bachelor of science degree in Criminal Justice in 1976 from the New York Institute of Technology and a master's of science degree in Education, Guidance and Counseling in 1978 and a master's of science degree in Criminal Justice in 1980 from Long Island University.
Bob was a 20-year veteran of the New York City Police Department, where he served as a Detective for 17 years before his retirement in 1986. His assignments included: Narcotics, Organized Crime Bureau, Special Investigations Division, Homicide Squad and Major Case Squad. He was the recipient of 22 citations and was a member of the Honor Legion. He shared his police experiences with the Molloy students as an Adjunct Professor in the Criminal Justice Department and taught classes in Molloy's Physical Education Department.
Bob lived the mission of Molloy. He coached CYO and PAL teams for 20 years, coached the Empire State Games for 16 years, was a Malverne Little League coach for 17 years, a member of the Malverne Youth Board and Chairperson for two years and was a guest lecturer and clinician at over 250 basketball clinics and camps throughout the metropolitan area. He spoke regularly at local high schools and facilitated workshops for juniors and seniors. At Molloy, he developed leadership retreats for freshmen and upperclassmen.
In 2005, Calhoun High School honored him with their Leadership Award. The Long Island Tigers Association recognized him with their Community Service Award in 1993. He was the recipient of the Molloy College Distinguished Service Award in 1995 and the Rockville Centre Service Award in 1999. In 2013, Bob was awarded "The President's Medal," which is the highest award the University gives out.
And on September 24, 2024, Molloy’s athletic court in the Quealy Gymnasium was named “Bob Houlihan Court” in his honor.
Throughout his remarkable career, Bob touched the lives of thousands of students, colleagues, alumni, and friends. His unwavering commitment to helping students, his ability to show up when people needed him most, and his leadership by example are just a few of the qualities that define his legacy. His impact on Molloy will be felt for generations.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Maysie; his son, Jason, Assistant Director of Public Safety at Molloy; his daughter, Lauren; and their entire family during this difficult time. May Bob's memory be a blessing, and may we honor his legacy through the care, compassion, and service he so generously demonstrated throughout his life.