Memories of Prof. Barbara Mary Roos | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Prof. Barbara Mary Roos

Grand Haven, MI, USA

March 26, 1938 - April 6, 2021

Mar 26, 1938 - Apr 6, 2021

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VICTOR LUTES

Barbara Roos was one of my three well known Advisors while attending GVSU, from 1978-"83. Once in '81 semester, I was digging in a box in Louitt Hall & WJC from a film some student had video tape of me earlier, while I was performing college radio "on air". Barb said, "why not just check out a video camera and film some creative stuff of your own!!" That was Barb! RIP Jesus take her hand ,, Vic Lutes alum GVSU , photojournalist ,and radio broadcaster.

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Scott Vanderberg

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Deanna Morse

Grand Valley State University, Campus Drive, Allendale, MI, USA

I was fortunate to be hired by Barbara, at the alternative school William James College back in 1979. And then, to work alongside her for more than thirty years as we transitioned into a more straight liberal arts school, The School of Communications at Grand Valley State University. We were able to carry many of the values of alternative education into the more traditional framework of a growing University.
I valued so many qualities about Barb - her honesty, straightforwardness, candor, honor, generosity, grit, curiosity, consistency, work ethic, her articulate expression, intellectualism, pragmatism... and her ability to connect one-to-one with students, co-workers, and strangers.
We didn't always agree. But we respected each other and we sure did get along. As a colleague, it is hard to imagine asking for more. As a friend, it is hard to imagine asking for more. I valued what were her values. She lived them, she articulated them. Her values drove her teaching, opinions, and her interactions.
Barbara touched many lives deeply. She modeled a behavior that others hoped to follow. And she did it in a totally authentic way. It was Barb. Thank you, Barbara.

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Spencer King

I'm a little late here but I just came across this article and it reminded me. I was saddened to here this news several weeks ago but so glad she was surrounded by her loved ones. Professor Roos was truly a pioneer for GV. I had her for my senior thesis and always felt so supported and encouraged. That was her last year teaching, and I'm so thankful to have experienced her kindness and presence. She was my last professor I had before graduating, and boy what a lasting impression. I'll never ever forget her reading a very interesting snippet of the Do The Right Thing screenplay for the class, to hear such a gentle voice read such rough dialogue was something you don't hear everyday.

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Diane (Hooks) Bodell

Warm thoughts are with Barb's loved ones. I am a graduate of William James College (WJC) and knew Barb there. She made a film about WJC which I took part in. When talking with her she had told me she wanted to make another film about WJC and wanted to include me. Unfortunately I never made contact with her again. A friend of mine from Thomas Jefferson Collage and I attended several meetings Barb had regarding a Liberal Education. These were very informative, and I am glad I was able to attend them.

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Jeanne (Maines) Vosburgh

As a farm girl I always loved seeing Barbara in Homeroom first thing in the school day. She was so welcoming and open to others.

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Jeanne (Maines) Vosburgh

Judy McNitt

My twin sister, , .Nancy Anderson and I both remember how Barbara always moved so softly on her feet in a flowing skirt like she was dancing. Always had a smile on her face, too. We all attended University Elementary and High. School together .
Judy Anderson McNitt

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Michael Hudson

I'm so sorry to learn of Barbara's death. We were very close for a few months in our senior year at U-High. That young photo of her captures her beauty and spirit. I'll miss her.

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Alice Paine

1941 and ever after...

Barbara was my best friend practically from the time we were able to walk. We lived near each other in Pittsfield Village, Ann Arbor, and had our special 'club' and a 'club house' under a huge lilac bush, where we stashed our shared pennies in a yellow plastic box shaped like a golden treasure chest. Together we attended University Elementary School through University High.

We stayed friends our whole lives -- though at quite a distance given I moved to Seattle and she to Grand Haven -- and had regular reunions in Ann Arbor with two other childhood friends from University School.

I will always remember Barbara's adorable giggles and love her giving spirit.

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John Swisatk

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Thomas Haas

Grand Valley State University has become what it is today on the foundation that Professor Roos created. Our students current, past and future owe our gratitude to her vision, creativity, commitment and passion. Prayers sent to her family members and friends.
very respectfully summitted
Thomas J. Haas, President Emeritus

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Rachel Roos

Deborah wickering

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Deborah wickering

In the late 90's, while on a one year contract at GVSU, I received a request to teach conversational Arabic to several students soon to study at my alma mater, the American University in Cairo.
One bright student showed up on the first day, and I was blessed to begin a friendship with Sim Roos! We met weekly; I taught him what I knew and laughed to imagine that when he spoke on the streets of that teeming city, he would sound just like me!
Very soon, I met Barb and Girbe. Rachel had recently flown the nest for Chicago. Sim took off for his adventure and Barb and I got busy planning our own collaboration, me as anthropologist and she as filmmaker. Together we (twice!) met up with Sim in Cairo and traveled to the Sinai desert Red Sea coast where I had done my fieldwork with a recently settled community of Tarabiin Bedouins .
Barb filmed; I translated. Sim introduced us to his vibrant community of international friends. in Cairo. He went on to research among the same Bedouin community. Barb made interactive teaching films from the material we had gathered.
Numb and in shock when the twin towers collapsed on 9/11 it was to the arms of Barb's loving family that I sought comfort and understanding. Thank you, Barb!

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Rachel Roos

Michael Judd

Barb was a very influential figure in my life. I met her while I was exploring what to study while at GVSU and eventually found my home in the film department. Now, nearly 25 years later, that interest and curiosity in storytelling and filmmaking has become a career. Without Barb’s support and encouragement I’m not sure I’d be where I am today. Thank you, Barb. You might need an ND filter where you’re at now - it’s bright up there.

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Rachel Roos

Deborah wickering

My love and condolences to Barb's dear family, to Sim and Rachel and Girbe. Through you, Barb's bright spirit will always shine.

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Rachel Roos

John Swisatk

2001, Grand Haven, MI, USA

I had mentioned to Barbara at some point that i was interested in studying abroad somewhere, wasn't sure where, but i wanted to get of grand haven and see the world.
I think Barbara mentioned that she was teaching a course in Cairo that summer, and my interest peaked. It was the summer after 9/11 and my dad was against me going. he thought it was dangerous, that it was foolish to waste money on a trip overseas, and that i should spend my money on something more important - like a car.
It became a mission for me over the next six months to raise the money and make that trip with Barbara. she poked and prodded me, and pushed me to make it happen. she ensured me at every moment, i'd be broadening my horizons, expanding my knowledge of the world, and opening up a new path in my life, and that it was infinetly more important than a car.
well, i made that trip. and when i returned home, i felt like something deep inside had shifted. i had a completely new outlook on life.
the next semester my car broke down and my dad wouldn't co-sign on a new one, his punishment for me going on a pointless trip in a country he knew nothing about. at one point i almost had to drop my courses because i had no way of getting to GVSU. luckily my friends let me borrow their cars for a couple weeks to make it to my classes, and my mother decided to help co-sign on a car.
well, that car has broken down long ago, and more than likely melted and turned into scrap metal.
but the magic of experiencing a new culture and seeing the world outside of grand haven, has lived on ever since.
it's because of Barbara that i moved to Taiwan 12 years ago, and live an amazing life, filled with magic, which i'm thankful for everyday.
and this amazing life never would've happened with out Barbara there to guide me. I'll never forget that trip with her or her guidance. thank you Barbara, i love you. and you'll always have a place in my heart.

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Rachel Roos

Michael Judd

Kati Tagge

Teresa Castelao-Lawless

I am so sorry for the loss of such a fine human being as Barb.
I have met Barb almost three decades ago on Lake Superior Hall. I had been hired in Philosophy and her department and mine were in he same building. We met frequently in the corridors of LSH and running around doing our work. I was always comforted by Barb's confidence, empathy and her soft smile. I remember that one time her house got on fire, and she told me that she and her family found themselves hugging each other by the fireplace, which had been the only piece of the house that survived the fire. I had lent her a book (on Sociology of Technology) some time before that. So, she made sure to list my book as one of the items destroyed, and when the insurance paid for the losses, she bought me a new copy of this book! I was amazed at her attitude. But I should not have to. That was quintessential Barb. GVSU gained immeasurably from her presence and her knowledge, and her unflinching devotion to her students and her profession.

She will be missed,
Teresa Castelao-Lawless
Philosophy Department

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Rachel Roos

Marg and Pat Smit and Egan

While we are sad to lose someone close to us, the next stage will welcome a beloved soul with open arms. Condolences to all the family. 🧡💚🧡💚🌾🌾🌾 Marg Smit-Egan and Pat Egan

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Created with love by Rachel Roos (Barbara's daughter).

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