L. Robert Oaks (1906-1981) worked for the National Association of Manufacturers for eighteen years, directing its audiovisual programs. They included educational motion pictures and ABC Radio network programs, “It’s Your Business” and “The Voice of NAM.”

Lucian Robert Oaks was born December 13, 1906 in North Rose, New York to Robert and Laura (Osgood) Oaks. He graduated from Colgate University in 1929, where he was a public information executive and the first graduate director of student activities. He continued to serve the university over the course of his life as an adviser and writer and was awarded the Maroon Citation in 1969 and the Alumni Award in 1971 for distinguished service.

Oaks went to work for NAM in 1947 in the Motion Picture Department. During his eighteen years there, he directed the audiovisual programs, including educational motion pictures, “It’s Your Business,” and “The Voice of NAM.” He edited several national publications dealing with business management and other special interest readerships and wrote educational materials. Oaks retired from NAM in 1965 and worked as a self-employed writer and public relations consultant.

During his lifetime, Oaks was a writer, author, and public relations consultant and worked with newspapers, radio, and motion pictures. He served in public relations assignments with education, business, and professional organizations. Additionally, he was editor and publisher of the Fredonia Censor and the Waverly Sun in New York, and reporter for the Rochester Times-Union.

In 1935, Oaks married Ester Sessions (1915-2005), which ended in divorce five years later. On December 24, 1940, he married Matilda Vaschak (1910-1996) and they had one son: Dr. John A. Oaks. Oaks died February 1, 1981 in Plainfield, New Jersey.