Running for a Cause

When Bob Canfield attended Memphis State College in the mid-1950s, there were 4,000 students and the campus hardly resembled what it is today. It is the pride and support from people such as Canfield that has played a vital role in the growth of the University of Memphis ever since, as the institution has evolved into one of Tennessee’s two flagship public universities.

“I first started at Memphis in September 1955 and was actually a part of getting the school’s name changed to Memphis State University,” Canfield said. “We thought it gave the school a more prestigious name, which was good for everyone. It was a fun effort and, fortunately, we were successful.”

Canfield studied marketing and served in the Air Force ROTC. Upon graduation in May 1959, he commissioned in the Air Force and served 22 years, three active duty and 19 in the reserves. He retired as an accomplished Lieutenant Colonel.

In 2003, the Air Force Academy presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor that is cherished by Canfield and his family.

After active duty in the Air Force, Canfield put his marketing degree into action. He worked at John Hancock Financial Advisors for more than 35 years, making several stops around the country before settling just outside of Boston in Sudbury, Massachusetts, with his wife, Suellen, and two children, Rob and Paige.

With the New England area becoming home base for the Canfields, Bob’s professional sports rooting interests became the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox. But at the collegiate level, his loyalty has remained all Memphis Tigers.

“As I’ve moved around the country, I’ve always stayed in touch with the University of Memphis and my peers,” Canfield said. “I’ve been president four times with alumni groups in several cities, including St. Louis, Little Rock, Atlanta and Boston.”

Running is another passion for Canfield, who turns 86 in August. He has participated in numerous races across the U.S. to honor Suellen, who died suddenly in 2001 from a brain aneurysm. When she passed, the family donated organs, helping others receive transplants they desperately needed.

Moved by the impact this had on the recipients and their loved ones, Canfield has been an active advocate for organ and tissue donation ever since. In addition to running to raise awareness, he’s dedicated his time to volunteering, raising money, serving on committees and speaking to groups about New England Donor Services.

In December 2022, Canfield finished the St. Jude Children's Hospital Half Marathon in Memphis for the 11th time. When he crossed the finish line, he was greeted by many friends and family applauding and thanking him for his dedicated service and support to such a worthy cause. He has raised more than $50,000 for the organization. It was his 36th half-marathon, proudly completed with the University of Memphis represented atop his head.

“I always wear my Memphis hat when I run,” Canfield said. He and his wife, Donna, now reside in Hudson, Massachusetts.