PJ Day for Norm Rogers

SCC community:

As most of you already know, our friend and active campus community member, Norm Rogers, died this Sunday on his way back home from dinner.

Having worked with him at The Ebbtide for two years, and participated in clubs, conferences and committees with him, I wonder what's going to happen now that he's gone.

Norm had this uncanny ability to twist awkward silences during meetings into moments of laughter, and to always have a joke ready for every situation, a big smile, and a laugh that most of us at the Ebbtide will hear in our heads forever. One of the greatest things he taught me, and many others who met him, was to be positive, perseverant and seize the day.

Norm did not give up, no matter what. If his articles needed work, he would always find ways to make improvements. When the other editors and I had feedback, he'd listen to our comments and work them into the story. However, Norm had a strong voice. If he didn't like the changes he would let us know.

Regardless of whether I asked him to change something or not, he would work on his article, and pretty soon come back with a joke in his back pocket and the news that he had emailed his work to me.

I also admired the patience and energy he brought with him not just to the Ebbtide but the Political Science and Journalism classes I took with him as well–even when he didn't have his electrical chair. And although he had a harder time moving around, he was there with a million ideas, and his beautiful smile.

And I can't stop thinking about the fact that he was 72 years old, but had more energy and drive than most of us, who were at least a quarter century younger.

Throughout my time at the Ebbtide, I heard Norm say over and over again that he wanted to have a pajamas party, but we never actually put one together. Now, I want to have a PJ day to celebrate his good humor, and many great contributions to the campus community.

I encourage all of you to wear your best PJs to school, this Friday May 28; and think about him. I'm going to, anyone wants to join me?

Amelia Rivera