Bob Devlin chosen outstanding alumnus in class of 1964

New Wave staff newwave@tulane.edu
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When the Tulane University Emeritus Club held its annual spring awards ceremony recently, Robert M. “Bob” Devlin was named the Outstanding Alumnus for the Class of 1964 and received a Lifetime Alumni Achievement Award.

Bob and Kate Devlin

Known for “working tirelessly and unselfishly for the community,” Bob and Kate Devlin are members of the Paul Tulane Society, which honors the university"s leading philanthropists. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)


The honors are well earned, says James Stofan, vice president for alumni relations: “Bob and his wife, Kate, exemplify all that Tulane University represents and stands for: working tirelessly and unselfishly for the community without expectation of public acclaim or material reward.”

Devlin received his B.A. in economics at Tulane. Currently he is chairman of Curragh Capital Partners, an investment firm in New York City. Devlin formerly was chairman, president and chief executive officer of American General Corp. He joined American General in 1978 and in 1986 became president and CEO of American General Life, the flagship subsidiary of American General Corp.

When he became president and CEO, American General Corp. had $43 billion of assets and a market capitalization of $7 billion. It grew to be the third-largest life insurance financial services company in America, with $123 billion of assets and a market capitalization of $24 billion.

Most recently Devlin was a principal owner of Forethought Financial Group, a life insurance and financial services firm. During his career, he was a member of the board of directors of Discover Financial Services, Conoco Phillips, LKQ Corp., Forethought Financial Group and American General Corp.

He serves on the executive council of the American Irish Historical Society. In addition, he is a member of the advisory board for Westport Playhouse in Westport, Conn., and a member of the board of directors of the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation. He served for 10 years on the board of directors of America"s Promise, Colin Powell"s initiative to deliver five promises to all at-risk youths. He also served as a trustee for Boston College from 2002 to 2010, and is now a trustee associate.

Devlin was a recipient of the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Medal Of Honor and the Gold Medal from the American Irish Historical Society. Devlin was inducted into the Irish-America Hall Of Fame in March of 2013. Also, the Devlins were awarded the Torch of Liberty by the Anti-Defamation League and were inducted into the Joe Torre Safe at Home Hall of Fame for their work to end child abuse and domestic violence.

He currently serves as a member of the Board of Tulane and was chairman of the endowment committee for five years, when the Tulane endowment surpassed $1 billion for the first time. The Devlins are members of the Paul Tulane Society.