Former University of Oregon president Dave Frohnmayer had an extensive resume and a busy schedule, but UO student Kevin Frazier said Frohnmayer always found time for students.
Frohnmayer, who died on March 9 from prostate cancer, had a warm and hopeful nature. That prompted Frazier to coordinate a vigil for the late UO president on Monday night at Johnson Hall.
Students, faculty, friends and family held candles to honor Frohnmayer as students and community members spoke of his tenacity and kindness.
Frazier, one of the speakers, met Frohnmayer through the Wayne Morse Scholars program and had the opportunity to interview him.
“He taught me what it meant to be a true public servant,” Frazier said. “I think we owe it to Dave to challenge ourselves to give back, to serve and to ultimately love others.”
Gordon Bettles, steward of the Many Nations Longhouse, spoke about the support that Frohnmayer offered the Native American community, adding that the Longhouse wouldn’t exist without him.
More students, many of whom took a leadership class from Frohnmayer, spoke of Frohnmayer’s kindness and his investment in students.
David Hubin, current senior assistant to the president and close friend to Frohnmayer, was in attendance and nodded in agreement with everything the speakers said.
He said that Frohnmayer was probably one of the most remarkable intellects he ever met, but that the former president was also humble. He recalled that it was fun to go places with Frohnmayer because people would often approach him to say hi.
This approachability translated into his teaching and presidency.
“He wanted the area outside of his office to be enticing and he always had an open door policy,” Hubin said.
He encouraged those who knew Frohnmayer to sign their names and share their memories in a book dedicated to the former president in Johnson Hall.
Members of Frohnmayer’s family said they were overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of warmth present at the vigil.
Just before it ended, UO board of trustees member Ginevra Ralph spoke to the candle-holding crowd.
“Your flames will go out, but his never will,” she said. “Peace be to the best Duck of all.”