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Frederick P. Rose '44E, Volunteer & Supporter
November
1999
by Steve Victor, Associate Director, Association of Yale Alumni
The
death of Frederick P. Rose '44E on September 14 deprives Yale of
a devoted volunteer and energetic supporter.
When the Association of Yale Alumni was formed in 1972, Fred Rose
gladly accepted the challenge of making a reality of the plans and
aspirations for the AYA. As first Chair of the AYA, from 1972 to
1974, he clarified its vision and created programs that would help
other alumni come to understand how they might make their voices
heard within the University.
"Fred
Rose was one of a small group of individuals who drafted the plan
for the creation of the AYA," notes Rafael A. Porrata-Doria '77JD,
the chair of the AYA, "and convinced Yale to implement it. As our
first chair, he set the stage for many of our activities and ensured
that we could survive and thrive. This contribution is priceless.
As one of his successors, I value his achievements and his advice."
The immediate
past chair of the AYA, Robert Bradner '53, writes, "My personal
recollections will always be shaped by a simple comment he made
to a gathering of contemporary AYA leadership. Despite his personal
stake as first AYA chair in 'the way we set things up,' he told
the group, 'Examine how it (AYA structure) is serving current needs,
and if it needs to be changed, change it.' Very few organizational
fathers are willing to let the baby grow up, but Fred was focused
on the mission, not the particulars of authorship." The AYA recognized
his extraordinary leadership with the Yale Medal in 1976. The citation
for that medal affectionately recognizes Rose's "firm and kindly
prodding." Rose collaborated with Yale to acquire the home for the
AYA and endowed a fund for its development and later supported further
expansion and improvements for Rose Alumni House.
"Fred
was an extraordinary man, a man none of us will ever forget," reflects
Eustace D. Theodore '63, executive director of the AYA from 1981
to 1997. "He amused us with his origami (usually involving paper
others thought was currency), he made us laugh., and he pushed
us, relentlessly, to fulfill the promises we made to one another
and to Yale. From the years in which he wrenched the AYA into being,
to his final conversations about the need for an independent voice
for alumni, Fred knew the importance of the one part of Yale that
never leaves the institution, her graduates. Fred was part of all
of us and of Yale. Though the AYA is but one of his legacies, were
it his only legacy, it would be enough for any lifetime."
"Fred
was devoted to the idea that alumni held a central place in the
ongoing life of the University," remarks Jeff Brenzel '75, AYA Executive
Director. "It was due largely to his personal foresight, generosity,
and leadership that Yale's alumni have a home here at Rose Alumni
House. He never lost his interest in us, and I am glad that he was
able to see Rose House renovated and rededicated to the purpose
for which he intended it."
Rose
served the University in numerous capacities beyond his role in
the AYA -- as member of the University Council from 1976 to 1981
and as successor trustee on the Yale Corporation from 1989 to 1994.
Yale's Secretary and Vice President Linda
Koch Lorimer '77 JD observes, "Fred had the remarkable ability
to care passionately about so many aspects of Yale and to work incredibly
hard to realize the University's potential. When we served on the
Yale Corporation together, I was always touched that there was never
a project too small to warrant his attention nor too large to enlist
his support. He gave of himself in ways that need to be a legacy
for all of us who love Yale."
Yale
awarded him an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in 1998.
In awarding that degree, President Levin said that Rose "sounded
the clarion for a comprehensive renovation of the campus you love."
Fred
Rose was a remarkably able and committed volunteer. No one surpassed
him in affection for Yale and the AYA. His contributions have shaped
the organization and its home, and his wise legacy will guide us
for generations.
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