Name/Title
Oral History of Robert "Bob" AdamsEntry/Object ID
2021.031.001Scope and Content
Robert was born in Palo Alto, California. He attended Lincoln Elementary School, Washington Jr. High School, and Salinas Union High School in Salinas. Robert spent less than two years at Hartnell Community College before transferring to UC Berkeley, falling in love with Lois Jean, and graduating in 1955. After four years working in San Diego, Robert was looking to move back to Northern California and saw his opportunity with Photo & Sound. He moved from Palo Alto to Sunnyvale and then to Los Altos in 1997 where EISI offices were located for many years. After becoming involved with the PNG program, Robert enjoyed coaching and driving the students from Alta Vista High School. Robert aided the Los Altos Community Foundation and Mentor Tutor Connections by fundraising or volunteering. He also served as a board member for the YMCA and El Camino Hospital Foundation. He continues to participate in fundraising at The Forum, Cupertino.
Robert Adams co-founded the Educational Industrial Systems Incorporated (EISI), which he ran with his wife, Lois Jean. EISI was an international microcomputer software business. Together they were named Los Atlans of the Year in 2009. The interview dives into how Bob founded, developed, and sold the company of EISI. He later focused on fundraising efforts for the Los Altos Rotary Club, El Camino Hospital Foundation, and Los Altos Community Foundation, as well as starting up Partners for a New Generation (PNG). Bob's used his influence as a basketball coach and helped Alta Vista High School student-athletes have a place of practice with a new gym. Once he found his way to the Bay Area, Robert joined Rotary Intl. and became President in 1997. As President, he oversaw the Partners for New Generations (PNG) to promote community involvement and mentorship with students. This program was awarded $160,000 from the Packard Foundation.Collection
Oral History CollectionOral History Details
Interviewee
Robert "Bob" AdamsInterviewer
Patti WhiteInterview Date
Mar 26, 2021