In Memoriam: Richard Rose, 1947-2007
Richard Rose enjoys a
Chesapeake cruise with colleagues, Summer 2006.
Photograph by Beth Meeks, FSU
ADELPHI, Md. (January 15, 2007) - The University System
of Maryland (USM) is saddened to announce the passing of Richard N.
Rose, executive director of the University of Maryland Academic
Telecommunications System (UMATS) and USM Office IT, who succumbed to
cancer on Friday, January 5, 2007. He was 59.
"Richard had a long and distinguished career with USM, and his
expertise, experience, and insight were vital to our office and to the
system as a whole," said USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan. "But Richard
brought so much more to his position. His personal warmth, optimistic
outlook, and indefatigable desire to be of service to others made a
great impression on all who had the good fortune to know him,
professionally and personally. He will be sorely missed."
Rose began his lifelong career in higher education at the University of
Maryland, College Park in 1969 after serving in Vietnam. In 1983, he
transferred to USM (at the time called the University of Maryland
Central Administration). Counting his time in active-duty service with
the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, he had more than 39-and-a-half
years of state service.
Colleagues remember Rose as a leader, mentor, and friend who ran "a
well-oiled machine" and valued professionalism, the highest degree of
customer service, and a good sense of humor from his staff.
"Those of us who worked closely with Richard for many years saw him as
far more than a boss," said Fred Hayes, USM computer systems
information officer. "He was a teacher, a mentor, and, most of all, a
great friend."
"His kindness, intellect, warmth, and humor will be greatly missed, but
we know that our lives will be forever enriched for having known him,"
added USM colleague Norwin Malmberg, IT systems programmer.
In addition to overseeing the IT operations of USM, he directed UMATS,
the provider of advanced telecommunications services for the system's
13 institutions. He was instrumental in introducing an integrated video
network as a key component of distance learning throughout the system.
Colleagues credit him with working to ensure high quality and
cost-efficient internet services for the system. In addition, he was a
staunch advocate for USM employees as an active participant in the
Council of University System Staff (CUSS).
"Richard was an extremely creative administrator," said Don Spicer,
associate vice chancellor and CIO. "He dealt with complex issues and
always developed innovative solutions. He engaged a wide range of
stakeholders, both within the USM and outside. People depended on his
advice. He used these relationships to the benefit of the USM and the
state of Maryland as a whole. Many people will miss his advice and
counsel."
A man of many interests, Rose enjoyed spending time with his family and
looked forward to retiring in the near future. Besides devoting time to
"fixing up the house," he intended to fulfill a lifelong dream to go
fishing in Alaska and to work on perfecting his golf game-hoping to
break under the ever-elusive 80 par! He was also an accomplished
guitarist who enjoyed playing the blues and entertaining friends and
family with his prized National resonator guitar.
Rose, who lived in Owings, MD, is survived by his wife Carla and two daughters, Erika and Courtney.
On Thursday, January 25, 2007, Rose will be interred with military
honors at Arlington National Cemetery, following his father, mother,
and grandfather, who was a veteran of World War I. The service is open
to all friends and family. The gravesite service will begin at 10 a.m.
Those wishing to attend must meet at the Arlington National Cemetery
Administration Building at 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, his family has requested that memorial donations be made to:
Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation
DeCesaris Cancer Institute Fund
2001 Medical Parkway, Suite 240
Annapolis, MD 21401
Contact: John Buettner
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: jbuettner@usmd.edu