Passed away September 6th, 2021.
Robert John Sauers, 72, of Charleston, SC, died September 6, 2021. He was born in Grinnell, Poweshiek County, Iowa on November 5, 1948, a son of Robert Charles Sauers and Madeleine Leone French Sauers.
Mr. Sauers was a graduate of South Kent School in Connecticut, and The College of Charleston, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Education. He did his graduate work at The Citadel, where he earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and a Specialist’s degree in School Psychology.
Mr. Sauers was a veteran of the US Navy, having served on active duty during the Vietnam War. After spending time in the reserves, he was honorably discharged in 1978.
Mr. Sauers was a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Licensed Psycho-Educational Specialist, and Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of South Carolina. On the national level, he was a Certified School Psychologist and a Certified Counselor. During his professional career, he practiced in both the areas of Children’s and Family Services and Addictions. However, the majority of his career was spent as Counselor to the Corps of Cadets at The Citadel where, for a time, he was also Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies. During his career, Mr. Sauers became interested in Poetry Therapy and co-authored several published articles and presented workshops on the topic.
Mr. Sauers served on several advisory boards, including the Charleston County Substance Abuse Commission and Safe Space for WeAreFamily. He was also a designated examiner for the Therapeutic Determination Division of the Probate Court of Charleston County.
Throughout his career, Mr. Sauers was a member of many professional organizations, including the American Counseling Association, the American College Counselors Association (charter member), the American Mental Health Counselors Association, the Association for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Issues in Counseling, the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, and the National Association of Psychologists.
Mr. Sauers was a supporter of The Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, The Alliance for Full Acceptance, and WeAreFamily. He was a life-member of the College of Charleston Alumni Association, and served several terms on the college’s School of the Arts Council. He was also a longtime member of the Citadel Alumni Association.
Mr. Sauers was a faithful and devoted member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where he served as a member of the Altar Guild, Lay Reader and Chalice Minister, and a member of the Vestry. He was a member of Integrity, and a life-member of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament.
Surviving are his partner of 48 years, Daniel Oliver Bowman of Charleston, his sister-in-law Mary Jane Sauers of North Liberty, Iowa, and two nieces, Elizabeth (husband Josh Tepfer, daughter Olive, son Asher) and Katherine Sauers, all of Chicago. His father, Robert Charles Sauers, mother, Madeliene French Sauers and brother, George William Sauers, all predeceased him.
Memorials may be made to The Altar Guild of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401.