When administration news breaks on the University of Oregon campus, it is a big deal.

The reporters for the Emerald immediately begin calling office numbers, sending out emails and contacting whomever they think of that can comment and explain events for our readers.

When breaking news occurred during 1994-2009, the Emerald newsroom could pick up the phone and dial the then-University President Dave Frohnmayer – at his home.

As news of his death spread, former Emerald reporters began sharing fond memories of the work they did with Frohnmayer, emphasizing how available he made himself to students.

The position of university president is not one that allows a lot of time for speaking with reporters, let alone working with student reporters.

Frohnmayer, always made the time.

One morning in the south area of campus, Thomas Patterson, a former photographer for the Emerald, met Frohnmayer and the two went for a run. Upon return to Frohnmayer’s home, Patterson was offered a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, prepared by Frohnmayer himself.

Patterson is currently a freelance photographer based in Portland, and is a graduate teaching fellow for the School of Journalism and Communication. He was a member of the Emerald staff from 1998 until 2002.

“You could tell the guy was really smart and wanted to interact,” Patterson said. “He was always helpful and very kind.”

Former Emerald editor in chief from 2005-2006, Parker Howell, knew Frohnmayer as a source, but also as a professor.

Howell took his freshman leadership course and was on a first-name basis with Frohnmayer.

Frohnmayer invited Howell and his fellow classmates to his home to play Diplomacy. The teams of students battled, either aggressively or diplomatically, to  conquer the most territory. Frohnmayer also made his home available for On the Rocks practices.

When Howell earned the position of editor in chief, he received a personal note of congratulations from Frohnmayer.

“(The congratulations) showed the detail and care (he had) about what was going on on campus,” Howell said.

Howell cited Frohnmayer as the person who sparked his interest in attending law schoool and in fact currently works for the Porter Foster Rorick LLP in Seattle.

Frohnmayer also served as tour guide through his office and Johnson Hall for Emerald reporters who would come speak to him.

Former Emerald news reporter and news editor, Meghann Cuniff recalled the tour Frohnmayer gave her of his office. Frohnmayer showed her all the spots in his office that made it into the film, Animal House.

Cuniff also remembered one of the reporters got to see the “supreme court tour of his office.” Where Frohnmayer showed a student reporter memorabilia he has remaining from his time as attorney general for the state of Oregon.

Cuniff is currently at the Orange County register.

“He respected us as student journalists” Cuniff said. “He always had time for us.”