Foster was a longtime supporter of higher education in California. He served on the California State University Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2006, and in 2024, joined the Long Beach State Foundation Board of Directors, which oversees the management and investment of assets donated to CSULB.
“Bob was a champion for the City of Long Beach who was committed to public service,” Dan Montoya, vice president of University Relations and Development said. “We are forever grateful to him for his unwavering support of The Beach. From the endowed scholarship in memory of his late son, James, to his dedicated service on the Long Beach State Foundation Board of Directors, his influence will echo across generations.”
In 2024, Foster and his wife, Nancy, established the James Foster Endowed Scholarship in memory of their son. Long Beach State first awarded the scholarship to a member of the baseball team ahead of the 2025 season. The Fosters also supported the team by giving to the Bob and Nancy Foster Locker Room at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.
Foster worked for several years as an executive with Southern California Edison, serving in its presidency from 2002-05, according to the electric utility.
Long Beach voters elected Foster to his first of two terms as mayor in 2006. He concentrated on helping city government strengthen its financial position during and after the Great Recession, according to City Hall.
“He guided our city through challenging times with honesty, courage and a clear sense of responsibility,” current Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “Long Beach is stronger because of his service.”
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