Memories and Tributes

As a biology major at Alma College I had the good fortune to cross paths with all members of the biology department faculty(Dr. Wittle, Dr. Bowker, Dr. Grimnes and Dr. Roeper) and each had their positive impact on me in different ways. However, Dr. Roeper seemed to take a special interest in my academic career. I had taken several of his classes in microbiology and enjoyed his lecture style and labs. He clearly was passionate about teaching and had a way of instilling confidence in his students. Between my junior and senior year, I was honored to receive a grant that allowed me the privilege of working with Dr. Roeper on a summer research project. It also happened to be the hottest summer in years with a heat wave launching temperatures in the upper 90’s and low 100’s for about 2 weeks. Living in a dorm room without air conditioning was brutal so I didn’t mind spending extra time in the lab that was air conditioned! Dr. Roeper liked to have fun, laugh and joke around. I happened to catch him early one morning in the lab singing out Billy Joel songs along with the radio. After he realized he was no longer alone, with a big smirk he made a funny joke about his vocal skills!
I got to know Dr. Roeper better that summer and grew to appreciate his humor, patience and kindness. He trusted me to take care of his Goldens and water his plants at his house on weekends when he and his wife were out of town.
Dr. Roeper helped me prepare to present the summer research at the Michigan Academy of Science the Spring of my senior year. He coached me on how to present research to a large group and made me practice my public speaking over and over and over, till he felt I was ready, which I am grateful for. Dr. Roeper helped me develop confidence in myself that led to a career as a Family Physician. I can’t think of Alma College without remembering Dr. Roeper and smiling.