MCC Daily Tribune

Professor Robert B. Nenno, Mathematics (Retiree)

Colleagues and friends were saddened to hear of the passing of MCC Professor Robert B. Nenno. Professor Nenno died on November 22, 2021 at the age of 81.

According to his obituary, he is survived by his daughter, Corine (Joseph) Keyes; grandsons, Douglas and Brendan Keyes; brother, James (Joan); several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Professor Nenno earned his master’s degree in Computer Science from Rochester Institute of Technology and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics from SUNY Albany.

Prior to MCC, Professor Nenno taught at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He began his MCC career as an instructor in the Physics Department in 1964 supporting the success of engineering, optics, and physics students. He believed in the “Golden Rule” (i.e., “treating others as one wants to be treated”) and that “everyone should have the chance to pursue formal education in order to help achieve her/his full potential.”

In 1967 he transitioned to the Mathematics Department where he taught and advised students in both English and Spanish. It was there he advocated for MCC to connect to the Internet and helped established the College's computer science program.

In 1992, he received the Dr. Wesley T. Hanson Excellence in Teaching Award. His award nomination noted how his “primary focus has always been service to students.” He was known as a caring, demanding, innovative, organized, and thoughtful educator who worked hard at teaching. Students appreciated his ability to keep “class interesting by using humor and personal experiences.”

He was a member of the Mathematical Association of America, American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, New York State Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, Association of Math Teachers in the Rochester Area, Consortium of Mathematics and its Applications, and the Association for Computing Machinery.

He retired from MCC in 1993. Seven years later, he returned to MCC’s Mathematics Department where he taught until 2012. He inspired not only MCC students, but those at Nazareth College, ITT Automotive and Monroe Correctional Facility. His nearly 42-year career left an indelible mark on the College and community.

Services will be held at a date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you kindly consider donations to Lollypop Farm or a charity of your choice. Professor Nenno will be dearly missed.

DeAnna Burt-Nanna
Office of the President
12/15/2021