Fisher School mourns passing of Bob Lowe

Robert N. Lowe, Jr., an alumnus and proud supporter of the Fisher School of Accounting, passed away Sept. 7.

He was 57 years old.

“Bob was simply one of the smartest people I’ve ever known,” said Dr. Gary McGill, J. Roy Duggan Professor and Director of the Fisher School. “But he was also a kind and caring person who was always thinking about how he might benefit others. The Fisher School and University of Florida are better places because of Bob’s influence. I will miss his advice, counsel, and friendship.”

Lowe’s (BSAc ’80, MAcc ’81) distinguished accounting career combined two distinctive, but harmonious chapters.

The first was rooted in the established “Big Five” accounting firm Arthur Andersen, where he served superbly as its Managing Partner for the Florida/ Caribbean Market, Member of the Global, U.S. and U.S. Tax Leadership Teams, and Global Managing Partner for Expansions and Alliances.

Lowe’s latter endeavor demonstrated his entrepreneurial nature. In 2004, he joined Alvarez & Marsal, a growing consulting firm that specialized in turnaround management and corporate restructuring. Just two years earlier, Alvarez & Marsal embarked on an ambitious mission to challenge the world’s elite and established professional services firms. Lowe played an integral role in that growth and developed the firm’s global tax practice. His efforts resulted in Taxand, the world’s largest independent organization of leading tax advisers in 50 countries. Lowe served as Alvarez & Marsal Taxand’s founding Chief Executive Officer, as well as Alvarez & Marsal’s Managing Director.

Lowe, a native of South Florida, was heavily involved in civic and charitable organizations, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Diabetes Research Institute and was a founding officer/director of the Miami Children’s Hospital Civic Council.

Lowe’s commitment to his alma mater was unwavering. He served on the Fisher School’s Steering Committee for 24 years and the Warrington College of Business’s Business Advisory Council for 16 years, providing thoughtful insight and guidance to the directions of both entities.

Lowe is survived by his wife, Tammi; and children, Michelle and Robert III.

To honor Lowe’s memory, the Robert N. Lowe, Jr. Family Accounting Scholarship has been created at the University of Florida. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to:

The Robert N. Lowe, Jr. Family Accounting Scholarship
Warrington College of Business
Attn: Alison Law
University of Florida
100 Bryan Hall
PO Box 117150
Gainesville, FL 32611