In Memoriam: Fred M. Rogers

Fred Rogers a passionate advocate for children and libraries passed away on February 27th 2003.

On October 11, 2001, Fred Rogers participated in a memorial to all who lost their lives on September 11’s tragedy. He shared the following words with us, faculty, staff and students.

“Whether one is a middle school student or college graduate, a builder, a musician, or teacher, we as human beings all want to know that we’re acceptable, that our being alive has somehow made a difference in the lives of others.

I am proud of you for standing for something you believed in—something that wasn't particularly popular, but something which assured the rights of someone less fortunate than you.

I’m proud of you for the times you came in second, or third, or fourth, but what you did was the best you had ever done.

I’m proud of you for the times you’ve said “yes” when all it meant was extra work for you and seemingly helpful only to somebody else.

I’m proud of you for the times you’ve said “no” when all it seemed to mean was a loss of pleasure yet eventually supported the growth of somebody else as well as yourself.

There is no normal life that is free of pain. I am so proud of you for the times you wrestled with your problems and somehow, somewhere found the courage to try again.”

We share the loss of Fred M. Rogers with children and their families. The School of Information Sciences’ community is proud that you were our friend, Mr. Rogers.