Thomas McRoberts

Tom was a dear and cherished friend when I lived in Eugene and started my teaching career at the University of Oregon. He was a graduate student and I was a young professor, but we always treated one another as equals. What I remember most about Tom was his wicked, often self-deprecating sense of humor. He had an integrity and a sense of purpose unusual in young men, which he obviously carried with him to the end.
We last saw one another in Minneapolis when I had a speaking engagement at Carlton College. It was an all too quick breakfast in the Radisson Hotel there, but I am glad that we were able to connect one last time.
Somehow I always thought Tom would be there, and I regret not taking more advantage of the time left to be in closer touch. I envy all those who were able to spend quality time with him in Morris.

I had the opportunity to particpate in Summer Scholars '89, where I first met Tom. He displayed keeness to detail and affection for the UMM and surrounding community.

While @ UMM, I vividly recall when he coordinated setting up the technical infrastructure for live mtngs with the UM-TC campus - in the pre internet era...

May he rest in peace.

As graduate students in Eugene, Oregon, Tom and I were members of a so-called "rap group." No, there were no pre-hiphop aspirations; rather, we were a group of men who gathered on a regular basis to shoot the proverbial breeze. Our topics ran from the most personal to arguing our views of world politics and culture. Tom was rarely without opinion and would use his razor-sharp mind and consistently gracious manner to offer his thoughts. They were always spot on.
I know from friends that Tom exerted huge influence in the development of UMM. He will be sorely missed.

Tom's warmth and compassion for others was unsurpassed. No problem was unsurmountable for Tom and those who worked with him because he would always help find a solution. Tom was dedicated to UMM, not the brick and mortar college, but the people who worked here and more importantly the students who went to school here. Tom understood that it was these relationships, built one person at a time, that makes UMM so special to all of us who have been here a while. Tom has touched and changed innumerable lives, especially those of international students and non-traditional students who faced difficulties and challenges outside the realm of Tom's regular job responsibilities. Tom's goal was to make sure the students succeeded and he would take care of all the details to make that happen. He was a special person, a friend, and a mentor and he will be deeply missed. Pareena Lawrence