Loyal alum Roger Lathan dies

Lathan

oger Lathan '54, one of the University's most loyal alumni and the chief steward of its development and alumni affairs operations for many years, died April 8 after a long illness. Lathan served under five of the University's nine presidents and was significantly involved in three of its major fund-raising campaigns. He was 69.

"Roger was a great vice president and a true friend--and I know that this is a sentiment that is shared by my predecessors as well," President Jackson said. "His unique ability to work so seamlessly with successive presidents, and countless administrators and faculty, suggests why he was also so effective with generations of alumni who admired, respected--and, yes, loved--Roger. In return, he loved them, and he loved his University. We have all benefited immeasurably from his gifts and his devotion."

Dennis O'Brien, president from 1984 to 1994, admired Lathan's commitment to the University. "Whoever the president, whatever the school or department, no matter how difficult the times, Roger believed in the strength, goodness, and greatness of Rochester," O'Brien said. "Presidents are supposed to inspire the community; Roger inspired presidents with his affection for his alma mater."

Lathan was named assistant director of the University of Rochester Fund in 1960, and he served as campaign director for the $102 million Campaign in 1975. He became vice president and general secretary in 1987, with responsibility for trustee relations and assisting the president, playing a crucial supporting role in the $375 million Campaign for the '90s.

"Not only did Roger serve the University for 42 years, but to countless alumni and friends he was the University," said Robert L. Sproull, who led the University as president from 1975 to 1984. "He had a consummate effectiveness in helping generous donors make educational programs flourish."

Since 1997, Lathan had held the title of vice president emeritus and special assistant to the president and also was honorary life trustee. In January, the University's trustees established an endowed scholarship fund for undergraduates in honor of Lathan and his wife, Joan, longtime residents of Pittsford.

Survivors include his wife, Joan McCormack Lathan, and five children: Michael and wife Mandy, John, Mary McGuire and husband Kevin, Susan, and Maureen, as well as five grandchildren. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Rochester Rotary Charitable Foundation, the Discovery Fund of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, and the Roger and Joan Lathan Scholarship Fund.

Maintained by University Public Relations
Please send your comments and suggestions to:
Public Relations.