I'll miss Mr. Mcroberts. To me, he was always such a affable,polite man who always took an interest in even if he was busy. His politeness/kindness struck me and he was so humble; I never felt below him as a student or even as fast food employee. He made me feel important. I'll miss him.

I knew Tom many years as a UMM student (95'-99') before getting to know him more as one of his many "residents" at this place (Summer of 99' to Spring of 01'). I was able to see his many hidden "acts of kindness" for many years after wards. I really got to know him more as we would "keep in touch" after I moved out in 01' through various activities (e.g. help him at his "cabin", take each other out in our birthdays, etc..). Tom encouraged me to continue using my gifts and talents (e.g. author of websites and community "advocate") that made me the person I am right now. His passing encourages me continue his legacy to finish what he inspired me to do. I hope to continue his work he encouraged me to do. He will be certainly missed! I would like to share a quote from one of his favorite "religious" historical figures that he personally gave me.. “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” St. Francis of Assisi quote

Tom and I were classmates at UMM entering in the freshman class of 1964. He was an outstanding student, majoring in history, but I'm guessing he did well in all his classes. In Jim Gremmels' year long sequence in the Intro to American Literature, I had two excellent study pals. The only parts of Gremmels' tests we had trouble with were the identification of obscure one-line quotations from the several required texts. That brought our grades into the A- or B+ range. We complained to Gremmels, but he explained there was a student who had no trouble identifying author, character, and name of the work: McRoberts. We weren't happy about our grades, but began to hold Tom in higher esteem. Tom and I worked together on many projects over the years while I was Registrar and he was an administrator in Continuing Education. Tom could face heated opponents in UMM's key committees with a disarming smile, or a light remark that would get even those engaged in the argument to laugh and begin to work together. Tom was able to identify our shared concerns and common goals so people on opposing sides would work arm in arm to help UMM become even better for students. We forged new territory in financial aid packaging at state and national levels to help UMM become a leader in the percentage of students studying abroad. Tom and I tried to be sure courses that were in high demand for general education could be packaged in alternative ways for students needing to graduate through his continuing education enrollment options. Although Tom wasn't excited about computerization, he made technology serve his students' needs, serving as the statewide director of distance learning for the University of Minnesota system during the time learning centers were being linked around the state with university faculty through TV and internet. The side of Tom I appreciated most, however, was his love and servanthood. Tom loved students, faculty, and staff, and made it his primary objective to find solutions for their problems if a solution could be found. Tom inspired people at all levels in higher education and the legislature and congress to find those solutions. I once said that Tom was very special. He could hold a person's heart without ever trying to hold their hand. He looked out for what was best for them, without trying to serve his own interests. We will certainly miss Tom McRoberts!

He Gave.

TRIBUTE BY PAUL BRIFO - UMM CLASS OF 2003 Created by Paul Brifo on 10/15/2010 I got to know the late Thomas McRoberts in 1999 when i enrolled with the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) as an international student. Being an International student with very limited financial resources, Tom invited me to live with him to enable me to save some money for my college education. I lived with the late Tom McRoberts in his Morris home from 1999 to 2003 when i graduated from UMM. Humility, Neatness, generosity, affabilty, passion for excellence, sound judgement, kindness, gentleness, meticulousness - these are just a few of the rare qualities for which i will always remember the late Tom McRoberts. I owe a great deal of my academic achievements in UMM to his wise counseling and financial support. Even after graduating from UMM, i continued to consult Tom for advice/professional guidance whenever the need arose. The last time i spoke to Tom was in July 2010. He was undergoing a medical treatment at the Moyo clinic in Rochester,MN. He sounded a bit frail but he assured me that he was recovering speedily. Little did i know that i will be writing this tribute in his honor today. Tom, I thank the good Lord for your life and join the hymnist in saying: Now the Labourer's task is over Now the battle day is Past Now upon the farther shore Lands the voyage at last Father in thy gracious keeping Leave we now thy servant sleeping May your soul Rest in Perfect Peace

I am really sad to hear the news about Tom's passing. He was a kind man who had a very big heart. He was instrumental in helping all of us (international students) at UMM. May his soul rest in peace. As we will say in Ghanaian language, "Damefa dwe Tom!!"

TRIBUTE TO TOM McROBERTS. " May the Good LORD Support us all day long till the shades lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done." It is with great sadness I heard of the passing away of Mr. Tom McRoberts. I have difficulties trying to find the words to express my feelings of grief and sorrow. Tom was my academic adviser during my college days in UMM. When I came home to Ghana on an emergency visit and couldn't come back to finish my degree program, he got very worried and tried as hard as he could to have me back to complete my degree. Unfortunately, I had settled, got married and couldn't make it. He was always ready to have me back to finish up and continue with my Masters in Business Admin. We had discussed this some months ago this year, only for me to hear this devastating news of his death! Personally, I can't forget the readiness and able manner with which he performed his duties as a Professor, academic advisor and director of UMM International Programs.He was warm, kind and a caring person. He was a good resource person and a very hard working man. I'd say, he was a workaholic and didn,t joke with his job.He was very neat and well organised. He was always available to help and advise students and was particularly concerned about international students meeting their financial needs and having a tentative plan for their academic programs. His unique qualities, drive and passion for success, resilience, humility, friendliness would forever remain a hallmark of an achiever and a great academician and a scholar. He will sorely be missed! To all of us, may God give us the strength to carry us through these times of sadness and grief. May He find eternal rest in the arms of His Maker. Father, In Thy Gracious Keeping Leave we now Thy Servant Sleeping. Tom, sleep a bobble sleep! A fitting epitaph for him would read as follows, " I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." Thomas Ansah-Brifo UMM Alumnus 1986 - 1990

Here is some pics of Tom "serving" UMM International Students in the Fall of 02' at the LaFave House for a Christmas Holiday Get-Together.. http://www.angelfire.com/mn2/goodnewsumm/international.html

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Thomas McRoberts. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.