Thomas Edwin (“Ed”) Rogers, 91, Biology Professor Emeritus from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, died Saturday, January 3, 2009, in Iowa City. This blog was created to allow his former students and colleagues to share their memories of Ed Rogers. To read the full obituary, click here.
January 13, 2009
Remembering Ed Rogers
11 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
A wonderful light is gone from Cornell’s constellation…
It is impossible for me to think of Cornell without thinking of T. Edwin Rogers, and that is as it should be. Doc Rogers is featured prominently in my very first memories of Cornell. On my “pre-Monk” visit, I sat in on one of his Biology lectures. When he strode in with his little dog at his heels, I was delighted! Who could fail to be smitten by a college with such a professor, such dynamic classes, and a friendly little dog to visit students who might be drifting off?!!
After the lecture, he took time to chat with me, and his enthusiasm for biology, his deep commitment to Cornell, and his love for students swayed me as well. I became a Cornellian and count myself as very fortunate to have known Ed Rogers!
He will be greatly missed!
Sue Carstensen, 1984
Comment by Sue Carstensen — February 11, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Cornell and “Doc” Rogers will always be a fond memory. Having Doc walk into the library and stop by to see how the studying was going was always a treat and probably learned as much then and there about life as any place. He always had great stories. Doc attended my wedding and knew my wife Heather as well, being a hometown girl from MV.
He encouraged me to take my studies more seriously and I know supported my application to Dental School along with 2 other classmates and we all attended the U of I together.
He was a kind and gentle man and only wish I had know him better after reading his obituary. Thoughts and prayers to the family and hope he left this world as he wished. It won’t be the same, Dr. Todd Funk Winona,Mn
Comment by Todd L. Funk D.D.S — April 2, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
I am sorry to hear Dr. Rogers has left us, and send my deepest condolences to his family. He remains a charming presence in my memories of Cornell, which was a highlight of some of the best years of my early life! Considering the many activities, accomplishments, and associations (both human and otherwise!) that he selected and experienced throughout his long life, it can easily be concluded that his years were satisfying and fulfilling. He influenced so many generations of students, and will be remembered with affection and a wistful smile.
Kathleen Trampier Schalk, ex 1970
Comment by Kathleen Trampier Schalk — April 2, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
Dr. Rogers death brings back many memories. I’ll never forget the memorial service for his first wife. And how happy he later became when he married again. He taught students the genetics of fruit flies and how to make apple pies. Mary Luschen and I had a tutorial session on apples pies one afternoon. I still make my pie crusts as he taught me: measuring the fat by water displacement; blending in the flour and salt; and adding just enought water to bring it together. And rolling them out between 2 pieces of waxed paper.
His family will be in my thoughts and prayers. We’ve lost a great teacher.
Marilynn C. Frederiksen, M.D.
Comment by Marilynn Frederiksen — April 2, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
I didn’t know him personally but remember him to always be smiling. He was also never to be seen on campus without his marvelous little schnauzer following along. So long Doc.
Lisa Naderhoff ’79
Comment by Lisa Naderhoff — April 2, 2009 @ 6:14 pm
Fond memories of Cornell abound. Among the warmest are Religious Life Council breakfasts with “Doc” Rogers and “Rev.” Thomas at “Doc” Rogers’ home down the road from Alle Chapel on Sunday mornings. The discussions with both “gentle” science and “gentle” religion represented were heart-changing. During those years, for me 1970-1973, (Sophomore-Senior year), I learned alot more about myself than I did in any classroom. Bless Cornell for giving its students the opportunity to learn what true maturity means and how to go about creating a set of personal values that enrich life bountifully. God Bless “Doc” Rogers.
Comment by John J. Delibos — April 3, 2009 @ 9:34 am
My deepest condolences to the Rogers family and to all who knew and loved Doc, his passing leaves one less great light in the world. Doc Rogers accomplishments are many, but his greatest accomplishment was how he impacted the lives of so many people he taught and befriended. Thank you for a life well lived.
Comment by G Paul Beaumaster — April 3, 2009 @ 1:24 pm
Most identify persons influential in their lives, and Professor Rogers was such an individual for many, including myself. He advised me to apply to Washington University for medical school, I did, graduated, and that has determined much of what has followed. I have been appreciative of his encouragement and value such influence.
Max Wisgerhof,MD 1964
Comment by Max Wisgerhof, MD — May 3, 2009 @ 7:03 pm
I knew “Doc” even before I arrived at Cornell in 1958. My memories include “Liz” too because she was around the lab where I worked with the group on turtle blood cells. We had many laughs and ouches when working with the snapping turtles! I am happy I have a paper published with “Doc” and that I was lucky enough to see him many times when I returned home to see my family. They both gave so much to the college and the community and in return everyone around them responded in kind. Judith Heady, Ph.D. 1962
Comment by Judith E. Heady — May 12, 2009 @ 10:06 am
During my two years at Cornell, Doctor Rogers was my faculty mentor. His kindness and caring will always be remembered. He had a dog named “Holly”. When Doctor Rogers left his office in the biology building, Holly would rush outside to chase rabbits. Doc would shout after her “Holly, you crazy hound!”. The rabbit would be long gone, but Holly and Doc would still look. When I transferred to Valparaiso, Doc helped with the transition. He will be missed.
Comment by Nancy Crawford — May 25, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
I arrived at Cornell in 1959 from a small-town high school in Illinois with some vague ideas about being a teacher/coach like my father. Although there would have been nothing wrong with that choice, after just 3 years of exposure to Dr. Rogers and Dr. Prey, I had enough confidence to apply to medical school and actually get in at Norhtwestern. After over year in Medicine and some fantastic life experiences, I can honestly say that these two were the key to my growth and confidence to go forward. I am sure if we heard from Leo Norden, Larry Doerr, and Bud Munson, all from ’63, we would hear much of the same. Thanks, Doc. Bill Hayden, MD, ’63, Associate Chair Pediatrics, Director Rush/Stroger Pediatric Critical Care Program, Chicago, IL.
PS: I was glad to hear about Max and John, too.
Comment by Bill Hayden — July 10, 2009 @ 2:51 pm